Small drop in percentage of French visa applications being declined
Roughly one in every six visa requests refused in 2024
There are several reasons why a French visa application could be declined, with one of the most frequent being unsuitable supporting documents
Lena Chert / Shutterstock
The overall number of French visa refusals increased by 14.1% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to a report by la direction générale des étrangers en France (DGEF).
However in percentage terms there is a slight decrease in refusals. In 2023 17% of those who applied for a visa were rejected. In 2024 16.6% of applicants were rejected.
The report titled ‘Issuing visas to foreigners’ shows that 3,486,275 people from around the world applied for a French visa last year, with 578,441 of these being declined. This represents roughly one in every six visa requests.
Visa applications also significantly increased (+17%), as well as visa issuances (+16.8%), which rose from 2,446,108 in 2023, to 2,857,776 in 2024.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024/2023 |
| Visas requested | 874030 | 985162 | 2343205 | 2980445 | 3486275 | +17.0% |
| Visas declined | 168448 | 193988 | 500466 | 507066 | 578441 | +14.1% |
| Visas issued | 715354 | 735035 | 1743417 | 2446108 | 2857776 | +16.8% |
*Note that the number of visas applied for in a given year may differ from the sum of visas issued and refused, as processing may be carried out on visas applied for in the previous year.
Application numbers have consistently increased since 2020, which is “mainly attributable to the rise in short-stay visas for tourism or economic reasons,” states the DGEF.
“The volumes [of visa applications] for 2024 remain well below those seen before the Covid-19 health crisis, with levels comparable to those of 2014,” the report explains.
Long-stay visas however decreased by 2.8%, as 288,049 were issued in 2024 versus 296,476 the previous year.
The report also reveals that 16,782 American nationals received long-stay visas for France in 2024, representing 6% of all long-stay visas issued last year. British nationals represent 5% of issuances.
Why could a visa application be refused?
There are several reasons why a French visa application could be declined, with one of the most common being unsuitable supporting documents.
Certain visa applications must prove that a person has adequate health insurance for their trip, sufficient funds, a place to stay, and proof of travel arrangements to leave the country before their visa expires.
Required documents for each specific type of visa should be listed on the government website or application portal.
Another common reason for a visa to be refused is if people have applied for the wrong type of visa, in which case a new application must be submitted.
Damaged, invalid, or expired documents could also result in a visa being refused.
The process is often complex and can also be costly if errors are made.
Connexion readers have shared their experiences of applying for visas and residency cards in France.
Have you applied for a French visa for it to be rejected? Tell us about your experience via feedback@connexionfrance.com
