The French Consulate in Cape Town will no longer process visa applications, consolidating all visa-related services to the French Consulate in Johannesburg. This change, effective from September 1, 2024, marks a significant shift in how visa applications are handled within South Africa.
Marine Durand, Communications and Political Affairs Officer of the French Consulate in Cape Town, explains that the decision to transfer the visa processing services was made to centralize operations. “The visa branch at the French Consulate in Cape Town has been transferred to Johannesburg,” says Durand. “Since September 1, 2024, all visa applications submitted in South Africa are processed by the Consulate General of France in Johannesburg, which is the only authority authorized to make decisions regarding visas.”
Etienne Chapon, Consul General in Johannesburg, confirms that his office will now handle all visa applications and be responsible for delivering all visas throughout South Africa. Chapon reassures the public that this consolidation will not lead to increased waiting times for applicants, a primary concern for many travelers and stakeholders. “Visa applicants can still book their visa appointment through Capago in Cape Town,” Durand adds, noting that the initial stages of the application process remain accessible in Cape Town despite the change in processing location.
Chapon further explains that the move is part of a broader global effort by France to enhance efficiency and streamline visa operations. “In big countries like China, Algeria, India, and South Africa, we think that it is more efficient when only one institution processes all visas. It’s faster, and it consumes fewer human resources,” he says. By consolidating visa services into a single location, the French government aims to optimize the use of its resources and reduce potential bottlenecks, ultimately improving the overall visa processing experience for applicants.
While this change centralizes the decision-making process for French visas in South Africa, it does not significantly alter the initial application steps for Cape Town residents. Visa applicants will still be able to schedule appointments and submit their documents through Capago in Cape Town. However, all further processing and decision-making will now occur at the Johannesburg Consulate.
This development reflects a strategic shift in how the French government handles visa processing in larger countries, focusing on enhancing service delivery efficiency and optimizing resources. The French Consulate in Johannesburg now stands as the sole authority in South Africa, handling all visa applications and providing a streamlined approach to visa services for South African travelers planning to visit France.