The French Consulate in Cape Town will stop processing visa applications, leaving the Johannesburg Consulate as the sole authority for this in South Africa.
"The visa branch at the French Consulate in Cape Town has been transferred to Johannesburg," explains Tristan Roussignol-Retif, the Head of Communication Department of the French Embassy.
"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 authorised to make decisions regarding visas."
According to Étienne Chapon, Consul General in Johannesburg, the Consulate will process all visa applications and deliver all visas. Chapon assures the industry that it will not impact waiting times for applicants.
"Visa applicants can still book their visa appointment through Capago in Cape Town," says Roussignol-Retif.
Chapon explained that the decision to consolidate was part of a global effort to enhance efficiency.
"In big countries like China, 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," says Chapon.
