French Consulate of Atlanta Review

Kristen [I forgot her last name] is an outstanding employee at the German Consulate. Last December my husband was supposed to arrive in Atlanta from Munich. I thought he had issues at custom and reached out to the Consulate. Kristen went above and beyond to make sure all was alright. My husband and I could not be more thankful for her effort. Outstanding service and great employee!

At German Consulate heavy set dark haired lady very rude and unprofessional ! If you live in America you should learn some manners and not roll your eyes at people!

It reminds me of when I made my biometric passport in 2012 and I thank the staff of the Consulate General of France in Atlanta, GA for helping me and thank God everything is going well for me in France.

I have had the greatest experience with the staff at the consulate. Everyone from the security guy at the door to the lady who handled my passport application was very nice and helpful. Even when I had to call to see what my options are to get an expedited passport (although I had already applied and was waiting for my regular one) because of a family emergency, the staff was very supportive and went over my options to accommodate the situation.

Now since this is not the first time I'm applying for a visa, I knew to follow the instructions and list of documents the consular officers will need from me and FOLLOWED it to the T. EVERYTHING THEY WILL NEED FROM AN APPLICANT IS LISTED CLEARLY ON THEIR WEBSITE. All you have to do is have them ready! Call me over-prepared or neurotic/OCD, but my complete documents compiled together was at least an inch thick.

I arrived at the consulate 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment with 4 applicants before me. I anticipated the wait as it is customary during visa applications. The blonde consular agent was very professional in a brusque matter of fact way. Note that she was the only one processing all applications. The office is also tiny with ~10 seats and you can ABSOLUTELY hear every question and answer that the agent asks every applicant.

Here are the circumstances that happened that were totally mind-boggling for me:

1. One was applying for a student visa, did not even have an application form! (Seriously????) The Consular agent printed him a copy to fill out. He fills it out then forgets to fill out the entire second page! Doesn't have copies of his proof of residency nor financial means! Also did not have travel insurance He was called three times by the agent and all three times he had forgotten something. At this point, me and another applicant who had been observing were in disbelief at how unprepared this guy was.
2. Two applicants didn't have photocopies of their passport information pages nor drivers license AND filled out the incorrect application form!
3. Another applicant didn't have any information on where he was staying in France AND didn't have proof of residency as well!

The consular agent did not once lose her calm and kept on getting up her desk and photocopying the missing documents for these people! The consular website specifically tells everyone that the office does not photocopy documents for applicants. They're lucky that she was very nice about it and did it for them.

I finally got my name called at 1038am since an appointment did not show up that was scheduled before me. I finished with my application at 1102am - total of 20 minutes. Now that sounds like a long time, right? But take in to account that she was discussing some matters with a coworker in the booth for about 5-7 minutes of that 20 minute time frame that I was there. FIFTEEN minutes is all that will take if you have ALL of your documents in order. If not for the four people in front of me, I would have been in and out of there in 30 minutes and that includes the 15 minute buffer that I placed so that I wouldn't be late for my appointment.

I read all of the reviews about the Atlanta consular department regarding obtaining a visa and to be honest, I was a little anxious about it due to the negative reviews about the officers/agents being 'rude' and 'inefficient'. I mean, let's be real - this office is only vetting applications to let people in to their country (let alone the entire EU!!!) and they need sufficient proof that you won't be an illegal nor stranded in their country. How can you expect to be granted a visa if you can't provide them what they need???? I even have a couple of friends who have been to this consular office and have had a negative experience but now that I've seen firsthand what these consular agents have to deal with in terms of applicants and their unpreparedness on a daily basis, I totally would understand if they exhibit rudeness and hostility! I wanted to smack that student on the back of his head for wasting the agent's time and everyone else's time for thinking that just because he is a US passport holder, he can just waltz in and out of that office without all of his documents in order and have the gall to complain that the process took too long and complicated. Well, if you had everything they needed from you, it wouldn't have been, and I wouldn't have been in that office an hour longer than I should have!

I'll pass you the confidential details. Bring all the requested documents, for my part, very good experience.

I have gotten two visas with the French consulate of Atlanta, and each time was a very positive experience. The representatives will go out of their way to help you as long as you are patient and polite. Natalie in particular was incredibly kind and helpful. She even helped me reschedule my appointment to a week earlier, which is unheard of. Allow plenty of time, as the consulate can be a bit difficult to find once you've parked.

Special thanks to Natalie. She is a professional and helping people, of course if it is in her power. I have no problem applied my Doc. It takes me 30 minutes to get all down. People please read the official website, collect all documents as showed on the list and copes. Of course they're not smiling it is serious business, but they are professionals, so please be serious before Apple for the visa.

Very nice, friendly and totally great people, I am glad these services exist for me, would be impossible to fly to Germany every time I need a document or passport - thank you so much.
Wait was about 1h, what I think is acceptable, nice people, very friendly

Thank you for being there for us - who decided to live away from home!

Please only assume their uncaring (and sometimes mean) attitude to be representative of the French administration. There are some nice people who care about your time in France too.

OMG this place was so Beautiful and Romantic. The minute I opened the cute wooden door I was being transported to another world, lush green canopy, candlelit dining. Just couldn't believe this place exist here in la. It was like a scene from a romance movie. Beautiful, Great service, Great food. Perfect!

Very rude stuff. And they won't email you to pick up the visa if you chose pick up instead of mailing visa.

The worst customer service possible. I had a query regarding short stay visa and I called 3 times. I did not get the necessary information instead what i got is a sarcastic answer to suggest that I was dumb to call at the first place and that I am a fool.

You have to get an appointment from their website and print out the email with the confirmation. Try to be at least an hour early because usually you are missing some kind of a copy of something, luckily the hotel next door has a FedEx store on the bottom floor where you can make copies or even photos for a passport. Best of luck.

It is almost impossible to reach to get status. Should have given more than 3 weeks for visa or you will have to cancel your travel, at least I had to. An expensive and tiring attempt.

bravo!! bravo!! bravo!! Francis for you professionalism, your courtesy and your kindness. It was a pleasure to be served by you. Thank you again for your help and your patience. Keep up the good work you are the best and the French embassy needs more people like you.
Aminata Gueye

You can't get a hold of anyone via phone it's an Emergency but NO ONE answers the Phone!!!

Very unfriendly and rude. I merely called for a confirmation of an appointment and the lady on the phone told me that they had better things to do than answering my question.

Not a very positive experience. We had an appointment for 11:00am. We arrived at 10:45am but waited till 1:30pm in that small room. They did work so slowly. It took about 30-45 minutes for them to process one application (but they had 15 minutes time slots). The man who processed my documents was rude and did not read my documents carefully and kept asking weird questions (the answers of which he all found later in my documents). When calling to inquire about the status of my application, the person on the phone was also rude and impatient. Not surprisingly, I finally got the visa. But the experience was not nice at all. They can manage time better and be better trained.

We supposed to have our appointment at 9:00 am. Due to the malfunction of their system, they accidentally canceled it. Therefore, we ended up waiting until 1:00 pm to get everything done. Very unprofessional staff. The receptionists downstairs did not provide helpful guidance, instead poor services as well.

no one answer the phone 4pm on Monday suppose to be slow time!!!!!!!!!!!!
someone hangsup

After calling several other locations someone here answered the phone immediately and fully answered all of my questions about motorcycle import and registration, despite being very busy. I am beyond impressed with the gentleman who helped me!

I had an excellent experience with the French Consulate in Atlanta. After reading the previous reviews here, I was quite concerned about planning my travel to Europe before finalizing all of my student visa paperwork and receiving my passport back. The process was impeccably smooth; the people were a joy to deal with, and they were entirely understandable in extending my visa in order to allow me to make a tourist visit before beginning my classes. They even expedited my visa in order to allow me to do this. I had an appointment at the consulate on Tuesday and received my passport with extended stay student visa in the mail on Friday -- yes, only three days later. This was perhaps the most enjoyable interaction I have had with a foreign diplomacy, ever. I assume those who had passports lost in the mail did not address their own envelopes correctly.

As efficient as one could hope given the process and unclear/conflicting requirements on the website. Follow the instructions, be organized, bring all the requested documents and then some, and bring your patience. We had a pleasant experience that was less stressful than I thought it would be. The woman who processed our application was thorough, firm, friendly, and efficient.

Francis is very friendly and helpful. Though I had to wait a long time to get my passport back but I know by experience how it is in other consulate - relatively they are much better, friendly and organized.

It is very difficult to get appointment here so make sure you book it 2 months before you travel.

Literally the rudest staff I've ever come across in my life. I can't believe they allow these people to treat citizens the way they do. Horrible service, especially from the fat lady with long brown hair. I actually heard her explain to another woman that she was required to have a university diploma as proof of education because German people are smarter than Americans. How arrogant

I have been quiet, continually checking reviews for this German Consulate General Atlanta and I honestly wish I had kept my time and money, spending it already in Germany applying for a Visa abroad instead of dealing with the Consulate Atlanta.

My appointment was for the 6th of April 2016 and went super, even it was with Dahm and the Consulate was running behind on applicants. Besides the snarky comments here and there. I was however missing some documents but was able to email them to her directly in April - May. During my appointment, it was stated that I should have no problem getting a Visa and that it could be completed by the June 1st, thus my insurance required for the Visa began.

The middle of May came and I had not heard any news from the Consulate so I sent a follow up email. Where I was then told my degree, a Bachelors of Arts (common in the States) according to Anabin was not recognized. So she had to write the Kultusminister Konferenz to inquire about the degree. She also stated that if my Visa was declined that I would need to contact and have the Kultusminister Konferenz to have my degree recognized.

After contacting [..] The Central Office for Foreign Education is a state agency entrusted with the evaluation and expert assessment of foreign educational credentials for the purpose of their recognition by the pertinent decision making bodies (government authorities, universities, public employers) in the Federal Republic of Germany who responded within a hours despite being in a different country and time zone. I was told that "Our database anabin does not claim to be complete. It is filled on a case by case basis when a German institution asks for assistance with the evaluation of a foreign degree. Unfortunately, it is impossible to have all universities with all their programs and degrees in there. It was stated that the Anabin, which the Consulate uses so widely is an incomplete one. But that perhaps the Embassy would use something for my purpose. If not, I would need to get a "statement of compatibility which is another hundred or so euros and three months.

At the end of May I asked for another update, along with sending information regarding Anabin. As well as this database only approves two schools in English in the States, but recognizes other foreign diplomas in the same field. My degree is printed as a Bachelor of Arts, however I studied English: Creative Writing, but nonetheless it is a Bachelor of Arts.

It is now the middle of July. I had potential employers in Germany, along with insurance and an apartment. I have been emailing the Consulate for a month with no response until calling the operator who told suggested an email every two days.

Today, the 13 of July a response was finally sent where I was told Dahm did not hear back from the German Kultusministerium (after three months), and that my passport has now been returned. I have yet to see evidence (documentation) declining my Visa so that I may Remonstrate against the decision.



This place does not reflect actual Deutsch people or Deutschland. I feel that they are understaffed and extremely bigoted. I hope that my experience and this review serves as help to forewarn others making decisions with the German Consulate General Atlanta.

Rude and dismissive of my inquiry, eager to get me off the phone.

Once you're able to find the entrance, it's like stepping into a romantic restaurant in the middle of Paris. I come here a couple times a year and each time the food and service is impeccable.

Amazing team, very helpful and responsive. A pleasure to be a French Citizen when the service is that great !

My second attempt to this cute place within two weeks. Everything was just perfect!! Food, price, service... I especially loved their duck Breast and filet mignon with seared foie gras. You can never go wrong to this place.

She did her job no more no less I believe it is the nature of this level of administrative jobs, America has them to ,go check out the drivers license office same thing.

Is there anyone human who will answer the phone and not hang up in any of the French consulates in the US? I have tried Atlanta and Miami, same thing.

I had the absolute best experience at this consulate. MR. MIKE was the person I dealt with. He was kind, very courteous, very professional and respectful. I was treated with utmost respect by Mr.Mike. The German consulate is very fortunate to have someone like Mr. Mike as a customer service person. Considering the very negative reviews I have read, I am so thankful that Mr. Mike was the person I had when I came there. Thank you Mr. Mike for being the epitome of what true customer service should be.

Very fast friendly service and great staff. Beautiful building downtown Atlanta and shopping and food everywhere. Only took 20 minutes tops.

For a tourist visa with my family, I had to visit 3 times because slots for same day were not available and they don't have a facility for family appointments. It would be great if the consulate considers family appointments when all family members have the same paperwork to submit, same itinerary, same tickets and travel plan.
Also, it seems a bit understaffed as there were no appointments for the next one month starting mid-March.

Some of the issues we faced while waiting with a baby:

1. Being told at noon that sorry we couldn't manage an out of turn appointment. So we had to go back another day (we were lucky someone cancelled their appt!!)
2. The interview process is painfully slow. Each application takes about 1 hour at the counter even though there are all standard documents.
3. During the 2nd appointment, they forgot that my husband's passport had already been dispatched. we had barely reached home and they called up to inform that the courier fee would have to be submitted again (by mail or in person). We had to do a 3rd visit just because of this.

Additionally, the visas we got were exactly to our ticket dates. I couldn't have changed my flight by a single day (in case it was required), even though the visas were received 2 months in advance.

A very good experience! I had to renew my French passport and my national identity card. The list of necessary documents was on their website, and I made an appointment. The day I came to file my documents, the Consulate was closed exceptionally, but they kept their appointments anyway. I received emails as soon as my papers were ready. I searched for my passport and identity card without any problem (and without RV). Thank you so much !

I had my appointment at 2:15 pm, since I was early, she took me in earlier. All my documentation was in order and I was done before 2:45pm. I got my passport and visa within 4 days. It was a quick and great experience! Friendly staff!

Absolutely awful. The people who work here can't be bothered to answer phone calls or emails. Even when they do, they are unhelpful and rude; it's like smashing your head against a brick wall. Too bad since most of the French people I met in France are nothing like this, it's quite sad that these are their representatives.

I had a good experience when I went there in August 2015 for my Schengen visa interview. I only had to wait for 15 minutes, and the actual interview was also about 15 minutes. I brought ALL the required documents listed on the website, and brought in extra documents, too. Just in case.

All in all a good experience for me.

I had to wait a little while, but in general everyone was quite friendly and helpful.

I would have given Agent Marlene Daniel a 5-star rating, but as no one"walks on water" hope she accepts a 4. My having a delicate matter to resolve, Agent Daniel was as professional as one would expect from a German. Clear, on target for me, all is progressing nicely under her control. Many thanks Agent Daniel