U.S. French Embassy; French Ministry of Education Reviews

I had a good experience with the consulates (my application was approved) but the woman at the front desk was so incredibly hostile.

Not really happy with our experience at French Embassy, As a green card holders I really don't understand the level strictness they put on processing a tourist application for an LPR. A lot of paperwork and bureaucratic procedures in the Embassy....C'mon We're living in 21st century and technology has advanced, Living in Washington DC and mailing docs! a lot of waste of time...

CATASTROPHIC experience !!!
Long story short: The person on the phone was extremely disagreeable (after about 20 attempts to reach the service), the information provided was incorrect ... in short, a good representation of the French administration in the US. You don't change a team that doesn't win, eh!

My study abroad program began Feb.4th a month later, I'm STILL waiting on my visa. They seemingly have no sympathy or patience whatsoever.

I was apparently missing a notary stamp on a financial guarantee form, so instead of just telling me to submit another with the stamp....they denied me a visa, so I had to restart the whole process, pay MORE money. They waited weeks to let me know I was missing that document, that whole time I was waiting thinking my visa was getting processed....nope they were taking their sweet time in letting me know that I was missing that crucial part.

Then they had the nerve to tell me it would take another 15 days.

Double checked my last visa application .and at the appointment they said everything checked out...only to get an email from the consulate that they want me to provide three MORE most recent bank statements, but to not send what I already have..what sense does that make? How could I send three more most recent but have them not be the ones you already have?

I applied for Tourist visa on 6/2/2017. Reached 15 minutes before time. Went through security without any problem, took a ticket and sat down. Was called within 5 minutes. Fingerprints and photo was taken. Paid visa fee and the officer took the application, passport, copy of drivers license and copy of green card and asked me to sit down. My number was called again within 5 minutes and went to a different window. Officer asked for the other documents. Asked me if I was going for business or pleasure. I had all the documents ready and at the end of it he just said "You can go home and we will take care of it." I received my passport with the visa on 6/9/2017. Very happy with the process.

My experience might be significantly different from yours and I totally get it. But my visa application went very well and I think people need to know that all isn't dark in that Consulate. I am an international student (french speaker so maybe it helped with understanding the paperwork) and I applied for a short stay Schengen visa for France via VFS San Francisco. I had about 6 weeks from the day of my VFS appointment to the day of my scheduled flight. I received my passport back in 1 week!
It was not the first time I get this visa but it was the first time since VFS is part of the procedure. Make sure you have all your documents, choose free cancellation reservations for everything (hotel in particular, unless you have the paperwork for accomodation) and make sure your flight itinerary is legit or get a real flight ticket REFUNDABLE if you can. Since the process is longer with VFS, chances are the temporary flight reservation expires by the time they look at your documents at the consulate. Also start EARLY. The last time I applied for a visa was when VFS was not a thing and you could get a direct appointment in Houston or SF for instance. So AFTER I applied and checked this reviews thread I almost fainted. To be safe I would recommend getting your VFS appointment 2 months and a half before the day you plan to travel, especially during the high season (summer and before Xmas break). The "apply no later than 2 weeks before your trip" is a lie, particularly for some nationalities. When I called VFS on day 5 to inquire, they said "oh yeah it can take 15 to 25 BUSINESS days to process"... Triple check your documents, and don't try to contact VFS or the consulate after you submit... VFS people have done their job after they ship your paperwork to the Consulate, and the latter can be overwhelmed now that they handle the ENTIRE United States pool of applicants.

it is 2 months, did not get my passport. Unhelpful stuff.

Excellent service so far! My husband and I are dealing with this consulate for a declaration of nationality. The time for the interview appointment was super fast. The interview took place on time, without problem and the lady was very friendly and answered all our questions. Then, despite the COVID crisis which caused inevitable delays, I had a response to each email I sent IN THE HOUR, even if my messages were sometimes sent in the late afternoon or evening ! I am really impressed by their work and their quality of service.

I wore a yellow vest and they called the cops on me! How RUDE! Vive la France!!!!!

Worst consulate ever. Very irresponsible! Never apply for a Schengen visa at this location!!

I am a researcher and the main conference in my area is in France this year. I have to attend the conference to present my paper, towards which I had worked hard year round as it is a top CS conference and very selective.

The visa interview was fine. They told me that they will email me when the passport is ready for pickup. But it has been almost two months and I have not heard back from them. Nobody answers the phone, you cannot leave a voice-mail and they do not respond to your emails, whatsoever. How much sooner am I expected to apply?

Let this be a message to all organizers planning a CS conference in future: avoid France if possible.

muffled and poor elocution on the recorded greetings . wish the english version be done over with a
neutral and clear english speaking accent or tap from any commercial business that have experience in guiding people over the phone. operator was ok in the instruction but hang up without expressing any greetings.
john f.r. pena

Worst experience ever. Very rude and impatient...including the Campus France admin...just very pompous and arrogant.

Unacceptable, shameful and very sorry that the people who told me represent France here in the United States. They never let me finish my question because my answer is somewhere "on the internet". They will never read these opinions and that's a shame because their service is poor. I live in Arizona, go to Washington is complicated and I saw phone service can not imagine the person on duty. I wish a lot of courage for anyone who needs the services of the embassy.

As a green card holder didn't expect the visa procedure to b complicated , u have to book ur flight ticket , hotel reservation and insurance in order for u to apply , n if u don't get approved say bye to ur money , I decided I will never go anywhere where I need a visa n I booked a flight somewhere else n need my passport, whenever I call to ask how get it back they never answer n when I talk to someone else all she said was I can't help this is not my department, she barely listened to me , I'm so glad I changed my mind abt going there , freaking retarded

It was horrible horrible experience there. Try your best to avoid this France Embassy in DC if you could. The lady who examines the paperwork was super rude- After I handed in all my documents, she seemed to look for something in those docs then I asked-what are you looking for? I was basically just trying to help that if she couldnt find anything maybe I could provide. Then she yelled at me shouting like " it's not your business! I know what I am doing!". Wow, lady, dont act like an angry teen kid yelling at your parents! Then I saw a note attached to the window next to her says " always show respect" lol, shouldnt you show respect to people as well? The guy next to her was rude too. I dont understand how they could work there? Not to mention, they wouldnt answer any questions about visa unless you call between 3-5pm, ha. I still couldnt get my passport few weeks after my visa was approved. I would have given them 0 out of 5 if there's such an option.

I tasted hundreds of French wines with the French Wine Society, now Wine Scholar Guild

I am not a US citizen yet! and went to the France embassy in DC for a Visa first of all they never ever answer the phone if in case any body have a question secondly as every body mentioned here their attitude wasn't friendly at all and they act disrespectful and were so rude and arrogant! which it is a shame since I was going to their country as a tourist and spending money there and helps their country's economic!! so it is better to be polite and respectful for their country own sake. any way last but not least they told me that they will inform me when my visa is ready to pick it up and they never did!!!! so irresponsible I emailed them and asked them if my visa is ready and they made so much effort to emailed me back to say yes it is ready an because of their irresponsible attitude I end up to pay twice more for my flight since I booked it a day before my trip! Such an awful experience

THE WORST. That officials stupid and rude. A shame.

I applied for short stay visa a month in advance. I have no words as to how lousy the whole process was since the time VFS came in place. No one has any idea where my passport is, no one cares to provide any update and can't begin to explain how frustrating it is to reach VFS and get lame answers.

They are polite and friendly. Copy machines are available in the premises in case you need it.

Nice building from the outside, but the inside is quite bare. Would have liked to see more of France s rich culture inside the embassy.

We had planned our vacation to India , eager to meet my parents , friends and relative. So I bought a ticket for all 4 of us (including our kids 13year old and 9 year old) for our travel in July 2018 and returning back after a month, departing from Houston via Paris De Gaulle,France to Chennai, India.

Since I was on EAD- GC (Employment Authorization Document - Green Card). I had to apply for airport transit visa for my travel
Via Paris. Even though I have bought the ticket in February , I couldn't get an appointment with VFS in May so the earliest date was in first week of June.
So I had applied for an airport transit visa on the 7th June 2018 along with my wife in the VFS office in 700 Milam Street, Suite 1300, Houston, TX 77002.

VFS staff took the bio-metrics (fingerprint) for both me and my wife. On 30th June, I got an email from VFS Houston office, asking us to re-enroll for bio-metric fingerprint. I was shocked to hear this after 3 weeks because VFS Houston should have notified me immediately of this technical issue. I went to the VFS Houston office on 2nd July and my wife went on 5th July and did the bio-metrics again. I warned the VFS Houston office about my approaching travel date and they assured me that I will have my passport before 14th July. It s been more than a month , I don t have my airport transit visa or the passport with me yet. This whole experience has created mental strain to me and my family. Also my parents in India were heartbroken and upset, when I narrated the delay caused by the airport transit visa for no fault of mine. In the future I will never travel thru europe. safe bet is thru emirates or any other middle east airlines.

This consulate is very organized and explain the details needed to obtain your visa. They give a chance to send in the correct information needed for your visa. So it s very imperative to read the instructions and follow the directions. I know they work hard and it s it hard to answer every question asked. But i thank them for doing the best they could for me and my family. It would have been a five star however i think they should have a phone line where someone could call and ask questions if needed because i know i had questions lol. Be blessed xo

Excellent welcome! Thank you to the Consulate for its good advice. Friendly and helpful team.

They are so rude on the phone I don't want go there!

The email responses for the French Embassy in Washington are very vey good, fast, and helpful! It took them less than 24 hours to respond to my question and even two more questions after that. Very Satisfied thank you

I had to apply for a French visa for my grandmother. At first I was hesitant to go after reading the reviews; however, the appointment went very quick and easy. Our appointment was for 11:15 and were out of there in 30 minutes. The two men working at the window were not the friendliest of people, but wasn't rude. We had everything they asked for so the appointment went quickly. The receptionist lady that sat in front of the visa room was friendly. Overall, it was a good experience if you have all the paperwork ready.

I don't know how to express my dissatisfaction! I have been calling the embassy for 2 weeks for information because I would like to return to France with my children and (American) husband either it is not the right time or they are not there. And when I call at the right time, well I am told that they are very busy and that I must call another time! My dear compatriots of the embrace, tell yourself that you are paid to serve us the French.

Everyone was very friendly and efficient; it took very little time to get a passport application and a power of attorney done. I had a great experience.

I am a US citizen and require no visa to visit France. I have been to France more than 40 times. However, a recent experience has truly upset me.

A friend, who is not a US citizen, requires a Schengen visa to visit France. He applied a month ago. Along with his application, he was obligated to submit his booked airline flights. He is flying to Senegal first (four days from now), then to Paris four weeks later.

The French Consulate in Washington is "processing" his Schengen visa application. A week ago, he emails to emphasize that he departs for Senegal 11 day from that email. The response was that his application was being "processed."

It is now 4 days before his flight to Africa, and the French Consulate is holding his travel documents (passport equivalent) HOSTAGE. He cannot fly to Senegal unless they return his travel documents, and no one at the French Consulate will indicate whether they intend to have them back in his possession in time for him to fly to Africa.

My friend is a refugee -- a permanent resident of the US. He has not seen his family in Senegal for 10 years. The bureaucrats at the French Consulate appear to be either too stupid to understand the urgency of returning his travel documents (with or with a Schengen visa) or they simply don't give a damn about preventing this good man from seeing his family by not returning his travel documents which are his possession.

I have yet to see a favorable review of the French Consulate's processing of visa applications. France is a beautiful country, and the people whom I have befriended in France are wonderful. It is regrettably that the people who represent France in this consulate are so very callous and inconsiderate.

I am a French citizen leaving in the US asking for a visa so my wife can travel with me and meet my family. I give them all the documents they asked for 5 weeks before the departure. I We didn t get a visa, they have not been able to give any information. This is a shame the French government is so incompetent and dysfunctional is not able to produce a visa and return it before the departure. I am going to lose thousand of dollars because they ask to purchase the tickets before getting the visa.
France is a dysfunctional 3rd world country, shame on you!!!

This is definitely the worst experience I've had with any consulate. They outsourced visa screening work to a company called VFS. Neither did their website or VFS website have clear a clear estimate on their process. They also did not state that VFS is just a 3rd-party that pre-screens visa paperwork before sending to French Consulate in DC.

I submitted my paperwork on May 31st and was scheduled for an appointment on July 5th. On July 5th, I showed up to my appointment only to learn that this was only an appointment to pre-screen my visa application before it was sent to DC. A week after submission, DC consulate acknowledged they received my application and will take 2-3 weeks. I pretty much will miss the whole trip that I plan for months.

I started the visa process in May. It's mid July now, and I don't even know when I will get my passport back. If either the Consulate or VFS clearly stated their process and length, I would've had applied with Switzerland. I talked to my coworkers and was told that it was a bad idea applying through French Consulate to beginning with.

Extremely disappointed.

I'm writing this and hope that other people won't have to deal with this. Just apply with another Consulate.

--Also mid June, I got nervous that the appointment took a month. I came in the French consulate in SF to ask whether they could expedite or whether I would have enough time for my flight, a guy working in the Consulate assured me that I would. Sigh.

Walking up to the building, a wealthy woman with a BMW smirked and said "Good Luck, it's horrible in there!" I did see the woman at the front desk people say is grumpy, but she asked what I was there for, I said Visa, and she explained I needed to walk in and take a number. I was early for my appointment, and had to wait about 15 minutes past my appointment time, but there were a lot of people there (it was summer). I was called up twice. The first time was to window 1 and a larger, dark hair-ed woman quickly and sternly asked for about 3 documents. I gave them to her, I paid, she said I would be called back up and to take a seat. I was called back up about 5 minutes later by a younger, thin, blonde woman. She asked for the rest of my forms, which I had on me and provided, the duration of my stay, and when I explained to her I booked a round trip ticket because it was cheaper, she laughed and told me a story of when she was a student and would book a ticket the same way I did to come see her family at Christmas. She told me to sit for one minute and then called me back up- My visa would be in my hands in about a week with no problems and I could go. All said with a big smile.

Now honestly, she was one of the nicer workers in the room and I got lucky. But here's what I observed while I was waiting. Half of the people there were also applying for student visas. Almost EVERY person before me had forgotten one of the forms or copies, that were CLEARLY stated online, that they must have. One girl didn't have original passport photos taken, one girl had her dad waiting outside the embassy gates with his credit card because she doesn't have her own (it states online that ONLY you can come in, and you must pay at the first window, so this irritated them quite a bit), one guy didn't make a copy of his ID (which they take from you at the gate upon entering so the copy is NECESSARY), and a few other people were missing critical forms.I had checked maybe 5 times the night before I arrived that I had everything. People come in everyday unprepared when online they clearly state to be sure to have everything. They see around 100 people every day and have an issue with about at least 60% of the people being unprepared. Was I lucky? Yes. I got the nicest girl there and was completely prepared. But I understand why the people could be taken as rude or mean or give low ratings because the Visa process is complicated!

I received my visa 4 days after the meeting by mail.

Therefore, go in 100% prepared, make copies of everthing, be understanding, be polite, and everything will go VERY smoothly. If you had to do their job every day you would be frustrated to. Bonne chance!

Well, I guess it gives a preview of what you'll have to face once in France ! :)
Considering that about half of the visitors who come to France from a country that requires a visa eventually stay for good illegally, officers must have instructions to make the visa experience as bad as possible. Then again, immigration officers in US airports are not precisely welcoming, especially if you reply "I don't know" when asked why you are coming to the US...

If I could give them negative stars I would. All I wanted to do was obtain an appointment for the purposes of proving I made a purchase in Paris. They need to validate the purchase so I can apply for reimbursement on the VAT. They give you the run around and it's a shame

Oh my goodness, rude, rude, rude and no help.. I had one question and they acted like I was trying to have them rewrite the encyclopedia.. I got transferred to 3 different people and then hung up on. Frustrating.

The worst experience and service I have ever had. Rude people.

I agree with everyone who say 'try your best to avoid going there'. Such rude manners! I apply for visas for my summer travel every year and have never had the experience I had here. SO RUDE ! To give an example, when I thanked the guy for accepting my application he said ,"don't thank me, I am not doing you a favor." How rude is that! I wish I had just pulled away my papers and walked out of there! His tone and expression on his face did make me a little nervous. So when he asked me a question and I was not able to answer properly, he says in a real stern voice , " listen to my question!" The second person who interviewed me did the same!
Ugghh! They don't even look at your papers properly....I feel they look at the nationality and decide right away! This first man who was so rude and thinks he is doing a good job couldn't even read the the date of my green card extension properly! He wrote 2017 on his paper when it's 2016.! To think they are being careful!!!
If there was an option for no star , I would opt for that. But then this one star is for the security guys who were very friendly and tried to say some comforting words on seeing my expression when I walked out of there! And the $67 visa fee, I tell myself ....consider given to charity!

they never respond to phone calls or emails. Never help! the answer is always "I don't know, I can't help you, not my area of service!" Not helpful at all!

Amazing!! I can't thank you enough for giving me the visa just in time for our departure. My appointment with VSF was on June 11 and I was doubtful that I would get my passport in time and was all prepared to pay change fee as our flights and hotels are already confirmed and paid for. I am citizen of a country which is in the list of those whose visa process can take up to 3 weeks or more and I didn't have that much time until my flight when I went for my appointment. I got my passport in the mail an hour ago and we leave tomorrow! Thank you thank you. I hope France wins the FIFA World Cup this year! :)

It was ok. The consulate was rude and some things on the website they tell you to bring you don't even need to bring. I wish I knew that before I went through all that trouble. But everything went fine.

I called them about questions I had regarding my Campus France file for Study Abroad, and they were super helpful. The woman I spoke with sounded very competent in her job and was able to make me feel much more at peace about everything.

Really UNPLEASANT !! Try your best to avoid this France Embassy in DC if you could. The lady when you call is SUPER RUDE, they are acting like you are bothering them when you ask for any simple question, I am really disappointed.

Incrediblely rude people with zero patience! It's also ridiculous that you have to mail the additional documents even you just standing outside the embassy.

I went to the consulate. People were very helpful, accommodating and quick with my request. (Both before, answering my emails, and while handling my paperwork)

Incredibly rude and unprofessional staff, never have been treated like this.

I just called and the lady was very rude didn't even let me finish asking my and just tell l that she can not help me
People like here shouldn't be on the phone

VFS visa application process is the worst visa experience I ever had. I have waited 6 weeks and still no update.

The delay is getting out of control that many people had to cancel their trips and swallow the financial and time lost. No information about the delay can be found anyway and tracking system is just useless to know what is happening.

If you don't want anyone apply a visa to go to France, just put that on your website.

Worst experience ever. They really need to do something about this France consulate in the US. It takes almost a month for the visa application process.

If there were less than 1 star rating, I would give it. My repeated calls about a question of how to pay a Paris Metro fine were dismissed as "I don't know and I can't deal with this."

I am not certain about the root cause for complete lack of engagement. Is it ignorance? Low staffing levels? Culture? All I know is that the French staff of their Embassy and Chicago Consulate are disappointments.

As others have said, avoid going to the French Embassy if you can.

Parking (paid) is a nightmare so plan for ample time, look into neighboring streets or park at the hospital. Wear shoes you can walk half a mile in if needed. Or use the valet parking for $15; given the hassle it might be the best bet for families.

At the Embassy, the security personnel was very friendly and helpful. However, I went there for a passport application and the older guy who took care of my file started snapping at me when I mentioned having had difficulties gathering all the documents required because I was born abroad. He was extremely rude, constantly "manterrupted" me and did not listen to a word I said. There was no supervisor in sight so I do not know if this type of behavior is encouraged by the Embassy or if it was just this specific employee who had issues.
It is sad to see that since I am sure many young French people who need a job would be more than happy to have that opportunity and might treat their fellow citizens better.

This place was horrible! I am sorry in advance for everyone who has to visit this embassy! I was greeted by two nice gentlemen when entering through the gates but it went downhill once I was inside. I was the last appointment of the day and YOU COULD TELL. I was polite but nervous and the two gentlemen working the windows were rude and raised their voices to me several times. They had no patience for me or anyone else in the room. GOOD LUCK. Make sure you have everything you need for the appointment and try your best to get in and then GET OUT!

Poorly managed event. Not wroth the time, let alone the money!

Echo the previous review. Do not expect any respect or help from anyone there. I saw a receptionist yelling "STEP BACK" to a girl trying to ask her a question. The whole experience in the visa section is horrible and I would not want ever go back there!!!

I submitted my tourist Visa application through VFS Boston with all properly organized documents and got my Visa stamped and received my passport in a week. Regarding VFS appointments, now anyone who needs a France visa, irrespective of their jurisdiction, can apply at any of the VFS locations in the US. Thanks to the France Embassy for making such a good decision,I was able to get my Visa on-time for my trip. This will help a lot of people.

I would like to give a negative one if had. Very disappointed!!!!

I drove down from North East Pennsylvania to renew my French passport and, given that effort, it was important to me that I have all my ducks in a row. Even though I called three times regarding different issues, Lisa Lemoigne (I believe the assistant to the consul) was most responsive and helpful over the phone. And during my visit, Philippe Barre was helpful, thorough, and most accommodating when my own preparations were lacking. I'm very pleased with the experience.

so Rude !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't get an answer for my question! the lady at the "standard" was super rude, she did't let me finish my question and keeps on sending me to the website!! I wouldn't even call if I found what I am looking for on the website... very unprofessional, I am so disappointed.

It was a pretty good experience. I had morning appointment and it was done in 45 minutes. Here is the process which could help potential applicants.

Security guards are very friendly,they ask for appointment letter and a copy of your drivers license.You will be allowed in at your visa appointment time only. If you are early you have to wait outside the security gate.

You will get a badge with a number on it which should be pinned on your shirt and there will be airport type of security where you will be emptying your pockets and walk under a scanner machine.

Once done, you will be directed to visa building. Here you need to get a ticket number ( DMV style ) and wait for the number to be displayed on the board.

Your number will be called in and the officer will ask you questions regarding your trip and the documents which are posted on their site. Officer will note down each and every information from your travel itinerary. If you are carrying any original document get a copy of it. There is also a photocopier inside which takes quarters coins only.There is no need to have 2 copies of each document however if husband and wife applying together get individual copy of each document for Flight itinerary/hotel reserations/insurance/employment letters/paystubs/cover letter etc.

Once officer reviews your documents, you will get fingerprinted/photo /fee payment . 1 passport photo is enough though it says 2 copies on their site. You can also submit a return envelope or opt to pick up passport.

Good Luck !!

My experience when applying for the Visa there was really pleasant. The officers were polite and nice especially the woman she was really friendly. I got my visa two days after my interview.

I wish I could give a negative star. They tell you that you can't apply more than 3 months in advance. Fine. I started the application just 3 months in advance, only to learn that I need wait for a month for an appointment. So I waited and applied through VFS. During the in person application they told me that normally it takes 2 weeks but it could be a bit longer.

It's been over a month now and I can't get any information on the status other than "processing at the embassy". Oh my God it's impossible to know where my passport is and how long it will take to get it back. I called and emailed VFS so many times only to learn that they have no idea what's going on. They can't even tell me if my passport arrived at the embassy safely. I also emailed the embassy and they replied back saying that I should contact VFS for more information and better service!?

Seriously? This must be a joke!

Tried multiple times for days but couldn't reach a representative to ask about a visa application matter that I couldn't find on the website. Very unhelpful!

One of the laziest and slowest visa processing consulate. Authorities are bit rude and no accurate information given.

Sir/ Madam, Specify your fixed date of meeting with your consulate

Worst experience ever. This people are so rude. I really don't know why I apply for a France Visa. They really bump their head.who gonna leave the USA with a family, green card, good job to go stay in France it doesn't make any sense. They need to change their mentality and make things easier for people. France is a small country with so many people. There is no job other there, we don't want to stay there.How come they want me to buy airplane tickets without having a guarantee that I am gonna be approve for a Visa. If I was going by myself I could do it buy I am going with family. For all of us the round trip tickets cost $4967 after 24hours it is not refundable.

I wish they were more polite and I wish they do not reject people for no reason. They simply does not listen to reasoning.

Contrary to most other reviews on its visa application sector, my experience when applying for a visa here was quite pleasant. The senior office who interviewed me was very polite, always talking to me in a manner like "may I have your passport please", and thanked me when I leave. Compare to US embassies, this French embassy is way better. My application was processed extremely fast (<20 min interview and <3 day for delivering my passport back to me).
Parking is convenient. Just be aware the entrance is on Reservoir Rd NW, don't be fooled by google map.
I star is deducted because the information on their website is not accurate. You need to prepare a $20 USPS express mail envelop, and don't have to make four copies for all your documents.

Unbelievably poor service. I had to call repeatedly in order to speak to an actual person, and there is no option to leave a message when the party you are trying to reach is unavailable (the phone rings and rings, but no machine ever picks up). When I did manage to reach a person, they were extremely unhelpful; they refused to help me over the phone, and insisted that I reach out via email. They also insisted I find the email address I needed to contact via the consulate website rather than simply telling it to me. I'm completely disgusted.

OMG. I should have read this reviews before book tickets to France. I booked all trip, showing that applied for Visa and they rejected and asking me to apply another country....Never ever Visit France...Not friendly people.

Thank you for your advice on organizing a promotional event. Long live France !

I wonder how people find the service here good. People in the visa office are rude and don't respond properly. The only way to contact is through VFS which provides no relevant information or anything different from what is online.

I am a US citizen. I accompanied my Chinese wife because she is a Chinese citizen and her English is fair at best. This was my first experience with the Shengen visa process.
After reading the negative reviews I was very apprehensive about what I might experience. I have been to France many times and know that sometimes French people can be rude. Our appointment was for 12 noon, just about the end of the day for them. Their last appointment was at 12:20. We took a ticket when we entered. There were about 5 people ahead of us on the ticket bulletin display. Because of the negative reviews I was very attentive to how the consulate officers dealt with the applicants.
Honestly, have never hear anyone use the words please and thank you more than the French interviewing officer s. When it was our turn the older gentleman we dealt couldn t have been more pleasant. He with even thanked me for being my patience with him, which I did not think was necessary.
Even with 5 people ahead of us, we were finished in 30 minutes. We got my wife s visa the next day and at the front gate, they asked my wife where I was.
The interviewing officers have a stressful job. They have to deal with people who can hardly speak English, no French, don t understand the visa requirements and are unprepared.
We couldn t have been treated better by the embassy people better if we were family.

Disorganized.. I'll avoid going to France because the process of getting a visa is miserable and inconsistent.. Not going to pay for flights and hotels when I have no guarantee my visa will come in a timely manner.

I had a great experience when I went there, although I went to the consulate part of it where they handle passport requests and other services for french citizens.
Everyone was polite towards me and my requests were taken care of really fast.
I was there around noon and the smell coming from the cafeteria was wonderful. I wish visitors were allowed to eat there.
For the ones that complain about the rudeness of the french staff when applying for a visa, I want to assure you that when I went to the US Embassy in Paris I was disappointed by the bad attitude, rudeness, coldness, unfriendliness and arrogance of the US staff as well.

I called the embassy to get more information about the travel restrictions to France in light of the pandemic, and from the moment my call was answered the man I spoke to was completely and utterly unhelpful and intrinsically rude!

From our experience, the guards are polite. The officers are polite. The male officer smiled and even joked. He took finger prints and took pictures and collected application forms and ID copies. The woman officer apologized because she had to answer a phone call in the middle. She collected travel reservations and financial documents. She told us to expect 2-3 days to receive passport back and also wished us good trip at the end.There's a copy machine inside the room so you can use quarters to make copies. Also if you don't have the cover letter you can write one in the waiting room. As long as you prepared all required documents according to their website, it's a fairly easy process. A family traveling together only needs one copy of reservations, one returning envelop if all passports to be mailed to the same address. The on-street parking seems plenty. Only complain is that the process took too long. There are about only 10 people before us but we waited about 1 and a half hour. Then 40 minutes to check documents. Even if I already provided a detail itinerary with date and transportation and hotel address, she still checked the reservations and took down notes line by line. Employment letters and pay slips and bank statements were checked carefully and highlighted. There should be a better process of this. In addition, the information on the website can be more accurate. It says only accept credit card for visa fee but the officer actually asked for debit card not credit card. It says two copies needed but actually only one copy was taken, photo (attached to the application form), passport ID page, green card, residence proof, insurance letter, bank statement, paycheck, employment letter, notarized translation of birth certificate (if not in English) etc. Overall experience is good.

Do not go to the lady looks like 30+ years old if possible. She is the rudest staff I've ever seen. She doesn't listen to you nor does she help you in any way. If you have to deal with her, expect to get rejected or spend at least 3h in there. I've been to this embassy twice, she was always the one picking on minor problems. If I can give her zero star, I will. It's a shame that they let this kind of person working at an embassy. The only possible way, you might have a pleasant experience here is if you don't have to deal with her and book an appointment close to noon time!

I've been trying to call the number for 1 week, but the phone doesn't even ring. What to do ?

I had a pleasant experience applying for a student visa. I found the person I spoke with to be very polite. If you have all your documents in order and at least attempt to speak French you should be fine.