French Visa Delays in Senegal Lead to Surge in Use of Intermediaries
French Visa Applicants in Senegal Forced to Pay Intermediaries Amid Appointment Crisis
France remains one of the most sought-after destinations for global travelers, including Senegalese nationals. However, securing a French visa from Senegal has become increasingly difficult, with thousands of applicants reporting that it is nearly impossible to book an appointment through the official system.
VFS Global Appointment System Under Fire
According to multiple applicants, the VFS Global website, which manages appointment bookings on behalf of the French Embassy in Senegal, has been displaying the same message since mid-December 2024:
“Sorry, but no appointment slots are currently available. Please try again later.”
This persistent unavailability has forced many visa seekers to turn to intermediaries—individuals or agencies accused of hoarding and reselling appointment slots on the black market for exorbitant fees.
Applicants Paying Up to €228 for a Single Appointment
Applicants have reported paying significant sums to secure an appointment:
- A Senegalese teacher stated she tried for months to book a slot and finally paid €152 to an intermediary.
- Another applicant said they were charged €228, calling the process both costly and frustrating.
Fees reportedly fluctuate depending on demand levels and whether appointment slots are available. In some cases, intermediaries charge lower amounts, but the prices can spike when access is severely limited.
Frustration Grows Over Lack of Action
Many applicants expressed frustration not only at the long wait times but also at the lack of intervention by authorities. They claim that intermediaries are deliberately blocking the system, monopolizing appointment slots, and making it nearly impossible for regular applicants to access services.
Despite growing public outcry, no official action has been taken to address the issue or penalize those exploiting the system.
A Widespread Problem Beyond Senegal
Senegal is not alone. Visa applicants in Morocco, Bangladesh, Kuwait, and other countries have also reported similar challenges. Intermediaries are increasingly controlling access to visa appointments, making the Schengen visa application process both unreliable and expensive for genuine travelers.
Visa Approval Rate for Senegalese Applicants
According to statistics from AtoZ Serwis Plus, 64,392 Schengen visa applications were filed by Senegalese passport holders in 2023. Out of those, only 36,403 visas were granted, reflecting the difficulty many applicants face even after securing appointments.
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