France will introduce a waiting list system for short-stay Schengen visa applications submitted in Türkiye for tourism and private visits from 15 October 2026, replacing the current method of directly selecting appointment dates.

Under the new procedure, applicants seeking tourist or private visit visas will first be required to register on a waiting list through VFS Global after completing their application on the France-Visas portal.

According to information published by France-Visas, applicants will be divided into two separate waiting lists based on their previous Schengen visa history.

Those whose Schengen visa expired within the past two years will be placed on one list, while first-time applicants and those whose previous visa expired more than two years ago will be assigned to another.

A separate waiting list will also be established in Ankara for international truck drivers. The existing appointment system will continue to apply to visa categories not covered by the new arrangement.

Applicants must first complete the online application form through the France-Visas portal before registering under the appropriate category in VFS Global's appointment system.

Once an appointment becomes available, applicants will receive an email notification.

Those offered an appointment must confirm it by paying the online service fee within three days. Appointments that are not confirmed within the specified period will be cancelled automatically.

French authorities said the new system changes only the appointment booking process and does not alter visa eligibility requirements or application assessment procedures. Registration on the waiting list does not guarantee either an appointment or the issuance of a visa.

France accepts visa applications in Türkiye through VFS Global centres in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and Gaziantep. Officials continue to advise travellers to submit their applications well in advance of their planned departure dates, as waiting times for short-stay visas may extend to several weeks.(ILKHA)