The French consulate in Algeria has revealed that the processing time for Schengen visa applications has been extended to four weeks. In a press release, the authority cited that the current demand is the reason for this extension in visa processing.
The Consulate General of France in Annaba and Constantine have reminded Algerian nationals to start planning their trips and submit their Schengen visa applications ahead of the travel dates, Schengen.News reports.
Applications From 14 Algerian Provinces to Be Processed in Annaba
The Consulate General of France has also pointed out that visa applications from Algerians in the following provinces or wilayas will be processed by consular cities in Annaba:
• Annaba
• Jijel
• Skikda
• El Traf
• Setif
• Mila
• Constantine
• Guelma
• Souk Ahras
• Oum El Bouaghi
• Batna
• Biskra
• Khenchla
• Tebessa
According to data from the Schengen Statistics Portal, Algerians filed 53,379 visa applications to France in the Annaba consulate in 2023. More than 61.3 per cent of them were approved, accounting for 32,711 positive decisions.
However, the Algiers consulate, located in the country’s capital, receives most visa applications every year. In 2023, Algerians filed 152,411 visa applications at Algier consulate – 69.6 per cent of which were approved, accounting for 106,124 approved visas.
Increased Schengen Visa Fees Impacting Algerian Applicants Financially
In June, the EU Commission announced that visa application fees would be increased by 12.5 per cent, with the price going from €80 to €90.
This decision has impacted Algerian nationals, who are among the top visa applicants every year. Based on the number of applications that Algerians file on average, which is around 410,000, the total amount the Algerians will have to pay for visa applications is €36.8 million.
In 2023, Algerians filed 392,053 visa applications, which totalled €31.3 million in expenses. France remains the most popular destination for Algerians, who are top applicants for Schengen visas, residence permits and citizenship applications. Together with Tunisians and Moroccans, Algerians are the main applicants to France for Schengen visas.
Source: https://schengen.news/schengen-visa-processing-time-for-algerians-has-been-extended-france-reveals/
