I have been sitting in front of my computer and refreshed the appointment page for quite a few weeks. I also emailed the France consulate in New York, nothing helpful works me out. All online system seem not working for me, no other way around either. So disappointing..........! read more

So frustrated with the visa appointment process at French Consulate. The website always says it is at full capacity. I called the Consulate and they said they usually would offer new slots on Mondays at 8:30am. Tried that too but still did not see any new slots. Has anyone had any luck making an appointment in the last two weeks? read more

Easily the worst consulate I have come across in the world - the VISA appointment making system is dysfunctional and the staff is unhelpful on the phone. I basically decided to not apply for a visa and went to the Norwegian consulate instead. If you have other schengen countries on your itinerary, I highly recommend avoiding this consulate - I wasted 30 days trying to get an appointment here by which time all hotel and flight prices increased a lot. Don't bother visiting - they don't entertain anyone without an appointment and the appointment is impossible. read more

The French Consulate is extremely rude, unprofessional, and impatient! The second time that I called on the phone, without giving me a chance to explain my case, one extremely rude woman immediately jumped into stating what she thought I was calling about. Then when I asked my question, she answered my question with, "Does it say in the website that [it would be like that])?" When I said no, she said, "That is because it is not like that!" Seriously, she should get fired since they do not pay her to not let people explain their case or be sarcastic. I did reprimand her on her rudeness, though. read more

Very well run and efficient. Do plan and book your appointment early - they run out fast. Cancellations do happen often so log in frequently to check. Bring the REQUIRED paperwork - no exceptions. Most of the negative comments above come from people whose paperwork is incorrect. The requirements are quite clear. Housing - IN YOUR NAME, enough money to live on ... not outrageous. Housing is very difficult to come by in Paris. FYI renting to foreigners Landlords in Paris, in most cases, requires a full year deposit or more. Can't begin to tell you the number of people who approach the counter with "well, I don't have that because ..." Imagine that hearing that day in day out becomes very tedious. I cut my appointment time quite close to my departure and the Consulate staff did everything to help expedite the process. read more

This place is horrible. You could never reach anyone. I been trying to reach the visa department for 1 month because there website does not work for booking appointments. Always call between 2:30pm and 5 pm no one ever picks up between those time. If you call any earlier someone picks up and states: call us back between 2:30pm- 5pm and hang up before you can get a word in. This office and the workers here are a poor example to represent France. read more

The visa process was extremely confusing so I want to share my experience in case it helps others. Me and my spouse both got appointments on the same day but half an hour apart. However, the security guard let us go in together. I had entered the wrong birthdate for the appointment but didn't want to change it since it required canceling and rebooking the appointment and I didn't want to lose my spot. Nobody really noticed that the birthday was incorrect and I was able to enter without an issue. Once inside, you first go to a window where they collect the application form, 1 photo and the fees. Then you wait to be called to the second window where they collect the documents and issue a receipt for collection of passports. Our appointment was at 9 and we left the consulate at 9.55. The lady who collected the fees was indifferent but the second lady was super nice. Now, to the parts where we were very confused: Photos: You need two photos 2" by 2". Their website states three different dimensions (2 inch and 45 mm are not equal!!!) but this is what you need to take. We were able to use two different photos that had been taken a few days apart. Hotel Reservations: Their websites clearly states that they need a fax from the hotel, but they accepted email confirmation without any issues. Since we both interviewed together, they took only one copy of certain documents (bank statements), but better to carry 2 copies. Also, you only need one copy for bank statements, flight prints etc since there is no "original" and all are just printouts. The only "originals" we had our US visa related docs and the visa officer did not look at them. Also, as of 21st July 2017, due to technical difficulties, there is a one week timeline to pickup the passport. So be mindful, if you are flying within few days of applying for a visa. read more

Applying for a visa at the french embassy was the most frustrating of all my experiences with any embassies so far! I read that people had difficulty getting an appointment, so I kept the appointment page open and refreshed it multiple times through the day...was able to get the appointment within a day. Preparing the application was somewhat annoying as the info on their website is outdated and no one picks up the phone at the embassy if you want to clarify anything. The website mentions you need faxes from hotels as proof of accommodation...not true....I took print outs of all reservations and no one asked any question. All other applicants had print outs too and it was no problem. Air BnB is fine too...I booked my stay at few different Air BnBs during my trip, had print outs of their receipts and no one raised an eyebrow. On the day of my interview I got there 10 min early and was allowed in, which was nice since it was hot out. However, the process was kinda slow as half the windows were not operating. One of the counsellors was ok, but the other one was really rude...told me to look at the fingerprinting machine and not at her! Anyways, the list of documents on the website is all you need and the interview goes ok despite some annoyance.The bigger problem was picking up my passport! At the end of my interview the counsellor asked me to come back the day after to collect my passport...I asked if I could come next week as I couldn't go back in 2 days but was told that they are not responsible for my passport beyond 2 days!!! They give you a slip to present to pick up your passport....anyone can pick up the passport on your behalf if you give them that slip...if I knew I would have arranged with a friend in NY in advance. I had to take a half day off 2 days later to go back and was on the train to NY from CT when someone called me from the embassy asking me not to go that day as my visa was not ready!! I told her that it's not possible for me to take those many days off work for just 1 visa and asked if they would mail it to me but she outrightly refused and hung up on me. I couldn't believe how inefficient and irresponsible they were!! I went back the following week and thankfully this time I was able to get my passport with the visa but they turned away a lot of people before me as their visa was not ready, and apparently they didn't even care to call these people. Although, if this was a temporary glitch, your experience may not be so bad overall. I guess you will get your visa here but not without a significant amount of headache! read more

I didn't want to give even 1 star to this consulate. I just came back from this consulate and had the worst experience of my life. The security guard and the interviewing lady were the most demeaning, rude and ill-mannered people I have ever come across in my life. Just because I reached 5 minutes before the 4pm deadline to collect my passport and didnt have a photocopy of a document, I was abused and shouted at by both of them. Not once did I raise my voice and asked them to help me with the paid photocopy machine which was stuck for some reason (despite me entering the coins in it). Instead of helping me, the guard abused me and asked me to f**k off and get out of the consulate. I also work at a consulate and we never treat people the way they did. I just calmly told him that I was shocked at their behaviour and they would never expect this kind of treatment from someone from my country. To this, the guard shouted again and asked me to get out of the consulate and said bad things about my country. Can somebody please tell me how do I file a complaint against both of them? Thanks !! read more

This review is for the visa section on 74th street. I had very positive experience with applying Schengen visa at this consulate last Wednesday. All of the officers are polite. I especially appreciate the very helpful entrance personnel : Mr Stephen Fortune who had really made a real positive impact on my visa application experience. Visa application is a very stressful thing especially if you have to fly from another city to New York with only information you learned from the website. Mr Fortune guided, helped and communicated in a kind, respectful, and effective way. That makes a big difference considering he is the first one every visitor meets and interacts with. I also want to extend my special thanks to the Head of the Visa Department Ms. Frey who had gone out of her way to help me get the visa on the same day, providing solutions when there was a confusion. This was especially helpful and heart-warming considering I had to take a midnight return flight on the same day and followed with a couple of more trips. read more

Yes, the doorman is lovely. However, The French consulate has outsourced its visa applications for US citizens to an outfit called VFS Global which is based in Mexico City. If you look at the website, they list a phone number. If you call this number, they will refer you to their website. If you call the French consulate, no-one will talk to you, but eventually the ghost in the machine will rattle off an email address. You will type an email, but are unaware that the address requires certain capitals and lower cases, so your email will bounce back. You will call Mexico City. They will tell you the email again and you will think they said "info. branchusa" because it's very noisy and they have strong accents. Eventually you will go to the VFS website rather than the consulate's and you will find that the correct address is "info.FranceUSA@vfsglobal.com". Now, you can send an email. But it doesn't matter, because if you email them, in a few days, they will give you a link to schedule, and you will receive the same message that you receive without the link: "There are no open seats available for selected center."And sometimes "Error processing your request". I have tried on mobile devices, desktops, using Internet Explorer, Mozilla, and Chrome. Heck, I'm on the site right now-been refreshing since 8:30 in the morning! Simply unable to get an appointment. read more

out of all embassies and consulates I have dealt with in the past, this is one of the worst. My review is based on my recent experience to apply for a visa. Even the security guard is very rude, bitter and very unpolite. Aside from the ease to make an appointment, the experience at the consulate is horrible. They call you to the window, speak with you in a condecending tone, it seems that noone ever brings enough documents, or copies. This time it seemed they were confused because I brought too many documents. Every time I go the person wants different documents, so you can never be sure what they ask for. The next person looking at your file finds something else missing, that the other person did not pick up, because they didn't go through the entire file. Sometimes they don't like the copies you make and send you to make copies at their copy machine downstairs, which is great that they have it in the building. They need to realize that people go to their country for various reasons, and having such a bad experience at the embassy is a bad first impression. I almost don't want to go to that country anymore. read more

Went here for a visa app. and could witness one of the most disrespectful, unkind, and malicious interviewers ever ( a mousy French woman). Yes, I got the visa, but I will long remember this objectionable, sad institution and its rude clerks. They wield the little power they've got to enjoy being inhumane. Yes, it is that bad~ read more

I read all the reviews before I go there and I expected that it will be tuff experience but actually when I went to the website book an appointment and I was prepared with all my papers that was totally good experience I like how friendly the staff is but don't call them on the phone they really tuff from the amount of calls they get with stupid questions but overall it didn't take more than 1 hour waiting and dropping of my papers then after 2 weeks 15 min and I got my visa very easy and simple process. Thank you! read more

Today, after praying a lot and bracing myself for a terrible experience, I was met by a kind-hearted man with a welcoming smile. Stephen went above and beyond his job and offered me wonderful advice and information and treated me like I mattered. It's not every day you find someone so helpful and informative. Thank you, Stephen! read more

Incredibly rude and difficult to work with. It is close to impossible to get an appointment for visa within the 2 months preceding your trip. I was unable to get an appointment before my trip. The phone reply is automated, and so is the email response. Out of desperation, I took an appointment in the French consulate in Washington, D.C. I drove 4.5 hours and they didn't accept my application because I live in NJ (in spite if having every single document on their ridiculous list if requirements). They kicked 2 other people out who had driven there all the way from nyc. They want us to book for the travel and present an itinerary but not pay for it. In this day and age, where majority of bookings are made online, I don't know of a single website that would hold your tickets and hotel reservations without payment for 2 months. I lost close to $3000 because of the inflexibility of the French consulate. My suggestion if you must go to france and need a visa- take visa appointment before even deciding when you will go, purchase trip insurance, and if you can spend more days in another Schengen zone in order to completely avoid the consulate! read more

I was super nervous about getting my first student visa to France, but all my worries were really for naught. I brought all the documents they asked for, and I was out in less than an hour. I came back the following week to pick up my visa and the service was similarly smooth. It's certainly not the most fun place to be, but get there early and bring a book. read more

I needed a set of documents legalized by the consulate for a contract to be executed in French territory, and so I went here for the French stamps of approval. You'll be checked by an American security guard (nice guy) and then a slightly more officious French one (also nice). The upstairs waiting area is a tight and slightly jumbly office, but its fine. French TV on the flat screen, of course. The official who handled my legalization had to do some work to figure out what I needed, but she figured it out and processed everything carefully. She was perfectly fine to work with--no complaints. I was out in about 20 minutes. Thanks, French people! read more

Great experience. Nice treatment of people, very timely and civilized service. I have to emphasize that this service is quite the opposite of British Consulate in New York whose existence relies on mistreatment, violation of rights and disrespect of innocent people read more

A tiny but fairly well-run place. Be prepared to knock and stand outside for a few minutes before the person manning the entrance lets you in. A few officers in the counters speak fast and may sound hurried when they ask you for your documents but that's just their style. Do not be intimidated and take your time. A special mention for the orderly and helpful entrance personnel : Mr Stephen Fortune ( hope I got the name right) who does more than what it his mere duty to help run the center more efficiently and cut down unnecessary stress and confusion for all. I hope the consulate values and appreciates his contributions. read more

For fellow travelers having trouble making an appointment on the NY French Consulate website, please note that the consulate visa appointment site is extremely archaic and not updated live. That means they only periodically update the available appointment slots. On May 3rd, I found that all slots in May had been filled. My husband called between 2.30 - 5 PM as suggested on the visa page and explained that the site was showing "Full Capacity" for May but we could not scroll forward to June, and the lady at the visa department told him that there will be new slots opening up between 8.30 - 9 AM next Monday. Come Monday, I was at my computer from 8.20 AM and continued to refresh my screen until 9 AM. Just when I was about to give up, the screen showed multiple slots opened from May 15th onwards. My suggestion if you're encountering the "full capacity" message is to call the visa department between the hours suggested (2.30 - 5 PM ) and tell them that you're having trouble making an appointment. Your best bet is to go online from 8.30 AM Mondays since that seems to be when their appointments are updated. read more

Of all the consulate services I've dealt with, the French one is NYC is by far the worse. The interviewing officers is so rude. She does not speak, she barks! She treated me as if I was subhuman, refusing to answer questions. I was asked to come back a week later to pick up my passport. I had a receipt indicating the time and day but when I arrived the guard who is the most bitter, rude and mean person I've ever met told me to come back in the afternoon, no reason given. He would not let me speak to anyone, instead he said that I could call but probably no one would answer. I do not understand why whoever is in charge does not discipline these employees and explain to them that tourists pay their salaries and help out their country with the money they spend to get a visa and travel. What a horrible and unprofessional place. read more

It's two days before Christmas, the non-refundable flight to visit family in France booked and the night before flying I realize my passport has expired for months... My heart drops. THANK GOD for the expedited services and the lovely care of the workers at The French Consulate. I showed up the day of my flight half hour before doors open to the public (they open at 9am). I was first in line. A very understanding and helpful lady saw the despair in my eyes and took the time to issue me an "emergency" passport valid 1 year so I could catch my flight and be with my family. On top of her game: communicated with Paris before they close (6 hours ahead of NY) got approved within an hour and issued it immediately. I was out within 2 hours. THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. Amazing. My advice is: be there early. Someone will take notice of you before the room is filled and it's a bit more slow. The waiting room fills up quickly with appointments and you are not a priority if you don't have one. Everyone was very professional and polite. A big thank you to the consulate workers for this outstanding service to their citizens. If you are in this situation bring with you: -Expired passport -Proof of flight/ airline tickets -Passport photos (2) - if you don't have that they can take photos on site. -Carte d'identite Francaise / acte de naissance (so they can apply for your proper passport renewal). This last one is not absolutely necessary to get an emergency passport. You will be in good hands. Joyeux Noêl! read more

Applied for the schengen visa. Got it next day. Zero issues If you prepare all the documents as listed on their website. I was in and out in 35 mins. read more

They deserve 0 star. Interviewing officer(woman) and security guard were very rude and unprofessional, they seem hate all applicants and interrupt your speaking very rudely. I have travelled to europe many times and I have dealt with consulate officers many times in other consulates. French consulate in New York is the worst. read more

I applied short stay tourism visa at the France Consulate in NYC yesterday. I had a very horrible experience with one visa officer. She acted unhappy at the very beginning of our interview. She asked me to hand in my documents. I handed the copies of my passport and green card, and then I tried to gave her other documents that are required on the consulate website. She started to yell: "Gave me all your documents, all of them!". While I was separating some repeated copies from my pile of documents, she yelled again"Don't you hear me? All of them! Did you prepare?". This was just the beginning. When she asked me if all the reservations of hotels were booked under my name. I told her two of them were booked under my husband's name. She became so angry. "Did you go to our website to read the requirement? Did you prepare your document by yourself?" She picked one paper with some requirements on it and faced it to me ."Read this line! Speak it out!" The line did say something like the reservations should mention the applicant's name. She repeated again and again asking me the same questions that she asked me before questioning why I didn't do it. I didn't even know what to say in that situation. Actually in the afternoon when I got calmed down a little, I remembered that the website's page for requirements are different from what she showed me. At the website, it says "personal hotel vouchers confirming your booking for a tour with names and addresses of all hotels with the number of nights stay in each". It doesn't say explicitly that the reservations have to be under the applicant's name. I actually even brought my marriage certificate in case the visa officer asked about it. But she didn't give me any chance to do it. At the end of the interview, she asked me to pick up my passport in the afternoon and bring new reservations under my name. My husband and I had to find an internet cafe to book hotels and print the confirmation letters. In the afternoon when we went to the consulate again, there was one window that just handed out people's passports with visa stamps. No one asked about new reservation letter. This woman is very unprofessional. I wish I never saw her again. I know I shouldn't be influenced by her, but I still have bad mood today. I have never been to France. I hope other french people are not like her. read more

I am trying to get an appoint for my travel to Paris in late August. I thought i had enough time to book an appointment but the earliest date is see is that of the 24th of august. Does anyone else has experience with this? Also i go to another consulate in another state to get a visa or will they definitely not allow it? read more

The French consulate of New York staff is the best. Please keep the the ability to obtain the livre la famille in New York.

I visited the French Consulate this morning for my visa application and it was such a smooth process. The security was very detailed and through as to what was required. The staff was very pleasant and efficient, not wasting time. There were no delays or waiting time over a lengthy period. I was told i was very organized and had everything (including all my copies) of what they asked for on their website. The staff is very organized as well and once you gave them what was requested i am sure you will be approved (like me) without any issues. Can't wait to visit Paris!!!! read more

I was at the consulate on 1/29/16 seeking a visa to France due to death in the family. I was missing some paperwork which where attainable within a reasonable time. As distraught as I was, I approached the 1st window and was humiliated, embarrassed yelled at and almost broke into tears by this lady. She made me feel like a piece of crap as if I had committed a crime. This lady has ZERO customer service etiquette and should not be allowed at an area where she deals with people. France is a beautiful country that many of us love to visit and we should not be scared to come for Visa with the fear of being serviced by this lady. All the guests who were serviced by her on that day voiced similar concerns. Please do something to reassign her duties that does not require customer service. Thanks goodness there was a caring compassionate and professional lady in window 2 by the name Jacklyn who was was a saving grace for me. As Jacklyn saw my frustration she kindly instructed me of the missing documents that I was able to obtain with a few hours, returned and received my visa. I cannot forget the guard by name Stephen. He was kind made all of us feel welcomed. Thank you, and hopefully something can be done a bout this MEAN lady. Maybe she could be recommended for training or Therapy on how to provide excellent customer service experience. I wished there were separate ratings for different employees and both Jacklyn and Stephen would have received 5 star ratings while the MEAN lady would receive 0 star if that was an option. "One fish spoils the broth" Thank you. read more