The issuance of French visas to Tunisian nationals, and to Maghreb nationals in general, still faces a range of challenges. The French Consul General in Tunisia, Dominique Mas, addressed the issue on Thursday on Radio Express FM, providing figures on Tunisian visa applications, waiting times, fraud, and visa categories.
The French Consulate General in Tunisia has observed a steady increase in the number of young Tunisians choosing France for their studies or professional careers, highlighting the strong academic and professional partnerships linking the two countries.
According to Mas, nearly 16,000 Tunisian students are currently enrolled in French higher education institutions. For the current academic year alone, around 4,500 students have joined long-term programs, representing a 9% increase compared to the previous year.
Mas also confirmed that consular services are working to simplify procedures, particularly for visa issuance, a process coordinated with Campus France.
Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that 6,700 visa applications were halted this year due to incomplete or unfinished files. The teams are, however, working progressively to address these cases so applicants can obtain their visas.
Overall, more than 5,000 student visas were issued by France during the first ten months of 2025, confirming the continuing appeal of French higher education for Tunisian youth.
Half of issued visas are valid for more than one year
Mas explained that the issue of visas is like temperature and climate, there is a difference between what is measured and what is felt. There has been a 6% increase in appointment requests compared to 2024, with 118,000 applications submitted from January to October. In terms of visa issuance, the refusal rate was 28.5% in 2022.
For the first ten months of 2025, the refusal rate is 18.3%. For short-stay visas, the refusal rate is 13.3%. France also offered 6% more appointments for short-stay visas this year.
“Half of the visas issued are for more than one year to facilitate the lives of our users. We also have fewer incomplete files, which helps reduce the refusal rate,” he said.
Seasonal workers
France issues three-month visas for seasonal workers. These visas allow the holder, once in France, to obtain a residence card valid for one year.
Although the visa is for three months, the person can stay in France for six months with the residence card. Afterward, they must return to Tunisia and cannot settle permanently in France.
“This person can work in France for three years without needing a new visa. We have many requests in agriculture, particularly in southern France. Seasonal jobs are regulated. We also have needs in nursing homes (care assistants),” he explained.
He added: “This year, there is a decrease in seasonal visa applications because last year’s seasonal workers already obtained residence cards. They therefore do not need to apply for a new visa this year.”
