France Confirms Its Status as Top Schengen Destination in 2024 with Over 3 Million Visa Applications
According to figures published by SchengenVisaInfo, France has solidified its position as the top Schengen destination in 2024, receiving over 3 million visa applications. This represents a 17% increase compared to 2023, reflecting the country's enduring appeal to numerous nationalities, particularly in North Africa.
In the region, Maghreb nationals hold a prominent position. Algeria stands out with 352,295 applications filed for France, accounting for nearly 65% of their total Schengen applications. Morocco follows closely, with 46.5% of its 606,800 applications targeting France. For Tunisia, nearly 60% of its 177,951 applications also aim for France, totaling over 106,000 files.
These figures reflect a strong historical, linguistic, and economic bond between France and its former colonies, reinforced by the importance of Maghrebian diasporas, which play a key role in family, student, and professional travel. SchengenVisaInfo highlights that the size of these communities often facilitates family reunions and the reception of new arrivals.
On a global scale, China remains the top country for visa applications, with over 1.7 million files, of which approximately 25% concern France. The enthusiasm is also marked in sub-Saharan Africa, where 81% of Ivorians and 91.9% of Gabonese who applied for a Schengen visa chose France.
However, this high demand poses logistical challenges for French consulates, particularly in the Maghreb region, where appointment delays and refusals regularly spark criticism and misunderstandings. French authorities are working to further digitalize the process, in line with the European Pact on Migration.
