The issuance of visas to foreigners, publication of 21 January 2021

The issue of visas to foreigners includes short-stay Schengen visas, valid for the metropolis and sometimes for the overseas departments and, with few exceptions, for the territory of all the other Schengen States, as well as long-stay visas valid for the metropolis and the overseas departments.

1. Changes in visa demand

The number of visas requested and issued in 2020 is down sharply (almost 80 %) compared to 2019, given the context of the pandemic Covid-19 crisis, which has severely constrained migration flows.

2. Analysis of the evolution of issuance for the main visa categories in 2020

— 2.1. Schengen short-stay visas

Short-stay Schengen visas are visas valid for the European territory of France and, with few exceptions, for the territory of all other Schengen States.

— 2.2. Long-stay visas

The long-stay visa serving as a residence permit (VLS-TS) does not apply for a residence permit in the prefecture.