France changed the rules for issuing Schengen visas for Belarusians
France has changed and simplified the procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa for citizens of Belarus. As reported by the French Embassy, from February 2, 2026, appointments for submitting visa applications are made through the TLScontact visa center, to which the relevant functions have been transferred.

Embassy of France in Minsk. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
From the same day, the TLScontact website also started operating. Now, citizens of Belarus and foreigners residing in the country need to create an account on the visa center's website and fill out an online application form to submit documents.
One of the main innovations is the possibility to submit documents for a French tourist visa individually. Previously, such a visa could only be obtained as part of an organized tour. If there are available slots, applicants will be assigned a date for submitting documents at the French Embassy.
The diplomatic mission also announced the simplification of the visa procedure for certain categories of applicants, including family members of European Union citizens.
Tourist groups represented by travel agencies will be accompanied by TLScontact: it will contact them to schedule an appointment date after the applications have been approved by the consular services and if there are available slots.
However, all document submissions, as before, will take place at the French Embassy in Minsk. The embassy remains the sole authority that makes decisions on all visa applications and categories.
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