Consulate-General of France in Johannesburg

Incompetent at everything
I cannot believe what pathetic service is offered by this company. I really wish someone could do something about it. It takes 10 attempts of trying to contact the number on the website for someone to answer. And once they answer, they not even helpful. They don't even understand what you are saying. They just repeat whats probably on a price of paper in front of them.... they will repeat the same thing over and over and over. The website has a whole lots of options which by the way, you cannot even use as the service is actually not used. No matter how many emails you send, no response.... How on earth can a company like this actually been in operation. And this is the company we need to rely on to plan a trip... This is truly not fair. how on earth is this company in operation.

trying to locate a old good friend!
Hi I'm trying to get in contact with Mr Christian M Bader,I worked closely with him and the French embassy,when I was in law enforcement in Johanesburg,you can contact me on kriban.naidoo@yahoo.com or 0719666133,thanking you in anticipation.

Application For French Visas
KINDLY FACILITATE THE ISSUANCE OF THE FRENCH VISAS EFFECTIVELY FROM 3/6/2013 TO 15/06/2013. I AM FROM LESOTHO AND A LESOTHO NATIONAL HENCE MUST ATTEND INTERPOL TRAINING IN FRANCE, WHICH SHALL COMMENCE ON THE 4/06/2013 TO 14/06/2013.
I TRIED BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE, BUT IN VAIN.

INCOMPETENT CAPAGO
After reading all the complaints about Capago, I know I'm not the only one. But the result is that I'm not sure that I want to go through this stress again to go to France/Italy. I also had horrendous experiences with them. First to apply and wait for 2.5 hours, complaining after all but one of their staff went to tea!!!!!! Then to contact them to find out about my visa. THERE IS NOT ONE NUMBER THAT YOU CAN PHONE THAT WILL BE ANSWERED. They are pathetic and I can not understand why we as South African's have to put up with these people. Close them down, get new management, anything is better that dealing with their current offices! I'm so frustrated that I want to post an article in a newspaper!

Incorrect Schenegn Visa rejection at Capago Durban
Hi
I had a horrendous experience recently trying to obtain my Schengen Visa. Capago Durban rejected my Italian schengen visa application as they claimed being in transit in through France was considered a day and therefore my longest stay was in France-this meant I had to urgently book flight to Johannesburg to apply for a visa at Capago. At Capago jnb i was told this policy was wrong and it had to be an Italian Schengen! Manager at Capago Durban refused to listen to reason on the phone and eventually Capago JNB (staff was brilliant in their service) helped me apply for the Italian Schengen (which was approved). So the manager at Capago Durban made me lose time and money, not to mention the stress I was under!
My email address is rani3110@gmail.com. And i would appreciate some feedback on the incompetence that I was subjected too.

Complaints of Capago
I have numerous complaints against Capago staff which have never been attended to.

I would suggest writing your complaints directly to the Consular office and register your mail.

FRENCH VISA
CAN I STILL GET A FRENCH TRANSIT VISA IN DURBAN OR DO I HAVE TO TRAVEL TO JOHANNESBURG?

In need of a French Visa ASAP
Any help please on obtaining a french visitors visa today is the 29/5/2012 and i leave for uk on 1/6/2012 and need to obtain visa before Friday. HELP.

VISAS
I have only had excellent service, not only at Capago but when I had to deal with the Consulate directly. Hugo has always been EXTREMELY efficient at the Consulate and has ALWAYS greeted and helped me with a smile -

Changing Stories
I have applied for tourist visas before for various countries but the process for the French visa is ridiculous. At this stage all I have tried to do is to gather information and to say I uncovered a number of issues, including issues pertaining to Parisian politics causing problems for tourists, is an understatement.

One of the things I have experienced here in South Africa is that I was repeatedly told that I had to have a lease agreement for an apartment I had booked for December for 8 days for a holiday. The company that owns the apartment refused to give me a lease agreement and had never heard of such a requirement, which it turns out many other apartment rental companies in Paris had not heard about either. Eventually the apartment company cancelled my booking and refunded my money but because of the exchange rate I lost R500. I then found an apartment company that says they can issue lease agreements and based on that I made a booking with them that costs R2000 than the first booking and might be in a noisy area. The first apartment was on Ile de la Cite. Today I got a document proving I had paid for the new apartment. This is not a lease agreement, which I had requested.I then checked with Capago and the very same person who had insisted all along that I have a lease agreement said the French authorities would accept this proof of payment even though she had consistently said they would not accept proof of payment on a letterhead when I asked them repeatedly about that with the first apartment. How can this person, who it turns out is a manager, suddenly change her story? She also replied to an e-mail I had once sent to tell her about no one in Paris believing what I was telling them about the lease agreement that I could not enter France if I had no accommodation. That was all she said after I had told her before I had paid in full for the apartment. I am not stupid and travel extensively every year. I have been trying to comply with the laws of France but all that has happened is that I have become frustrated, I have lost money, the story about what the French authorities will accept has suddenly changed and I am treated like a criminal. By all means, keep illegal immigrants out but do not turn away tourists who want to spend a few thousand Euros and then go home.