The French Consulate in Guyana has started processing Schengen visas, making it easier for Guyanese travelers to visit France and other Schengen countries. This significant change, effective from October 22, 2024, promises a more convenient visa application process.
Background
Previously, Guyanese travelers had to travel to Suriname to apply for Schengen visas. This process involved additional costs and inconvenience. The introduction of the French Consulate’s visa processing service in Georgetown aims to address these challenges. Moreover, this move is part of France’s broader effort to foster closer ties with Guyana. Guyana is one of the two countries wherein France operates a mobile biometric capturing system.
Guyanese applicants can now submit their Schengen visa applications at the French Consulate in Georgetown. The new Visa Application Centre (VAC) is located in the city, providing easy access for applicants.
To apply, individuals must complete their applications online and book an appointment. Necessary documents include a completed visa application form, passport, photo, supporting documents, visa fee, and a pre-stamped FedEx envelope for passport return.
Jean-Jacques Forté, French Chargé d’Affaires, expressed satisfaction with the initial processing sessions. He stated, “Everything went well for this first experimental session. The next one will take place in November.”
Meanwnile, Nicolas Bouillane de Lacoste, France’s Ambassador to Guyana, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“We want to foster bilateral relations, including business relationships between France and Guyana.”
Challenges and potential solutions
One challenge the French consulate faces is a shortage of euros for processing fees. This scarcity has led to discussions about potential solutions.
Currently, the cost of a Schengen visa is 90 euros. Meanwhile, the cost of visas to French Guiana, Guadeloupe, and Martinique is 60 euros. According to de Lacoste, the French consulate brings applications to the French embassy in Paramaribo. Next, they transmit these to the French Ministry of Interior for processing. This takes up to 10 days.
De Lacoste noted further that Guyanese may apply for a Schengen visa at Georgetown, if they are strictly visiting France. In addition, the visit to France must be for specific reasons.
It may be possible for Georgetown to accept Schengen visa applications other than for visiting France. This is if France agrees with other European Union member states to allow entry into the EU from other countries.
Moving forward, France may hire a specific agency to collect applications and streamline the process. Despite this challenge, the consulate remains committed to providing efficient visa services.
What’s ahead
The new visa processing service benefits Guyanese travelers by providing easier access to Schengen visas. This change is expected to boost business and tourism between France and Guyana. Additionally, it supports France’s goal of strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Guyana. The French Embassy in Georgetown is expected to open next year, further enhancing these efforts.
The introduction of Schengen visa processing at the French Consulate in Guyana is a positive development for both countries. Overall, the new service simplifies the visa application process, making it more accessible for Guyanese. More importantly, with continued collaboration and improvements, this initiative will strengthen the relationship between France and Guyana.
Photo: Freepik
