Want a Schengen visa? French envoy shares tips on raising your chances | ABS-CBN
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Want a Schengen visa? French envoy shares tips on raising your chances
Want a Schengen visa? French envoy shares tips on raising your chances
The Olympic flag flutters during a practice session at Eiffel Tower Stadium in Paris on July 24, 2024, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Odd Andersen, AFP
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MANILA — French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel on Tuesday shared several tips on how Filipinos could increase their chances of getting a visa to one of Europe’s most visited destinations.
MANILA — French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel on Tuesday shared several tips on how Filipinos could increase their chances of getting a visa to one of Europe’s most visited destinations.
The diplomat dished out several pieces of advice as Air France announced that it would operate direct flights between the Philippines and France starting in December.
The diplomat dished out several pieces of advice as Air France announced that it would operate direct flights between the Philippines and France starting in December.
“You have to plan in advance. You have to take a long time before applying,” Fontanel told reporters.
“You have to plan in advance. You have to take a long time before applying,” Fontanel told reporters.
Among the top reasons why Filipinos are denied visas from France is the submission of incomplete requirements, the Ambassador said.
Among the top reasons why Filipinos are denied visas from France is the submission of incomplete requirements, the Ambassador said.
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“We see that some documents are missing and that’s generally the principal, the first reason why the process is slow or rejected is because information are missing,” she explained.
“We see that some documents are missing and that’s generally the principal, the first reason why the process is slow or rejected is because information are missing,” she explained.
Fontanel said if an applicant's files are not complete, it is almost certain that Paris will reject the visa request.
Fontanel said if an applicant's files are not complete, it is almost certain that Paris will reject the visa request.
In 2023, the French Embassy in Manila issued 34,000 visas for Filipinos, the diplomat said.
In 2023, the French Embassy in Manila issued 34,000 visas for Filipinos, the diplomat said.
“My best advice is to take the time in advance, get well informed and please have a comprehensive file. That might help,” she added.
“My best advice is to take the time in advance, get well informed and please have a comprehensive file. That might help,” she added.
A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to visit several European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to visit several European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland are part of the Schengen Area. Non-EU states Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have also joined the Schengen Area.
Most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland are part of the Schengen Area. Non-EU states Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have also joined the Schengen Area.
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