Schengen Visa Processing to be Available in Guyana with Opening of French Embassy

Schengen Visa Processing to be Available in Guyana with Opening of French Embassy

Schengen Visa Processing to be Available in Guyana with Opening of French Embassy

Schengen Visa Processing to be Available in Guyana with Opening of French Embassy

In a significant development set to alleviate travel hurdles for Guyanese citizens, the processing of Schengen visas will soon be accessible within Guyana itself. This news comes following the announcement of the opening of a French Embassy in Georgetown, slated for next year.

Currently, Guyanese nationals seeking to obtain Schengen visas – required for entry into numerous European countries – are obliged to travel to Suriname for visa processing. However, with the establishment of the French Embassy in Guyana, this cumbersome process will be eliminated, offering a more convenient avenue for European travel aspirations.

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes, expressed the profound impact this development will have, stating, “[Soon] if you want to travel to Europe, you can go next year to the French Embassy [in Georgetown] and get your Schengen visa here and you no longer have to go to Paramaribo, so that will be really be a big change for everyone who wants to visit Europe.”

The Schengen visa facilitates travel to Slovenia and any of the other 26 Schengen countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, allowing a stay of up to 90 days for non-Europeans.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has previously underscored the hindrance posed by visa processing procedures to business relations between Guyana and the EU. He has advocated for such services to be available within Guyana, a proposition that will soon materialize with the opening of the French Embassy.

The embassy’s establishment marks a significant milestone, making France the first EU country to have diplomatic representation at this level in Guyana. The joint communique between Guyana and France highlighted its potential to bolster cooperation across various sectors, particularly in areas where French expertise is esteemed.

Furthermore, the embassy’s presence is expected to enhance ties between Guyana and French Guiana, as well as strengthen relations between France and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), headquartered in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Guyana is actively pursuing Schengen visa-free travel, with support from at least five EU countries. President Ali noted the importance of enhancing Guyana’s passport system through biometrics and e-passport technology to facilitate global travel seamlessly.

As Guyana progresses towards enhancing its travel infrastructure and diplomatic relations, the opening of the French Embassy signifies a pivotal step towards fostering greater connectivity and cooperation between Guyana, Europe, and the wider Caribbean region.

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