KUWAIT CITY, Feb 15: French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin confirmed that France continues to rank as the leading Schengen destination for Kuwaitis and expatriates, with statistics showing sustained and strong demand for travel to the country. During a media briefing, Ambassador Gauvin – along with representatives of Capago, the French visa application center and the Consular Section staff in the Embassy of France—presented the latest visa application figures. They disclosed that in 2023, the embassy handled 42,000 visa applications. Although projections for 2024 and 2025 indicated a slight decline to about 36,000 applications per year (with an estimated 36,500 in 2025), the Ambassador explained that this reduction does not mean diminished interest in travel.

He attributed the decrease stems to the enforcement of a new European regulation introduced in 2023, which eases travel for Kuwaiti nationals by granting five-year multiple-entry visas, provided their passports meet the required validity criteria. He stressed that this is a significant measure, as it removes the need for Kuwaiti travelers to apply for visas in successive stages -- practice still required in some other countries. He said applicants are now able to receive a five-year visa in one step, on the condition that their passport remains valid for the full duration of the requested visa period plus an additional three months. He also underscored the exceptionally low rejection rate for Kuwaiti applicants, which stands at no more than 0.2 percent. He pointed out this contrasts sharply with the anticipated overall rejection rate of about 2.6 percent for all nationalities in 2025, proving the strong level of confidence and reliability associated with Kuwaiti travelers.

He clarified that these statistics apply to shortterm Schengen visas, which allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day timeframe. In addition, he affirmed that France warmly welcomes Kuwaiti students who want to pursue higher education through long-stay visas. He stated that students must start their application process at the Campus France Office located within the French Institute in Jabriya before moving to the final visa application stage. He revealed that the embassy processes an average of 150 visa applications per day, indicating the number increases to as many as 300 during the peak summer season.

He acknowledged that the surge in summer applications inevitably results in extended waiting periods, with appointment scheduling potentially reaching four weeks or more and processing times extending to nearly one month. To ease seasonal congestion and provide applicants with a smoother experience, he strongly recommended submitting applications six months ahead of the intended travel date, in line with the standard allowable application timeframe. He also affirmed improvements in the appointment scheduling system, particularly the introduction of online prepayment. “This measure aims to reduce missed appointments and noshows, thereby, improving the management and reallocation of available appointment slots to other applicants,” he added. With regard to visas for domestic workers accompanying their employers, he clarified that eligibility is based on the nationality worker rather than that of the employer.

“This visa category requires additional documentation, including a comprehensive employment contract specifying the duration of service, salary and year of employment. Applicants must also submit proof of health insurance and confirm compliance with mandatory social security contributions in France,” he elaborated. He emphasized that the authorized duration of stay for a domestic worker visa differs from that of the sponsor’s visa, and strict compliance with the approved period is required, as any overstay may negatively affect future visa applications. He stressed the necessity of applying through the country that is the primary or initial destination within the Schengen Area.

“If France is the principal or longest-stay destination, the application must be lodged with the French embassy. If another Schengen country is the primary destination, the application should be filed with that country’s embassy,” he expounded. He warned that failure to adhere to this requirement may result in questioning or complications upon entry, as border authorities are entitled to verify that the visa was issued by the appropriate country corresponding to the travel itinerary. On passport renewal, he said a visa remains valid in the old passport until its expiration date. “If a new passport is issued—whether due to filled pages or any other reason—the traveler must carry both the old and new passports, since the visa is linked to the number of the old passport,” he stated.

He also pointed out that two valid visas cannot be held at the same time, except in certain circumstances involving long-stay visas. He reiterated that applications must be submitted only through the officially authorized center in coordination with the embassy. He cautioned applicants against relying on agencies or intermediaries who claim to accelerate procedures for additional fees, asserting that such claims do not influence processing times or visa decisions.

He urged applicants to ensure the accuracy of the information they provide and to assume full responsibility for their data, as inaccuracies may complicate the application file or lead to refusal. Regarding visa issuance procedures, the ambassador emphasized that securing an appointment is mandatory, as walk-in submissions are not accepted. “Applicants are required to complete the online submission process before booking an appointment to visit the application center with all the necessary documents. Personal attendance is compulsory for biometric fingerprint collection.

However, children under 12 years of age and individuals whose fingerprints have been recorded within the past 59 months are exempt from this requirement. The fingerprints of holders of five-year visas may expire before the visa itself expires, making re-registration necessary when submitting a new application,” he said.. Meanwhile, Haroun Yamani, Director of Operations at Capago, announced that during Ramadan, passport collection will be from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, seven days a week, with possible minor adjustments to the application submission timings.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff