No visa changes for travel to France

The Eiffel Tower is illuminated in the colors of the French flag. Photo: File

The Eiffel Tower is illuminated in the colors of the French flag. Photo: File

Published Nov 18, 2015

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Durban - The French visa policy concerning South Africa will remain the same, says ambassador Elisabeth Barbier, amid speculation following the country’s withdrawal from the Schengen Agreement.

Speaking at a press briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, Barbier said: “South Africans are more than welcome to visit France anytime, and to show that they, too, are not afraid,” after terror attacks in the capital city, Paris, which left more than 130 people dead.

The Schengen Agreement was signed 30 years ago and came into effect a decade later. The Schengen area comprises more than 22 EU member states which allow freedom of movement across their borders. These include countries such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Since the attacks on Friday, raids have been conducted and suspects questioned in Belgium.

Rennies Travel on Tuesday reiterated scrapping the Schengen visa was not on the cards.

“The French visa authorities in South Africa confirmed on Wednesday morning that Schengen visas remain in effect,” they said. They did, however issue an alert to South Africans flying to and from Paris to prepare for delays.

Despite airlines operating on schedule, tightening of security was likely to cause delays.

Air France said on Monday that “identity checks and baggage screening had been heightened in Europe – particularly for Schengen area passengers – following Friday’s attacks”, read its statement.

This included increased screening in airport terminals and exclusion areas put around aircraft.

Airports across Europe had also increased security.

“Though France is wounded, it will not yield. We will never surrender and let terrorists dictate who we are,” said a resolute Barbier.

Daily News

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