French Consulate in Algeria: “No change in the Schengen visa application deadlines”

Crazy rumors circulated in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris alleging a “suspension” or a “revision” of the Schengen visas. These rumors turned out to be utterly groundless as indicated by the French General Consulate in Algeria in a statement Sunday to “Echorouk”.

As a matter of fact, the French General Consulate of Algeria reassured Algerian visa applicants that nothing has changed despite the bloody events of last Friday that bereaved France.

Indeed, “TLS Contact” which is responsible for filing and withdrawing the visa has not changed its habits and is in no way responsible for Schengen visas freeze that allow all visa holders to move among all European countries and denied any connection between the terrorist attacks in Paris and the decision to freeze the Schengen visa, said the same source.

So, the procedures are maintained as they are, but what has changed is that border controls between European countries and France that are now more stringent for the sake of extra security.

“This does not mean that the borders are closed. These checks are carried out at road crossing-points, rail, sea and airport. Airports continue to operate. Air and rail links are ensured”.Our source added that in order to secure the granting of a tourist visa to enter the French territory, the applicant must justify a reservation in a hotel there, or a financial amount of 120 Euros per day for the duration of the stay.

Furthermore,  the applicants have the opportunity to obtain a visa for a year, but they’re compelled not to remain in a country of the Schengen area for more than ninety days, adding that 185,000 Algerians had their visas during the last ten months, that is an increase of over 80%.