Layan Damanhouri
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Schengen visa application process continues as normal, an official from the Consulate General of France in Jeddah told Saudi Gazette on Sunday, allaying concerns that the French authorities will suspend visa processing in the wake of the Paris attacks.
The French Embassy in Riyadh released an official statement indicating that France’s borders are not closed. Airports and rail services remain open.
However, controls will be carried out at all international road, rail, air and sea border crossing points.
The Embassy further stated that visa applications would continue to be received in Riyadh, Al-Khobar and Jeddah “with no change”.
Ambassador of France in Riyadh Bertrand Besancenot issued an official message following the Paris attacks stating that the Embassy does not have specific information regarding a threat on the French community in Saudi Arabia. The Embassy will, however, reinforce its security and safety measures.
The message states that the French community is advised to be on full alert, especially when moving about shopping centers, and to avoid crowded areas.
