ShareKUWAIT: The French Embassy to Kuwait inaugurated a newly renovated visa application center at Arraya Centre. During a press conference, the French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin emphasized France’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for Kuwaiti citizens and highlighting key improvements, including faster processing times, upgraded facilities, and an expanded customer support system.
“These improvements will make visiting France, whether for tourism, business, or study, even smoother. France offers unmatched potential and support for success. France is ready to welcome you,” the ambassador said.
With summer being the peak travel season, the ambassador urged Kuwaiti travelers to apply early to avoid delays. “Right now, processing times are between three to four days for Kuwaiti nationals, and appointments can be booked on the same day, making the entire process much faster. Applications must be complete to avoid rejection (which is rare, with a 0.5 percent refusal rate). Processing times vary, with summer applications taking up to nine weeks. To avoid delays, travelers are advised to apply early, up to six months in advance.” Additionally, the ambassador addressed visa policies for non-Kuwaiti applicants, noting that visa duration varies depending on the applicant’s profile.
More service counters
Visa applicants can visit the center to submit their applications for both short and long-stay visas. Appointments are mandatory and can be booked online. The visa center has been completely renovated to provide an enhanced user experience, improving the comfort and convenience of visa applicants. The new design is modern, warm and welcoming. The number of counters has increased from nine to 10 in the standard zone and from three to four in the VIP zone. New tailored services will soon be available, offering personalized solutions to meet the specific needs of each applicant. Among these services, a pre-verification of documents before the appointment will ensure that applications are complete, reducing processing time to less than five minutes at the center.
36,000 applications
The French ambassador highlighted France’s popularity among travelers from Kuwait. Offering a combination of culture, heritage, gastronomy, and luxury, the country remains among their top Schengen destinations. “From the vibrant streets of Paris to the serene landscapes of Divonne and thermal cities like Evian, to the French Riviera, there is something for every traveler,” he said.
He noted that in 2024, the French embassy processed over 36,000 visa applications from Kuwait, reaffirming France’s strong ties with Kuwait, citing the country’s enduring appeal for tourism, business, and education.
“It is encouraging to see the high number of travelers each year, particularly for tourism. Unlike other countries where travelers gradually build up to long-term visas, Kuwaiti applicants can now obtain a five-year visa from their very first application.”
The ambassador also emphasized France’s commitment to attracting Kuwaiti students. “Many universities and business schools in France now offer English-language programs, making it possible for non-French speakers to study in France,” he noted. He encouraged students to engage with Campus France, the official agency guiding foreign students through the application process.
