Saudi citizens are now able to schedule walk-in appointments for France Schengen visas at two designated centers.
Here are the key points:
- Saudi citizens are now eligible to apply for a France Schengen visa without needing to schedule an appointment beforehand.
- Walk-in appointments are available at the VFS centers located in Riyadh and Dammam.
- Saudi nationals who fulfill the necessary criteria will receive five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas.
Here's the paraphrased version:
"Starting May 7, 2024, citizens of Saudi Arabia can now apply for a France Schengen visa directly at two VFS centers without needing a prior appointment. The Embassy of France in Riyadh has confirmed that walk-in appointments are accepted at the VFS centers situated in Riyadh and Dammam.
These walk-in appointments for the France Schengen visa are offered free of charge, except for the visa processing fee of €80 and the VFS service fee. The Embassy has allocated 100 slots per day at the Riyadh VFS center and 50 slots per day at the Dammam VFS center to accommodate the demand. Since appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis, applicants are encouraged to arrive early.
Additionally, all Saudi nationals applying for walk-in Schengen visa appointments must have their complete application files ready. Furthermore, as part of a recent decision by the EU, Saudi passport holders, including first-time applicants, will now receive five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas. This new visa policy, effective April 23, 2024, allows Saudis to enter the Schengen Area multiple times within a five-year validity period, provided they adhere to the 90/180-day rule, which limits their stay to 90 days within any 180-day period.