Frequently asked questions

All documents requested must be original. If not in French or English, they must be officially translated. This translation must be certified as a true copy (bear an official stamp of approval) by either your Embassy/ Consulate or by the legalisation bureau of the Foreign Office in Kuwait .

The Visa Section recommends visa nationals to conserve their hotel invoices to prove their stay in France .

All documents requested must be less than 1 month old.

You are advised to bring your expired passports (if applicable) when you lodge your visa application.

Why do I need another visa to travel to France ?
If your country is not part of the Schengen group of countries, you may need a Schengen visa to travel. Please go to “Required Files” for further information.

I have a valid visa to reside in a Schengen country. Do I need another visa to travel to France ?
No, as a resident in a Schengen country, you may travel freely within the Schengen space until the expiry date of your residency permit.

Can I use my Schengen visa, issued by the French Consulate, to travel to Spain ?
A Schengen visa allows its holder to travel freely within the Schengen Space. So, as long as you were granted a multiple entry Schengen visa and that it is still valid, you may travel to the other Schengen countries. However, please note that you should always apply at the consulate of your main destination, so ensure you do travel to France with the Schengen visa the French Consulate has issued you.

Why does it take so long for some nationalities to obtain their Schengen visas?
Before issuing a Schengen visa, the French Consulate General must consult the other Schengen partners. Applications are forwarded to France for this consultation, a lengthy but compulsory procedure. Be advised that this consultation will occur every time you apply for a visa.

My child, under 18, is travelling to France with friends. Can he apply for his visa himself?
No, he/she will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult to lodge his Schengen visa application.

My Kuwaiti residency is not stamped onto my passport. Is it a problem?
The French Consulate General follows the international practice and will therefore not issued visas to passports not holding the requisite stamp. However, if your residency stamp is in an expired passport, you may apply for your visa and travel as long as you produce both passports.

Where can I purchase a medical travel insurance ?
Al Qabas Assurex can provide you any kind of insurance. The French Consulate General only accepts travel insurance packages issued by recognised companies.

My bank only issues statement once every 3 months and I read that to lodge a visa application, documents must be less than 1 month old. What can I do?
You will need to produce the last official statement the bank sent you, a mini-statement or an internet print-out, your card as well as your payslips (if applicable).

I am going to Andorra . Should I apply for my visa at the French or Spanish Consulate?
If you are flying to a French airport, then you should apply at the French Consulate.

How long will the visa valid for ? Can I get a visa that will allow me several trips to the Schengen area ?
We are unable to predict the validity of the visa you may be granted before studying your application : the decision will be made by the visa officer on the day you apply.

I am a Kuwaiti resident. My parents are coming to visit me and we are thinking of travelling to France . Can they apply for their Schengen visas at the French Consulate, Kuwait ?
People are advised to apply for their Schengen visas in their country of residence before travelling to Kuwait .