The country of France is taking an important decision regarding its border control policies. According to the latest update, the France border control will extend till the next year i.e., 2025. The authorities of the France have already informed the European Commission that the border controls with the neighboring countries will not come to an end on the 31st of October 2024. Most of the countries that surround the France are Schengen countries. Read on to know how the border rules are going to change and if they will affect travellers planning to apply for France Schengen visa.
Why is France Border Control getting Extended?
One of the major reasons for extending the border controls is the threat of irregular migration and terrorism.
The official notification from France to the European Commission states that France is witnessing a growing presence of criminal networks. This is resulting in the promotion of irregular migration and smuggling. Apart from this, there is a security issue to due high-level terrorist activities.
All of this can result in challenges to the public order, public policy and the internal security.
Another reason that the France has stated is the irregular movements on the North Sea borders and the Channel. Apart from these, there are reports of violence increasing amongst the migrants in the northern coastal areas. These include the Dunkirk and Calais.
All of these additional policies are being implemented to ensure that residents and travellers will have a hassle-free time visiting the France. So, if you are booking a France Schengen Visa appointment to come to the France, you should have no issues entering the France for your visit purposes!
France Border Controls Have Been in Place for Over a Decade
France first implemented the border controls in the year 2015. After the 15th November terrorist attack on Paris, the French government information the European Commission about placing a temporary border control mechanism from 14th December 2015. This was supposed to end on the 26th of May 2016. However, these border controls systems have witnessed numerous extensions.
In fact, the European Commission received notifications almost 20 times regarding the extension of the border control systems.
Also check, France or Germany – Which Schengen Visa Do Foreign Nationals Apply for?
The Border Controls by Schengen Countries are Legal
According to the Schengen Borders Code (SBC), the member states of the EU can introduce border controls that are temporary. However, one thing that all these countries must note is that these control systems are like a last-resort. They can only be implemented under extraordinary circumstances. The countries can also extend the border controls, according to the SBC guidelines.
However, all these border checks are in place to ensure a hassle-free stay for the residents and the visitors. Therefore, if you are planning to apply for France visa from UK, you can proceed rightaway to get your visa in time. This will allow you to smoothly travel to the France and other Schengen countries.