Visa applications doubled since French Embassy opened here – Ambassador

While visa-free travel remains a longer-term goal, visa applications from Guyanese seeking to travel to France and the wider European Union have doubled since the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown, according to Ambassador Olivier Plançon.

In an exclusive interview with News Room, the French Diplomat said the increase reflects both growing demand and the impact of allowing applications to be processed locally, removing a major barrier that previously required travel to Suriname.

“We have almost doubled the number of visas issued each year,” Plançon said, noting that annual approvals have moved from about 150 to roughly 350.

The increase follows a significant policy shift that now allows Guyanese to submit Schengen visa applications within Guyana.

Previously, applicants were required to travel to Paramaribo, Suriname, to complete the process, a costly and time-consuming step that discouraged many from applying.

With the new system, applications can be submitted in Georgetown, even though final processing is still handled through the French Embassy in Suriname.

Plançon linked the surge in applications to Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy and increased international engagement.

“As the Guyanese economy is developing, there is no doubt that there will be a growing demand for visas,” he said.

Guyana’s oil-driven growth and rising business activity have led to increased travel for work, education, and tourism, particularly to Europe.

Despite the increase, the ambassador acknowledged that demand still outpaces supply.

Visa processing remains a sensitive issue in Europe, where immigration policies are closely managed and politically debated.

“This is not an easy issue for us to handle,” Plançon said, while noting that France is working to respond to the growing demand.

Currently, visa applications in Guyana are accepted periodically, with applicants required to complete an online process and attend in-person appointments in Georgetown before documents are forwarded for processing.

“This shows the level of interest and connection between our people,” he said.