The French authorities have said that the country would put an end to visa restrictions that currently apply to Morocco nationals.
The news on the lifting of visa restrictions was announced by France’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Catherine Colonna, after a meeting with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, held on Friday in Rabat, and the move means that France will no longer limit the number of visas issued to nationals of Morocco, VisaGuide.World reports.
Following talks with Minister Bourita, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the two countries are ready to begin a new chapter, suggesting that the rules will not be as strict as before.
According to Reuters, France said last year that it would limit the number of visas issued to Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, nationals as these three countries refused to take back their citizens who were illegally staying in France.
The same source explained that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco said that the decision of France to end the visa restrictions was unilateral, just like the one to introduce them.
Additionally, Reuters stressed that France has closer relations with France than with Algeria and Tunisia. At the same time, it highlighted that ties between the two countries declined following reports that the phone of France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, was part of the list of targets for surveillance.
The same source further noted that the improvement of relations between the two countries comes not long after these two played each other at Qatar’s World Cup. The match between the two was won by France and it is believed that this event brought clarity regarding the links between France and Morocco and their dual nationals.
Nationals of Morocco continue to be required to apply for a Schengen visa when wishing to reach the bloc as the country has not yet reached an agreement on visa liberalization with Schengen Area member states.
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa, and it permits everyone holding it to travel within the European Union for 90 days within any 180-day period.
Moroccans planning to reach the EU for travel purposes need to apply for a visitor visa.
Everyone applying for a Schengen visitor visa must submit the Schengen visa application form, a valid passport, identity photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of financial status, a Schengen visa cover letter, and copies of previous visas.
Depending on the employment status of those applying for a Schengen visa, additional documents may be required too.
>> Documents Required for a Schengen Visa
The post France to Put an End to Visa Restrictions Applying to Moroccans appeared first on VisaGuide.World.
