INTRODUCTION

In the system of "Schengen Agreement" visas, the Embassy of France in Uzbekistan represents the following states who arc members of the Schengen Agreement: Belgium, Iceland, Luxemburg, Netherlands and Portugal.
When the Embassy acts as a representation of another Schengen state, this Embassy is not authorized to refuse a visa. In case the Embassy comes to a conclusion that the sought after visa can not be issued, the Embassy recommends the applicant to approach the nearest consulate of the concerned country (i.e. Moscow for Uzbekistan) to apply for a visa. Visa applicants who visit several Schengen countries must apply for the visa at the diplomatic representation of the country in which they will stay the longest period.

Q.: What is the different types of visa used for entry to France?

A.: There are two main categories of visas. Schengen visas (short stay - the maximum duration of validity is 3 months) and visas for a longer period of stay, which arc National visas (i.e. visas which make it possible to obtain a resident permit in France). National visas allow their holders to pass in transit via another country of the Schengen agreement. With regards to visas sought by "AmCham" members it is mainly Schengen visas which are generally issued to businessmen. Such business visas are divided into two types:
- Transit visas (type B) which allow their holder to pass in transit through France. The applicant necessarily must possess a visa and a plane ticket for his country of destination.
- Visas of short stay (type C) which allow its bearer to stay in the space of the Schengen agreement.

Q.: What is the Shengen Agreement?

A.: A Schengen visa allows his/her beneficiary to move freely inside the Schengen space. For example, a traveler who obtained a single entry 15 day visa can travel from Tashkent to Paris and then may go to any other Schengen country with the single entry visa because the number of entries refers to the arrival in the Schengen space.

Q.: What is a National visa? What right docs it give and what are the restrictions or obligations?

A.: National visas for France mainly concern persons who have to go to France for a stay exceeding 3 months. Majority of such visas arc issued to students, to stock-brokers of the  French government, to international civil servants to be posted in France or to foreigner spouses of French citizens. They respond to very particular criteria.

Q.: What documents must the applicant submit when applying for a visa?

A.: The list of the documents to be presented for the obtaining of a business visa for France is available on the Internet site of the Embassy www.ambafrance-uz.org I draw the attention of the applicants to the obligation to possess a medical insurance policy for repatriation. In a general way the applicant must prove his social, occupational and financial situation in Uzbekistan and have an invitation from his partner in France. However, this list is adapted to the applicant's situation and differs as the case may be. For example, a businessman who officially represents in Uzbekistan a company located in France will be known by the economic mission of this embassy. On the other hand, an Uzbek company which wishes to make contact with entrepreneurs in France for the first time will be required to present supplementary information and guarantees, with regards to its situation in Uzbekistan and as well as about its contacts in France. The visa section and the economic represents in Uzbekistan a company located in France will be known by the economic mission of this embassy. On the other hand, an Uzbek company which wishes to make contact with entrepreneurs in France for the first time will be required to present supplementary information and guarantees, with regards to its situation in Uzbekistan and as well as about its contacts in France. The visa section and the economic mission of this Embassy work in close collaboration on business visa applications.

Q.: What is the content and form of and invitation required for a Shengen visa?

A.: The invitation must mention clearly the information relative to the invited guest, to his company and to the reasons for the visit. The company which invited the businessman to visit the France will have to send by fax to the Embassy a copy of the invitation and the original of which will be presented to the visa section by the visa applicant. For practical reasons, connected to the availability of foreign currencies, it is easier to process the application when the company who invites declares to take care of the travelers's expenses during the stay of the traveler.

Q.: Where and when does the applicant go to apply for a visa?

A.: The Embassy visa section is open every workday from 9.00 to 12.00 for the deposit of the applications. For the return of the passports, the applicants must present themselves on the same days between 17.00 and 18.00 hours. The visa section entrance is located on the side of the Embassy (25, Akhunbabaev str).