No bar on entry into France for Indians holding Schengen Visa

Despite going through a torrid phase in the aftermath of Paris serial terror strikes, France maintained its composure and allowed entries of Indian nationals holding a valid Schengen visa.

However, in line with the Schengen Area's rules, and for security reasons, France has restored systematic checks at its borders with immediate effect, an advisory said.

French consular services across India continued to function normally throughout the day and were issuing visas for France to Indian nationals on usual basis.

For Indian journalists in urgent need of visa to cover the unfolding tragedy, the French Embassy in New Delhi exceptionally opened its office on Saturday for two hours from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Visas were delivered on the spot to journalists having all the necessary documents.

French embassy said that at this stage, no Indian national has been identified among the casualties.

Ambassador of France, François Richier, expressed deep gratitude for the numerous messages of support received from Indian citizens of all walks of life and opinions.

He also thanked Indian authorities for beefing up the security measures of French diplomatic and institutional premises.

Meanwhile, French authorities have closed the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and other top tourist sites in Paris until further notice following deadly terror attacks.

A Louvre spokeswoman said the museum opened as normal Saturday with enhanced security, but was ordered closed by the Culture Ministry after President Francois Hollande called for national day of mourning. Isabelle Esnous, a spokeswoman for the Eiffel Tower, said the monument did not open as a security precaution.

The Culture Ministry said "public cultural sites" were closed in the Paris region Saturday, without specifying.

At least 127 people died in Friday night's rampage of shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a slaughter inside a concert hall. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.

Helplines
An information phone line for tourists and visitors in Paris has been established: +33 (0) 1 45 55 80 00 – Indian Embassy in Paris: +33 (0) 1 40 50 70 70