France tightens visa requirements for visiting overseas territories
The French government is tightening visa requirements for foreigners planning to visit the country's overseas territories.
This was stated by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG).
Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), and Wallis and Futuna are not part of the Schengen Area, so foreign citizens need a separate visa to visit them.
BIG believes that the additional visa procedures limit the ability of journalists, researchers, human rights defenders, and representatives of international organizations to visit these territories, which, according to the group, makes it more difficult to cover the consequences of French colonial policy.
As noted in the statement, the restrictions also hinder the development of tourism, the attraction of investment, business ties, and regional economic integration. As a result, the overseas territories continue to remain dependent on mainland France.
Source: Report
