France: Information on what documentation would be required of a national of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) or the People's Republic of China upon entering France from Spain by train
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | FRA19438.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, France: Information on what documentation would be required of a national of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) or the People's Republic of China upon entering France from Spain by train, 1 January 1995, FRA19438.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac5ba.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Specific information could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB regarding what documentation would be required of a national of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) or the People's Republic of China upon entering France from Spain by train. However, the following information on the requirements for entry into France for nationals of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the People's Republic of China, might be of interest.
According to the February 1995 edition of the Travel Information Manual (TIM), nationals of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the People's Republic of China, wishing to travel to France, require a passport (124-25).
With regard to visa requirements, TIM indicates that South Korean nationals are exempted from the visa requirement (TIM Feb. 1995, 125). Chinese nationals, however, require a visa to enter France (ibid.).
According to an official at the consular section of the Embassy of the French Republic in Ottawa, requirements for entry into France for foreign nationals, including South Korean and Chinese nationals, vary considerably according to the reasons for entry (25 Jan. 1995). The official was unable to elaborate further on this subject.
With regard to transit requirements in France, the same consular official stated that nationals of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) do not require a transit visa to enter France unlike the nationals of the People's Republic of China, who do (25 Jan. 1995). A Chinese national wishing to go to Canada via France can obtain a transit visa for France at a French Embassy or consulate in his or her country's of residence (ibid.).
The official at the consular section of the French Embassy noted that given the existing free movement within Europe, immigration controls at French borders are now less restrictive (25 Jan. 1995). According to the same official, it is thus possible for foreign nationals to enter in France by train without being subject to document checks by French authorities (ibid.).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Embassy of the French Republic, Ottawa. 25 January 1995. Telephone interview with an official from the consular section.
Travel Information Manual (TIM) [Hoofddorp, The Netherlands]. February 1995.
Attachment
Travel Information Manual (TIM) [Hoofddorp, The Netherlands]. February 1995, pp. 124-28.
