Circulation Visa - French Consulate

[cs95tdg]

I have a few questions, which are somewhat related to the discussion thread below, but I didn't want to hijack the Op's thread, so have created a separate one here.

http://www.immigrationboards.com/europe ... 77100.html

Similar to the above poster. I have been issued a circulation Schengen visa by the French consulate in London, but with a 2 year validity period. My application was based on a travel plan which consisted of 2 trips to France in January & April next year. With my application I submitted supporting documents for my first trip (3 days) and then included a cover letter providing an explanation of the travel plan for April (6 days) in the south of France. In my letter I requested a multiple entry visa which would permit me to enter the Schengen area over the coming year, as I hope to take short weekend breaks over the summer next year.

I now have a few questions:

1) As the visa is valid from this month I am now considering taking a short break to Switzerland over the Christmas/New year period; would this pose a problem? I.e. Because this was not in my original travel plan and the visa was issued by the French consulate.

2) I was not expecting to be issued with a 2 year visa, as both former Schengen visas issued to me this year were short stay visas valid for 3 months from the date of travel; the first was for business travel (German consulate) & the second was for tourism (Finnish consulate). But given that I have been issued a visa with a longer validity period it is likely that I will travel more than initially planned on it - I.e. not just over the summer next year. In the event that France now no longer ends up being my main destination, at the end of the two years - is this going to pose a problem when it comes to the time I need to apply for a further Schengen visa again in 2 years time? I don't know what the rules are when it comes to circulation visas that are valid for several years, rather than months. I.e. Other than the initial travel, subsequent travel cannot be predicted, therefore you may end up visiting another country more than the one you initially applied for your visa from. (I.e. The main destination may very well change over a longer period of time). Can anyone point me to a official source I can refer to, to get clarity around this? Apologies if this has already been answered on this forum & I have missed it.

3) In addition to my travel for leisure, I may also have to travel for business purposes (Schengen area, though not to France) occasionally over the next 2 years. As my visa is a type C visa (no remarks on the visa, other than, it is a circulation visa) my understanding is that I should be able to travel on it. Can anyone confirm if my understanding is correct? I never included business travel in my visa application, as I do not have any planned at present, and it's never planned months ahead of time. But given that this visa is now valid for 2 years the question came to mind. I am raising it here in the event anyone is able to provide input, based on knowledge or personal experience.

[ban.s]

1 you can travel during the validity of the visa. Though Switzerland was not part of your original plan but i believe it should not be any issue later assuming you also visit to france as per your original itinerary. As i mentioned in the other thread, a stamp on the passport only proves the first point of entry and last point of departure in the schengen area. E.g. lot of people travel to France via Geneva or Basel airports – so Swiss stamps on passport could be for genuine visit to France.

2 the concept of main destination is for the purpose of visa application – to determine the competent member state that would be examining and deciding on the application. Once circulation visa is granted (validity 1-5 year, duration of stay = 90), you are free to travel in the schengen area for max period upto 90 days per 180 day period. IMO the french are known to be the most liberal with schegen visas - so enjoy your travel.

3 short stay for business purpose such as conference, meeting, training or exploratory business is allowed as long as it’s not a paid employment in that country

[cs95tdg]

Appreciate the quick response and your input.

Regarding the trip to Switzerland, as I do not intend to visit France during this trip, would the Swiss border potentially question why I am entering Switzerland first, using a Schengen visa that was issued by the French consulate?

Technically I can see that it shouldn't matter, because my main destination need not be the first port of entry. But I think I recall seeing someone on this forum facing a problem and being refused entry in a similar scenario, though I don't think the countries were neighbouring each other in that case.

I suppose my explanation would be exactly as it is, that I will be visiting France later in January.

[ban.s]

in theory the border official can ask such questions so yes, explain your future france trip plans.
Please ensure you are carrying medical insurance covering the swiss trip (in case you bought an insurance commencing from planned france trip date)

[cs95tdg]

Thanks once again. Travel/medical insurance will be fine, as I have annual cover.