French embassy Laos. Try to avoid.
I came with a friend to the French embassy at Vientiane - Laos to request for a visa.
My friend had all needed information and met every required criteria.
I was not allowed to accompany my friend. No waiting room so had to wait and stand outside in the hot street.
When my friend came out from the embassy we spoke together for a minute, I smelled a potential visa problem coming up.
So respectfully asked the person at the counter outside permission to enter one minute and give an explanation to the relevant officer.
This would have solved the situation right away!! One minute together with the officer would have been enough, no kidding.
Entrance was refused and got the answer: "send an e-mail".
So in the street I called the consular department where an impolite woman bluntly interrupted my request by ordering: "send an e-mail".
Even when I emphasized the importance of direct action, there was not any sign of cooperation or empathy. "Send an e-mail", the only answer they know.
That e-mail was sent within the hour, but had no effect, because it seems they already had decided.
Not even having the patience to wait for my e-mail to arrive.
Days later we only got a written one-line refusal with a rather arrogant answer mentioning that they are souvereign in their decision making and that we can send a complaint to head office in France.
And you guessed right: we did send a registerd letter to France. And you guessed right again: this letter has never been answered!
I am not the only one. In the street outside the embassy I met several other people who "enjoyed" the same French hospitality. So this is not an incident.
The negative result of power and monopolism, shown to paying customers, who did their best to meet all requirements and repectfully visit this place.
Time for a new and customer friendly contact!