u/Accomplished_Age_706

Hi all, I'm a travelling solo for the first time to Paris and have decided to stay at The People Marais hostel. I'm flying in on the 17th October (coming Saturday).
I believe there is an aviation strike announced from 17th Oct to 21st Oct, so not even sure if my flight will go through/be cancelled.

Secondly, I found that the main student protest site (Bastille) is very close to my hostel. While I stand with all students and people of Paris protesting for their rights, I would like to ensure safety for the sake of my loved ones' back home.

Should I switch hostels to a different location - if yes, any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Or should I cancel my trip all together?

I would really appreciate candid responses, hope everyone keeps safe and enjoys their time in Paris. Thanks!

Hi all, I have submitted my visa application on 20th August at Mumbai VFS center. The application got forwarded to Dutch Embassy in Delhi on 24th August. My flight for Amsterdam departs on 19th September (in <10 days).

I have reached out to VFS, Netherlands Worldwide, have been tracking EES, Bluedart etc. but chances seem very bleak at this point.

Has anybody encountered this before and have any suggestion on:
a) how to formally flag the urgency to the embassy (email templates, contact points, etc.) or
b) if an expedited processing or an appeal is even possible this close to departure

I stand to lose a significant amount if I have to cancel my flights and other travel arrangements, so any guidance would mean a lot. Thanks in advance!