1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

The Schengen Visa - All you wanted to know

Discussion in 'Europe Wide Visa Discussions' started by Micawber, Apr 12, 2011.

  1. Anne
    Offline

    Anne Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    That's good to know. Thank you @Dav3&Ai5a and @Brom27 . I will keep an eye on their website then. It's not easy for me going to London just to apply. We need booking our accommodation for the family the day before the intended day.
  2. missQT
    Offline

    missQT Member

    Hi, for those who previously applied for Schengen visa, how many days it took to processed your visa?
    I am applying for Italian visa, in the VFS website it says will take 5-10 working days, just enough before my flight date, I'm a bit worried I won't get my visa on time. :confused:
  3. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    That's why they suggest you to apply early and that's why you can apply up to 3 months before your travel date to make sure you get your visa on time. My application took 5 days but I applied last February and I'm travelling next week.
  4. Anne
    Offline

    Anne Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Can anyone shed light on me with this, please?
    I am filling out the Schengen visa form and getting confused with what names I am going to put!

    My passport is in my maiden name (thanks to PH embassy who wouldn't let me change it to married name). So middle name is my mum's maiden last name. And I have 2 given names.

    So, the form requires 1.)Surname, then 2.) Surname at birth and 3.) Given names. I am compelled to put my married name in 1.) then maiden name in 2.)
    I am left hanging with where to put my 'middle' name as there is no space for it?
  5. bigmac
    Offline

    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    same names as in your passport. my wife hasnt updated her fili passport yet--so stll uses the names in it--although not my surname.
  6. Anne
    Offline

    Anne Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Still don't know where to put my middle name (mom's maiden name). Thinking of bringing an extra copy of the application form.
  7. Sateev
    Offline

    Sateev Member

    Hi Guys and Girls,

    I have booked a holiday for 4 weeks time, I have filled in the Schengen application, where can I book an appointment to go to the Spanish Embassy, I only seem to be able to find 3rd parties like this https://uk.blsspainvisa.com I understand the Visa is free but with these guys you must pay a processing fee. Is that the case? I don't mind paying the fee, but don't want to pay it if I can deal direct with the Embassy for free.

    Can anyone advise? Thanks in advance.
  8. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    You have to apply with BLS and pay the admin fee for using them. I don’t think you can apply direct with Embassy, I’m not sure. My friend recently applied for Schengen Visa for Spain and applied through BLS and paid a fee of around £20 I think. Same case with France, I applied a Schengen Visa with TLS and paid admin fee.
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Sanders
    Offline

    Sanders Banned

    It used to be VFS Global in Paddington. Presumably that has changed...
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2018
  10. menchu_edge
    Offline

    menchu_edge Active Member

    Why is it some are saying schengen visa is free if you're travelling with your spouse?
  11. Sanders
    Offline

    Sanders Banned

    Good question. It is free but they apply a processing charge. :D

    They charged us £16 about 3 years ago.

    And we paid £14.00 for the passport to be posted back to us by secure postage.
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2018
  12. Sanders
    Offline

    Sanders Banned

    Seems that the application centre has probably changed since 2015. The ever changing world of visa applications....
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2018
  13. menchu_edge
    Offline

    menchu_edge Active Member

    :erm: gonna check embassies websites
  14. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    It is free if you travel with your spouse but if you travel with your friends or alone you have to pay the fee. The lady who processed my application for (France) Schengen Visa told me that.
  15. Sanders
    Offline

    Sanders Banned

    But you had to pay a processing fee?
  16. Sanders
    Offline

    Sanders Banned

    Yes. I found Schengen visas very frustrating for a number of reasons:

    1) There was a fee even though it is supposed to be free, albeit a modest one.
    2) Depending on where you live, travelling to the issueing authorities offices was time consuming and costly. In our case it involved overnighting in a hotel on both occasions.
    3) You never knew for sure that you were going to get the Schengen visa until you got it, but had to book the holiday beforehand in advance.

    And was very pleased to see the back of them.
  17. menchu_edge
    Offline

    menchu_edge Active Member

    o_O Waiting for your answer for Sanders' question.
  18. menchu_edge
    Offline

    menchu_edge Active Member

    Number 2 is a real struggle :( any embassy near the North or midlands?
  19. Sanders
    Offline

    Sanders Banned

    Portugal used to process their Schengen visas in Manchester but they stopped that.
  20. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Yes you do. And if you are far from London, you have to pay for the courier to have your passport delivered. I paid just over £40 when I applied with TLS.
    • Informative Informative x 1

Share This Page