Acquiring a Schengen Visa
Schengen Visa is a short stay visa that allows you to enter any state of the Schengen Region. The internal border controls have disappeared; there are no or few stops and checks. This means that internal air, road and train travel are considered domestic trips which is similar to having a US visa of which you can travel from one US state to the other. So once you have this visa, you can travel to the different states in Europe who took part of the Schengen Agreement. Currently there are 15 member countries of the European Union. The 15 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members. Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland are not part of the Schengen Visa Agreement.
Many people think it is difficult to get a Schengen Visa. Not if you have the means to prove that you can sustain your stay and that you have reasons to go back from your place of origin. It was easy for me to get schengeone. Probably because I have a family there and family reunification is a good basis to be granted for a visa. Even without a family who resides there, it is still not very difficult to acquire one.
Where to apply for a Schengen Visa?
It actually depends on the place(s) that you want to visit. If you will only be visiting 1 Schengen country, apply at the Embassy or Consulate of that country. If you plan to visit more than 1 Schengen country, you have to file your application to the Embassy or Consulate of your main destination. If you plan to visit several Schengen country and don’t have a main destination, apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first port of entry. To find your nearest Embassy or Consulate of your destination, click on the links below:
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
The Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Spain
SwedenWhat are the Requirements?
Requirements may vary depending on your purpose of travel-tourism or business. It also vary depending where you will make your application. To be certain, visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate of whose jurisdiction you reside. I have summarized below the common requirements needed for acquiring a Schengen Visa through the Netherlands Embassy in the US. You may need more or less of these requirements:
- A completed Visa Application. The form can be completed and printed online but you have to sign the form in front of the visa officer.
- Passport or official travel document recognized by the Schengen countries, with a validity that exceeds the intended stay of the applicant by at least 3 months.
- If you are applying from the US, Original Alien Registration Card (Green Card). If you do not have an alien registration card, a Greencard Stamp in your passport, an Advance Parole, or a valid US Visa together with the valid I-94 departure record must be provided. Students should also submit an original validated I-20, DS-2019 or IAP-66.
- One recent passport photograph, full face, which show a clear and exact likeness of the applicant. Photo must be taken against a plain, light background with good contrast, in color or black & white, clear and of good quality, printed on normal photographic paper (without sunglasses or head covering, unless it is on account of religious or medical reasons).
Children travelling with their parents on their parent’s passport do need their own visa with photo (free of charge). Therefore, applicants should also submit one recent passport size photographs for every child travelling with them. Please make sure that you have enough pages to affix the visa’s for you and your child(ren). - Proof that you can proceed to the next country after you have visited the Schengen countries, i.e. confirmed itinerary / airline reservation or airline ticket and required visa. When you bring a confirmed itinerary / airline reservation at the time of your visa application, the actual airline ticket has be shown if your visa has been approved. Important: if you are not sure that your visa will be approved, do not buy an airline ticket yet, bring a confirmed airline reservation which can be cancelled.
- Proof of sufficient funds for your intended stay: 3 recent monthly bank statements and/or signed travelers checks.
- Original letter of employment or 3 recent pay stubs. If you are self employed a business license and tax return forms are required.
- Proof establishing the purpose of your trip: When visiting relatives or friends, please submit an official invitation letter issued and certified by a City Hall in the Netherlands and a copy of the relatives’ or friends’ Dutch passport or valid Dutch residence card. If they are paying for your expenses proof of financial means is required from your reference person in the Netherlands (e.g. salary statements, recent bank statements, etc.). For tourism, please submit confirmed hotel reservations, stating name, address and telephone number of the hotel, including confirmation number and/or proof of group travel participation, etc. If the purpose of your trip is business, please present a letter of support from the company concerned in the Netherlands, and a letter from your employer stating your position within the company and the reason for your business travel to the Netherlands. Either letter should clarify who is responsible for expenses and where you will be staying (such as an hotel reservations).
- Medical health/travel insurance that meets the following criteria: It is valid throughout Schengen territory. It is valid during the entire period that you will be in Schengen territory. The coverage is at least €30.000 (US $45.000). The coverage includes repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical care and/or emergency treatment in a hospital.
- Cash or money order for the visa fee. Check on the embassy or consulate for the current fees.
N.B.: As in any other important situation, as a responsible citizen you are advised to check your files carefully before applying. All the documents that you present to the Consulate might be requested by the border Police before entering the Schengen State.
Processing time:
It is essential to allow yourself sufficient time when applying for a Schengen visa. Make your plans accordingly because the process of getting a Schengen visa may take up to 4 weeks, sometimes even longer.
Processing fee:
Application fees €60 not refundable in case of cancellation or denial. Check on your embassy to know the exact amount in your local currency
Schengen visas are issued free of charge to:
The spouse and to the children under 21 years of age of a European Union national or of a EEA national.
Children under 6 years.
School pupils, students, post graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose of study or educational training.
Researchers from third countries traveling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research.
Visa fee reduced or waived:
In individual cases, the amount of the fee to be charged may be waived or reduced in accordance with national law when this measure serves to promote cultural interests as well as interests in the field of foreign policy, development policy, other areas of vital public interest or for humanitarian reasons.
A fee reduction or waiver for nationals of a third country may also be the result of a visa facilitation agreement concluded between the European Community and that third country consistent with the Community’s overall approach to visa facilitation agreements.
Important notes
There is no legal right to a visa.
A later change of the purpose of the visit is NOT permited.
The total duration of one stay, or of several consecutive stays cannot exceed 3 months per semester in the Schengen-territory.
Applicants may be requested to submit additional documents.
Even though you can travel with one visa between Schengen countries, it is safer to carry your passport and any other identification with you. Countries like Sweden and Finland still maintain customs control at their borders.
Providing all the requested documents does not guarantee the issuance of the visa.
Documents received by fax or e-mail are not accepted.
Passport pickup:
At the end of the application process, your passport can be picked up at the Consulate of the Schengen country to which you have applied.
There are some countries that can provide another service if you ask them. If you want your passport returned by mail, you must provide a self-addressed return envelope with enough stamps on it when you apply.
Schengen visa extension
A visa may only be extended if new facts have arisen since the visa was issued. A visa extension may not result in the duration of the stay exceeding 90 days. Applications to extend a visa have very powerful reasons to undertake this action, humanitarian grounds or serious occupational or personal reasons. The authority may charge a fee for extending visas.
Appealing against a Schengen visa denial
Appeals should be exercised in accordance to the law of the Schengen State which has rejected the application.
A Schengen visa may be denied if the applicant’s name shows in the Schengen Infomation System (SIS) with a “deny entry†alert no matter which of the Schengen member states issued this alert.
In case of a inaccurate alert, you might want to refer to the court of the state which has issued the alert.
Disclaimer: This entry does not apply to everyone. This is only to give you an idea how to apply for a Schengen Visa. If you have any questions, just leave a comment below.
Jacy,
Does this work only for people who live in Europe or for
people from US and other countries visiting Europe?
Reply
Jacy,
I have been thinking, for awhile, about going back to
church and attending mass. I’ve missed for a long time.
Your last post made me really consider it more.
Thanks.
Reply
Deb,
For US citizens, you don’t need a visa to visit Europe. As long as you have your passport and maybe they will ask for a return ticket, you are automatically allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 months and can travel Europe with no problem.
Reply
Debbie,
Regarding your second comment, I wish we live closer so we can go to church together. It would be nice to have some company who willfully want to go. Think about it, Deb. When you do, just think that I am too in the church.
Reply
Jacy,
I know what you mean. When my hubby was alive, he didn’t want to go
to church either. I went alone, except for a few times. That got old real
fast. When I am single and I go alone it’s not so bad. But when you
are married and he doesn’t go, it’s lonely.
Sorry I’m not moving but in the end I decided not to move
because of things that just wouldn’t work for me. For one
my bird Kiwi would have had very little freedom and parrots
need a certain amount of free time outside their cage everyday
in order to be healthy birds. They wanted me to guarantee he’d
never poop on the floor. right?!
and moving a bird like that over a long distance can actually
kill the bird because it stresses it out too much. i wasn’t
willing to do all this to my baby.
and for me, i’d have had to pull up my roots here and
the thought of moving everything, me and tigger and kiwi
became too much and i stressed out very badly and became
ill. i don’t need to be sick.
i really do miss the spiritual person i used to be.
there are things i threw out because they just
didn’t work anymore but i think i threw the baby
out with the bathwater.
hugz
there are tons of “i miss you” messages on
your multiply. folks really miss you sweety.
Reply
Deb,
Thanks for the message. I know there are a lot of things to consider if you move. We want to make things will be okay if not better or else we will just regret making such decision. You and your baby find that place your home there and that’s what matters most.
Reply
jacy,
hey guess what? it’s been 5 days of agonizing waiting but the css box
is fixed! yea! there are still html issues but they are working on it.
i hope this never happens again!
Reply
have a nice week. lotsa hugz for you.
Reply
that’s a good news. unfortunately, i’ve been enjoying the outdoors for the past days. TS and I have been visiting places and loving Minnesota the more!
Reply
I’d like to infom you that I’ve received a schengen visa from Norwegian Embassy in my residence area. So, Can I enter Sweden first, then Norway?
Thanks
Cyrus
Reply
hello Cyrus!
congratulations that you got a Schengen Visa. Yes, you can enter Sweden first or any other schengen state before you go to Norway. i hope you will have lots of fun. take care!
simplyJacy
Reply
Wat r u guyz talking about deb,jacy?deb u r pretty n decent 4 sure n u j,i tink u r just a play boy,but please,hw do i get a schengen visa???
Reply
Jacy Reply:
November 29th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
we were talking about “off-topic”. sorry for that Taymee.
Reply
Thanks jay.i got ur response.am presently in west africa,how do i apply 4rm here?can i get it done online?am a very busy here pal,n am tinking bout spending my xmas vacation in some of the schengen countries,i will luv 2 start wit greece.Hey debby,luv 4 u 4rm africa.taymee
Reply
Jacy Reply:
November 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
hi Taymee!
you will have to make the application along with the required documents in person. you can download the application form online though.
you will have to apply at the embassy where it is your main destination. if you spend the most time in greece or if it is the port of entry, then you should go ahead and make your application in the Greek Embassy or consulate.
everything is written above just read it careful or you can visit the Greek Embassy online.
Reply
Dear Jacy,
Thanks for the wonderful idea of this blog!!
I had a very dissappointing experience at Italian Embassy. I am an Indian with a secure job I want to attend a School at Milan for 4-5 months for my skill upgradation and resume my duties with my employer. With this purpose I sought admission, paid fee and insurance ,applied Visa and submitted my document at Embassy. Was called for interview but my Passport came back without any Rejection / Acceptance Stamping !!!
I am totally blank, I dont know what to do since my course starts in Jan and i am already running in the middle of Dec.
Kindly advise.
Reply
Jacy Reply:
December 13th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I’m sorry to hear about this, Monika. The best way to do about your situation is to contact your embassy regarding your concern. I can only make speculations so it is best to contact them. They have either thought they have stamped it but forgot about it or otherwise. I wish you good luck on this.
Reply
Good site. Thanks.
Reply
Jacy Reply:
December 14th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
you’re welcome. hope you’ll stop by again.
Reply
hey i got abuddy of mine who got schengen visa but doesnt want to travel now. wat will happen??
Reply
Jacy Reply:
December 31st, 2008 at 12:07 am
his visa will eventually expire and when it does and he decides to travel, he might need to acquire a new one.
Reply
ckoiE1 Thanks for good post
Reply
I am Indian citizen with a french student residence expired on 31 December last year.
I am accepted in Finland as student. But for applying for Finland from France, I need valid visa of France. Do you think that I should apply from India now?
Reply
Jacy Reply:
January 16th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I think the best thing is for you to apply in India. But that’s just my 2 cents. Try to call your embassy if they can make an exception.
Reply
Hi Jacy ! My Schengen Visa is valid till 14th of February and I have a flight on that day .What will will happen if the flight gets cancelled.Please advise.
Reply
Jacy Reply:
February 4th, 2009 at 12:01 am
If you passed through the Border Control for the flight and then it gets cancelled, you will have to stay in that area since you won’t be allowed entry especially if you’re visa is just single entry.
Reply
hi jacy! i just want to ask if a green card holder, US immigrant and are now living in the phillipines can apply in French Embassy in the Philippines for Schengen Visa instead of going back to the US?
Reply
Jacy Reply:
February 5th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
hi Jovz!
sure you can especially that you are still a Philippine passport holder. the green card will only be necessary if you apply in the US. this is to prove that you are a resident because they only accept application from residents.
Reply
I have a multiple entry schengen visa valid till 14th of February.What will happen if the flight is cancelled on that day before check in.
Reply
Jacy Reply:
February 5th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
after that date, your visa will expire. that means you can no longer stay or go back inside the Schengen territory. if the flight is cancelled on that day, you have no choice but to exit Schengen or you will be staying there illegally and it will affect your future application.
Reply
Good day can i ask something? how can a Philippine Citizen obtain a Greek Residence Permits?
Reply
Hi, Jacy I’m I am a Philippine Citizen, and I do have friend in Greece that has his own company. What are the requirements for me to obtain a multiple Visa or a residence permit from Greece? I hope you can advice me as per my guidelines. you may sent to [email protected]. Thanks…
Reply
I am studying german language in innsbruck, Austria on 90 days visa. Actually I was enrolled in such a short course as it was not clear by that time if it will work with me. Now I feel that I will be sucessful in the language all along. Is it possible to extend my student visa after applying for the new 180 days course and bringing the confirmation letter from the school(a different one in vienna)
Reply
Jacy Reply:
March 15th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
if you stay for more than 90 days in the schengen territory, you will need to apply for a residence permit. otherwise, you will have to let another 6 month period to lapse to be allowed for another schengen entry.
Reply
andrea Reply:
August 13th, 2009 at 10:54 am
hi jacy, im kyla its possible to cancel a working visa and change a new visa coz im already married a norwegian citizens.
Reply
Hai, Iam a student in germany and i have visa till nov’2009. How long can i stay in germany if my admission is cancelled by next month. Will my visa get automatically cancelled….
Reply
I have got schenggen visa through Germany last year, but I had to change my distention
To Spain since am traveling with the group of people, however I have apply again through Germany but they rejected it because I did not go to Germany, and they told me we can only give visa you to Germany only. Is that meaning I can not change my destination again if I want to?
Reply
Jacy Reply:
April 1st, 2009 at 6:42 pm
what they meant is that, since you are going to spain, you need to apply for a visa at the Spanish embassy. you should apply at the embassy of your main destination. if you don’t have a main destination, apply at the embassy of your point of entry.
Reply
Hi,
I applied for a Schengen visa saying that I will be staying with my friend. I showed her invitation letter and lease contract. I have enough funds of my own to support my stay. The embassy(belgian) asked me to provide my friend’s ID Card, she doesnt have one yet, only a work permit. What can I do now?
Reply
Jacy Reply:
April 1st, 2009 at 11:39 pm
when someone is inviting someone, you have to provide the id and or passport of that someone who’s inviting. try to give them a copy of your friend’s work permit and her passport. does she have a temporary residence card? include that as well.
Reply
I have a Schengen visa to travel to luxembourg(short stay – singel entry)
If I like to travel to switzerland, Germany,France and Italy during this period(90 days) can I travel with the single entry visa
Reply
Jacy Reply:
April 5th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Yes you may. Luxembourg is part of the Schengen territory. if you travel to those countries that you’ve mentioned, it is like you did not made an exit on the Schengen territory since the countries are member of it as well. It is only when you travel to a non-Schengen territory will your Single-entry visa be voided and you can’t travel back in the Schengen territory.
Reply
Hi,
I’m planning to travel to France, but I don’t know for what kind of visa I should apply for. Right now I’m a US permanent resident with a peruvian passport. I would like to go to France for couple of months at the end of May. I must come back to US for my US citizenship exam at some point in August. I plan to stay in US for a month or so, and then go back to France.
If i get my short stay visa for 3 months and then it expires. All this as a us permanent resident. After I get my US citizenship do I need to wait some time prior to travel.
Reply
Hi Jacy,
This site Rocks! I find very helpful. My name is Dab from Manila,I need your help. I will have an interview on 8th of June at the french embassy for shortstay schengen visa. I’m planning to visit Paris and then straight to Barcelona all in a span of 10 days (4 days only in Barcelona). Can you tell if how likely my visa will be approved with the details below coz i am not sure if they are similar to US embassy.
1. Since this is a backpacking I will do my own bookings online (cheap hostel,airplane,euro rail)
2. I have more than PHP 200k under my bank account (more than enought for my 10 day trip to paris and barcelona)
3. I have a Certificate of employment with approved leaves (working as a supervisor with four years of tenuredship with the current company)
4. I have travelled to three countries (singapore, Malaysia, Thailand)
Addtional Questions:
1. I currently hold a US visa that I have acquired last year (10 years Multiply entry) but I haven’t used it yet, will this be a problem? is having a US visa an advantage to acquire for a schengen?
3. I already have a confirmed bookings going to the US this september, will this help convince the consul that I will returnt to Manila
2. Is it better to go to travel agency and have them process my bookings instead of me booking everything by my self?
I need your thoughts regarding this one, your response is greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
Rom
Reply
l was denial enter to warsaw with my poland schengen tourist visa, the boarder guard said l had no secure accommodation,l had a secured accommodation payed for in full in advance for the duration of my stay with a voucher from the hotel and his travel agent to proof accommodation, Holding of a visa does not guarantee the right to enter the poland or any country but l felt l was wrongly denial entry because of my nationality and skin colour,l had already gone to the polish embassy with the travel agent and the embassy told me to write a complain letter and attached copy of my hotel payment and a letter from the travel agent and send it to the headquater of the boader guard in warsaw ,and which l have already written the detail letter immediately and forwarded it to the boarder guard headquarter in warsaw via Dhl courier service , l await the reply of the boarder guard, l hope justice will be done, and no official cover up, Am yet to get a reply from the polish boarder guard but l will like to travel to france to visit my friend child naming ceremony ,can l still apply to france embassy or l have to wait for the reply of the polish boarder guard on my complain before l can apply to any schengen visa country.please l need your urgent advice
Reply
michale Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 12:01 am
am still expecting your rely to my letter .thank you
Reply
Hi Jacy,
I am an Indian who intends visiting 6 Schengen countries with country of FIRST entry being France ( stay of 8 days ) but maximum stay will be in Austria ( stay of 11 days ).
Do I apply for the Schengen Visa at the French Consulate or at the Austrian Consulate. ( I will be entering France twice – my flights are Bombay to Paris and return from Paris to Bombay ).
Thanks,
arvind
Reply
luigi Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
u have to apply in aysatrian embassy ‘cos u stay longer in austria
Reply
Kindly reply to my query of 4 June urgently.
arvind
Reply
i want to know if the interview is too short are they going to approved my visa?because they did not ask so much questions
tahnks
Reply
please answer my question
Reply
hi.. im a filipino and im au pair in denmark and have a schengen visa valid until september 2009 but im planning to apply in Luxembourg, is it possible for me to apply again in that country or am i qualified.
Reply
i was denied of schengen visa at the italian embassy, can i apply to the french embaasy another schengen if i wanted to travel now to Paris first then italy after?
Reply
Hi. I have a schengen visa issued by the Italian embassy. I plan to visit France and this will be my point of entry. I’ll be staying there for 2 days. Will I be allowed to enter France without having my visa stamped at the italy yet? hoping to hear from you soon.
Reply
hi jacy,
thanks for this site it is very helpful para sa mga first timer na gaya ko.
i applied for schengen visa last june 09 2009 sabi nila after 14 days ay idedeliver daw ung passport ko and ung interview very short and sabi ok pwede ka ng umalis sabi sa akin in my experience i assumed na wala na akong pag asa maybe i am denied now i want to know if ganun ba talaga sila?
my destination is in germany to my boyfriend and i9 submitted all the documents naman so until now wala pang result nag aalala na ako
please understand me and reply here for me
thank you
god bless u
Reply
lyn Reply:
June 24th, 2009 at 9:23 am
hi..my appointment will be on june 29..i dont have a bank statement but in requirements it just stated if applicable.do i still need it even my boyfriend in swiss will sponsored all my expenses..i want to know more anout this.please help me..thank u
Reply
luigi Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
if ur boyfriend will sponsor u you must have a letter of invitation from him
Reply
lyn Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 11:38 am
yes i already had that invitation letter i passed it in swiss embassy but they refuse me.what will i do?
these are the lists of the requirements that i submitted:
v One visa application form, which is completely and properly filled-out and signed by the
applicant (Write in block letters and use black or blue ink only.)
v Two identical, clear and colored passport-size photos (With white background; Must be taken
within the last six months; Please do not staple the photos on the form.)
v Valid passport (Must be valid at least 3 months from the end of the approved duration stay;
Must contain at least 1 blank visa page.)
v Photocopy of valid passport as well as old passports (Inside front cover containing holder’s
personal information and photo; Inside back cover containing „Important reminders,“ signature
and other passport information.)
v Personal appearance by the applicant
v Visa processing fee
v Letter from the host in Switzerland declaring the following: confirmation of the invitation,
planned duration of stay and guarantee of accommodation.
v Clear copy of host’s valid passport and / or stay permit in Switzerland
v Birth certificate (preferably issued by the NSO).
v If employed: employment certificate with approved leave of absence and income statement,
recent income tax return
v International travel insurance (Must have a coverage of at least EUR 30’000.– / PHP 2.5M to
cover expenses for personal accident, urgent medical treatment, urgent admission in a
hospital or urgent repatriation on medical grounds; with coverage including ALL Schengen
member states.
is there any documents that i need to submit?
these are the reasons why they refuse me:
the purpose and conditions of your stay could not be ascertained.
· your intention to your country of origin could not be ascertained.
· proof of sufficient means of subsistence in relation to the period and form of stay,or the means to return to the country of origin or transit,was not provided.
they give me an information sheet to appeal for formal decision in swiss head office in bern.
what will i do?please help me
Reply
luigi Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Hi lyn
It’s really frustrating all this and i can understand how u feel
Ur requirements were complete but you have to know that giving a visa is discretional. It depends on the person that u meet in the embassy-
First of all we have to know what’s ur intention with this guy ‘cos if it’s only for a visit I guess it’s hard to get a visa but if ur intention is to get married with him then things could be change and I wanna tell you my experience
Well, I’m an Italian guy married to a pinay . me and my girlfriend (now wife) we had the same problem
We were afraid if she went alone to the Italian embassy to apply she might not pass, so I decided to go to the Philippines to apply for her visa personally and I was surprised how it was easy
By that time (8 years ago) there was no call center and I went straight on to the embassy without any fuss and I explained them that I wanted my girlfriend to get a tourist visa since there’s no fiancé visa and that we wanted to get married in Italy. it was me who talked and requested to the officer then we gave the all requirements to the officer (including her birth certificate and certificate of no marry authenticated by DFA and malacanang). It was odd but to my fiancée they asked nothing at al. No questions no interview and so on (the officer was a Filipino) then he said ; ok give me the passport of the girl we proceed for the visa.
I was surprised.
I think my presence was very important and telling him we wanted to get married; it worked so easily. I read here in the net and even in one Italian forum lots of stories between foreign fiancées going to the embassies lookin’ for a visa and always rejected, no one passed and that is a fact.
If you have the intention to get married perhaps it’s better to do it in the presence of ur boyfriend. I am not sure but the thing could be changed you may have the chance of getting your visa but do not forget that the thing most important is THE PERSON WHO IS IN FRONT OF YOU IN THE COUNTER. Because if you do the application in the presence of your boyfriend, the officer may not give in because of his odd moods.
Now it’s up to u and ur boyfriend to considering the matter. You can’t apply soon because you were denied. u just have to wait a few months at least 5-6
Having an appeal doesn’t worth and they will just give you lots of excuses to stand their former decision.
Here in Italy (I don’t know in Switzerland), there is a law saying that is the right of every man to have a family. So in case of visa denial for purposes of marriage you can appeal and you will surely win. Of course if it’s for marriage purposes, u have to tell to the embassy and present to the embassy your documents and the documents of your boy friend
Anyways, I advise you to ask to your bf if the swiss constitution has this law and then after you have presented all the documents you can appeal.
Reply
lyn Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
u mean my boyfriend must be here if i will appeal or apply to the siwss embassy?
when i interviewed to the consul girl in window 1 she asked me if we plan for marriage and i answered her yes after 2 to 3yrs…
my intention for coming there is to celebrate my birthday with him and we make holiday together but i don’t have an intention to stay longer there coz i have my nice work here and they only give me 2 months for vacation thats why i only applied for 60 days.
lyn Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
my boyfriend wants me to take an appeal thats why i will take an appeal and my interview will be on tuesday july 22.He sent me his documents like proof of income and certificate of employment and i get my bank certificate but my money is not just as high because we think that maybe we lacked of documents thats why they refuse me.I dont know what to do?I’m really loosing hope of this.He told me that i must try and try and then i told him i will try but i never expect anymore if i can get a visa…
please advise me more…
thank you luigi..
lyn Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
do i need to write an appeal letter?
lyn Reply:
July 19th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
okay..thank u luigi..
i will be back here for some news
Godbless
lyn Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 11:39 am
i submitted also the reservation air ticket..i forgot to post it..
Reply
luigi Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 5:22 am
no i meant if ur bf was with u when u applied for visa maybe the thing could be different
yes u can appeal if he wants it but i’m afraid
you know lots of people are denied even if they have all the requirements
the problem is that u r askin’ a simple tourist visa
if i were u after appealing i would wait 4-5 months and i would try to apply again but this time (if u r willing to do it soon ) i would ask a tourist visa for marriage reasons (‘cos it doesn’t exist a schengen fiancee visa) but this time u have to present them ur birth certificate authenticated by dfa and malacanang and your status single and the same documents of ur boyfriend too
maybe this could be a good possibility to get the visa
in the same time ur bf has to consult the family right in switzerland if exist an article saying every human person has the right to have a family and at this point u can appeal to this article law and then in case u r denied again ur bf from switzerland with a good lawyer can appeal against the embassy of ur denial visa
i mean if when i asked visa for ny wife they denied it if i apppealed against the embassy in according to italian law i gained and the court would sentence to the embassy to release the visa in according to the civil code family art. number……. saying every person…..
for italy there is an apllication for appealing i guess its the same for switzerland (switzerland joined schengen agreement in december 2008)so martes u go to the embassy i really hope u can have change
my mother in law lunes will go to italian embassy to apply for her visa ‘cos me my wife and our daughter will come to the philippines august 26th and if she’s able to find a place in the same airplane she will
be back with us if none later
at least she has no problems ‘cos she already came here 4 years ago and being a relative of eu citizens she has the right to come here and to stay here for good if she wish it but she has a good life in the philippines
anyway don’t worry sooner or later in a way or in another way you’ll be here in europe if u really want it
don’t be desperada
Reply
luigi Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 6:32 am
‘cos u said maybe your statement is not so high
there is a daily ammount of pera for gettin’ a schengen visa i found it but i’m not able to find it anymore
anyway i remeber there was a fix ammount for the first week about 700-800 euro and then u have to add about 50-60 euro for each day so for 1 month visa is about 2000 euro for 2 months 3500 euro
Reply
lyn Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
my bank statement is only 103,000php.oh no!!!i’m really loosing hope…is the bank statement really needed for the visa even if he sponsored me all?tuesday is fast approaching.
do i still need to make an appeal letter?
i hope someday i can get it…
thank you so much for your all advices..it really helps me to gathered more informations.it really helps me a lot…Godbless.
luigi Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
yes it’s not so much ur statement but there is another possibility when someone has a sponsor ,,
i mean ur fiancee must open an account in switzerland at ur name that’s called fidejussione
ask to ur bf to go to his bank and ask info about it then ask confirmation to swiss embassy when u go there this is another possibility
i send u something about schengen visa to italy
u can send it to ur bf ‘cos being a swiss i guess he knows a bit italian
http://www.ucrainaviaggi.com/forum/lettera-d-invito-e-fideiussione-bancaria-t80.html
does he speak german french or italian as his mother tongue?
i really hope he can do something there
lyn Reply:
July 19th, 2009 at 12:31 am
he can speak german coz he is german he was just in swiss coz he worked there..if he do it.is there still a time?my appointment will be on tuesday 9am.i think im running out of time.
i have a stamp in my passport maybe u know this what this mean:
demande de visa deposse
aupres de la representation de Suisse..
what’s that mean?
luigi Reply:
July 19th, 2009 at 2:18 am
no now its too late
u can’t apply for another visa after 2 weeks they don’t take it in consideration
you’d better ask info about fidejussione ‘cos in italy there is this possibility and in other schengen countries too i guess in switz, too ‘cos if switz joined schengen agreement they have to follow the same policy
just getting info for next time
demande de visa deposee apres…….. means visa requist filled up through swiss rappresentation ( the embassy)
lyn Reply:
July 19th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
u mean the embassy didn’t stamp my passport that im denied?
okay i will tell that to my boyfriend coz before he told me that he will open an account for me worth 10,000EUR but i refused coz it must be here in philippines but then i know now that its possible that he can open an account in swiss for me.
thank u luigi..
luigi Reply:
July 19th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
no it’s just written in french that you asked a visa through the swiss
diplomatic rappresentance
so it seems ur boyfriend knows about this fidejussione i’m happy he knows it
maybe it was ur big mistake don’t accept it
anyway don’t be ashamed ‘cos the 10000 euro is not for u
it’s entitled to you for granted you in case something happens for exmp, you fight with him and he doesn’t want let you go u can touch this money for coming back in extreme case and u r not on the road but if nothing happens money are there for ur bf
the only one problem is that he can touch this money after 1-2 years ( at least here in italy ) and money is sleeping there for all this time without interest and if u have to pay to the bank something like 200-300 or more euro for the service
the only one problem lyn is that u can’t apply right now
i advise u to ask info to the embassy and to tell them ur bf is willing to open an account for u of 10000 euro
don’t worry
waiting for ur news
bye
lyn Reply:
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:35 am
hi luigi,
i was in swiss embassy yesterday i submitted all the requirements that i didnt submit before.i asked about u said bank statement then the consulate answered she cant answer my question but she said it must be here in philippines coz this is my country of origin…i asked some questions to her it seems that im the interviewer,hehehe…
after submitting all the documents she gave me a calling card to contact them after 4-6weeks…
do u think i can get it?
i asked also about the appeal if some can get it and she answered me some can get it i hope i can be one of them and some cant get it…
luigi Reply:
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
so u mean they never told u ,you were denied !?
u lacked some documents right?! good!!!!
u thought u were denied ‘cos they wrote u something on ur passport but as i told u it wasn’t a denial
it’s not true what the embassy told you that the statement must be in the philippines of course they always try to put some obstacles to get a visa
i can’t understand why they told u 4-6 weeks normally it takes 10-14 days for the response
at this point it’s very hard to guess and i really don’t know what to tell u i don’t dare to do a foresight
u told me ur bank statement is not enough and even if ur boyfriend send u a bit of pera for increases ur statement i guess now it’s late and besides they check ur statement months back
anyways just wait and see and i really hope it will work
listen! i wanna tell u (‘cos in here i guess it’s not possible to write too much ) get a registration in a web called schengen visa questions for touring europe there it’s possible to exchange private messages and besides there are lot of people and could be someone has some experience with swiss embassy (it’s a pinoy forum)
well! !get a registration like lyn as ur nickname so i recognize u and i write u there and u can find other people too having the same problem
thanks so i’m waitin’ for u there anyway don’t worry i will continue to check in here too
Reply
luigi Reply:
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
ah i forgot of course publish a messge in that forum so i can see u and answer u
Reply
lyn Reply:
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:01 am
hi luigi,
can u give me the website about the pinoy forum schengen visa questions for touring europe,i coudn’t find it..
yes before i didnt submit bank statement,his proof of income and his certificate of employment…and then i submitted it last 21 of june coz we think that im lack of documents..
about 4-6weeks thats a processing time coz my documents will be send in their head office in bern switzerland and they will look it if they will give me a visa or not coz thats an appeal..
Reply
luigi Reply:
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 am
try this link:
http://pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158117&page=55
ah i see !!u didn’t submit bank statement
what they said they sent all the documents im bern it’s seems to be very strange ‘cos normally are only the embassies take a decision if release a visa or not
could be ‘cos switz, reach schengen agreement lately they still follow their policy ? bu i don’t think so i guess it’s just an excuse ‘cos i read in an italian forum a guy who was complaining with an embassy for the long waiting and embassy told him ” we are waiting the response from the foreign office ” and the moderator answer it’s not true and even to my wife my mother in law and some friends was just the embassy that released they never said “we are to wait,,,,” so surely it’s not true
anyway if u reach the interview the first step is done ‘cos if u r not the requirements your application is drop box if they interviewed u that means they are takin’ in consideration ur application then depende………it’s just one person that decides hope u will pass
hope u can find this pinoy forum so we can meet there and u can find other people that maybe could give some advises having experiences with switz embassy
bye lyn
luigi Reply:
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:39 am
i’ll be waitin’ for you in that forum
just send a message in there as lyn
can i have ur ym?so i can ask u more?thnak u
Reply
hi mayrene..this is my first time to apply a schengen visa..do u have a ym?i have more questions to ask u..thank u
Reply
to myla
if you’ve been denied at italian embassy you’ll be deny at french embassy too cos your name is registred in the sis ( schengen information system) and they look into before releasing a visa
Reply
Hi ,
So I am planning for two trips one to france in Aug and Italy later on in year (within 90 days). Is it possible for me to get schengan visa which would be valid for both travels?
Reply
hi appy
here is italy
yes u can do it if you get a schengen visa u can go to france to come here to italy to go every schengem country plus iceland norway and since december 2008 switzerland too
Reply
ooppss!!!!!!!!
i submitted also his bank certificate worth 10,000euro and mine is 100,000php..
Reply
im signing up in that website but its not working i dont know why..for now im still waiting for the 4-6weeks for the results..i will tell u what will happen???
Reply
hi luigi,
im signing in in that website my name there is britrulz or lyn..i ask about schengen visa appeal..
Reply
Hi! I just recently applied in the german embassy here in the Philippines. I am a Filipino. I will be going there to attend a convention and will be traveling in groups. when we applied, all of my groupmates will just stay for the duration of the convention while i wanted to extend. The consul noticed that i applied for 15 days while the others applied for 5 and asked our host about it. Do they usually give 5 days or will it possible for me to get more than 5 days? Can i still be denied even if the passport was nor returned to me?
Reply
HI Jacy,
You seems to know a lot about Schegen visa. So i have a question for you……
I have applied for Schengen visa through Swedish Embassy as i have an admission in a swedish university….. now what i would like to know is can i first enter germany and stay for a couple of days on my way to sweden ? will i require any visa?
Reply
luigi Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 9:42 am
no you don’t require any other visa
ues you can enter in gemany and staying in there for a couple of days
Reply
HI Jacy,
You seem to know a lot about Schegen visa. So i have a question for you……
I have applied for Schengen visa through Swedish Embassy as i have an admission in a swedish university….. now what i would like to know is can i first enter germany and stay for a couple of days on my way to sweden ? will i require any visa?
Reply
hi luigi,
im back here my bf called to bern then the bern said that i can get a visa..im really so happy to know about it..
Reply
iam in uganda and want schengen visa how will i get it
Reply
I have a question
So im taking a school trip to spain for about 10 days.
- I was born in Colombia,Bogota (Im 17 Years of Age)
- But I am Permanent Resident of The U.S
- So im really confused on how to get this VISA stuff
- I know you have to get a schegen VISA
- but like im confused on my process
- Do i have to go there and show up and bring all my stuff?
- I heard they wont give you back your resident card????
PLEASE I NEEDD HELP
Email: [email protected]
Reply
Hi jacy, just wated to ask you can someone apply for a shengen visa outside their port of origin? Because im working here in the uk and my mom was approved of a tourist visa here. I wanted to take her to italy and rome. Can she apply for a schengen visa here in the uk? Thanks!
Reply
Is it Hard to get a French Visa?
It’s my first time to go abroad.
I was at the French Visa this Morning (May 26, 2011) and I find it a little intimidating, because a friend of mine invited me to France to celebrate our Birthday (April) (Aug) and have a Vacation too. I am not employed and I only have a few bucks on my Bank Account (Which was opened solely for the purpose of money transfer for the processing of Passport and Visa). I have no intention of over staying, marrying or anything illegal in France. Now I don’t know how would my Application end up.
Reply
I have a question, i just want a clear answer.. im planning to apply a schengen visa at slovakia embassy. but my point of entry is in Vienna and from there I want to start as i travel to slovakia. Is it possible to be approved by the slovakia embassy if that is my itinerary? My point of entry is in vienna . Im from the philippines by the way. your response is deeply appreciated. thanks!!
Reply
Hi, I’ve been reading your blog and it’s been really helpful. I’m really hoping to hear your suggestion. My problem is that I applied for a shengen visa from the French Embassy but it was denied, I was really disappointed because I was able to get a schengen visa from the same embassy last year and I came back. I was wondering why they denied my visa, could it be because I asked for a 90 day visa? last time I had 30 days and this time my friend gave me an invitation. Maybe they thought I was planning to get married there. What do you think happened miss and what do you think I should do? Do I still have a chance if I reapplied? I really hope to hear your suggestions. Thank you very much.
Reply
Hello, Jacy
I live in Mongolia and I applied for a Schengen visa in Germany Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. The purpose is participating in Manager training program in Germany. But my visa was not approved because of Hungarian refusal. I’ve never been to European countries, especially to Hungary. Is it possible I enter into that system you mentioned above, even though I never been there?
I’ll appreciate your urgent reply
Reply
Please send the reply to my email, thanks.
[email protected]
Reply
is it possible that wwhen i get the visa i can move from on state to the other for a tour
Reply
mildred Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 4:01 am
i applied for a schengen visa to the netherlands to visit my cousin for a month in ghana, i submitted all the required documents yet i was refused on the basis that they could not acsertain my return date. my cousin there has gone for an appeal.how long do u think it will take to get a reply and is there a possiblity of me getting it.
Reply
hi jacy, just wanna know some stuff lol since ur pretty good at it, my mom applied for her visa and was given an appointment on the the 4th of august, they took all her documents and interview her a little bit then they gave her a receipt that says comebck on the 12 to pick up her visa and she didnt have to pay visa fee… my question is,,,, is that mean she got approved and when she gets there she’ll have visa attached on her passport? sorry i hope you understand what im trying to say… thanks again i hope you having a great day!!! ciao for now
Reply
Hi
If they refused shengen visa tourist , they will put black point or black list and how many mounths thx
Reply
hi, i’m planning to take a cruise from Barcelona, (all the destinations belong to the Schengen territories), but after that, I’m planning to go to London, and then back to Paris, for my flight back to China. Do I need to apply for 2 schengen visas in Spain and France?
Reply
hi , i have a stati multi entry turismo schenegen visa , i had applied for it at the italian embassy in india , i had also informed the embassy i would be going to norway , i won’t be able to go to italy but will be going to norway , i will taking a flight form england , will i be allowed to go to norway ?
Reply
hi!!! i’m from the philippines… i just my interview awhile ago at french embassy… the consul (who is a filipino) didn’t say if we were approved or denied… he asked us to come back after 2 weeks with our passport. he stamped our passports with date and “C”… does this mean we were approved? tnx so much
Reply
Can i travel directly to italy from spain with my transit visa in denmark?
Reply