Okay, folks, so I recently went through the whole process of getting a Schengen visa, and let me tell you, it was something. I thought I’d share my experience here, hoping it might help some of you who are planning to do the same.
First off, I started by figuring out which country I should apply through. Since I was planning to spend most of my time in France, I decided to apply via the French consulate. Then I discovered that I need to apply through VFS Global, which is a third-party service that handles visa applications for many countries.
Next, I gathered all the required documents. This included my passport, a completed application form, flight itinerary, accommodation details, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and a couple of passport-sized photos. Let me just say, getting all this together took some time, so don’t wait until the last minute!
I then made an appointment on the VFS Global website. I had to create an account, fill in my details, and choose an appointment date. The available dates were a few weeks out, so book in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
On the day of the appointment, I went to the VFS Global center. They checked my documents, took my biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and collected the visa fee. The whole process was pretty smooth, but make sure you arrive on time and have everything organized to avoid any hiccups.
- Arrived 15 minutes early.
- Submitted my application and all supporting documents.
- Paid the visa fee.
- Got my biometrics taken (fingerprints and a photo).
- Received a receipt with a tracking number.
What I did at VFS Global:
After that, it was the waiting game. I used the tracking number they provided to keep an eye on my application status online. It took about two weeks before I got the notification that my passport was ready for collection.
I went back to the VFS Global center, picked up my passport, and voila, there it was – my Schengen visa! It was a bit of a process, but totally worth it. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, just make sure you start early, have all your documents in order, and be patient. You’ll get there! And always make sure you double-check the specific requirements for the country you’re applying through, as there might be slight differences.
Overall I completed my application, submitted it, attended the appointment, waited, and finally received my visa.
