How to Apply for a Schengen Visa (in Singapore)
So you've decided to go to Europe. Congratulations! But because you are a citizen of a third world country, you need to apply for a visa.
But fret not! I will teach you the ways and means of applying for a Schengen Visa ( Although I am not a pro, but this is based on my experience on how I applied for one. )
First things first, when do you want to go? What countries do you want to go?
Point 1: Selecting the Visa Center
It is important to take note of the countries to go because it would decide where you will apply.
The rule is that: You will apply the visa at the embassy of the member country where you will be staying the longest. If dates are the same, you will need to apply the visa at the embassy of the member country at point of entry.
For my case, I've decided that I would be going around Central Europe ( Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany ) and I chose to do my visa application at Vfsglobal - The Netherlands.
Point 2 : Preparing the Documents
Once you know where you will be getting your visa, you will have to prepare your document. Having gone through a series of visa application, they will require the same thing.
These are the most important ones: Hotel bookings ( which you can cancel) and Travel reservation( You must locate a travel agency willing to do so. Luckily, Chan Brothers was still doing this. )
Secondary are the presentation that you have enough money for travel. You must show that you are still working and have the money for travel.
Third, is to show them that you have the intention to come back. You have to prepare documents to show them that you have the intention of going back.
Do note to make sure that your travel reservation and hotel bookings can still be cancelled ( just in case they do not approve your visa, it can happen!). For a minimal fee, a travel reservation from a travel agency can be made. You just need to state that it's for a visa application. ( Note: Not all travel agency do it for you, so do call the travel agency beforehand. They might persuade you to let them handle your visa, but you can always say No, and that you just wanted a travel reservation. That extra $50 that you can save can later be used for your travel expenditures. )
Do note to make sure that your travel reservation and hotel bookings can still be cancelled ( just in case they do not approve your visa, it can happen!). For a minimal fee, a travel reservation from a travel agency can be made. You just need to state that it's for a visa application. ( Note: Not all travel agency do it for you, so do call the travel agency beforehand. They might persuade you to let them handle your visa, but you can always say No, and that you just wanted a travel reservation. That extra $50 that you can save can later be used for your travel expenditures. )
Point 3: Setting the Appointment
After filling up the document and have prepared all the document, you are ready to submit. Create a log in if you do not have a log in credentials yet to set up an appointment.
You will have to enter your passport details and click Continue.
In case you made a mistake, you can still backtrack to edit your details.If not , press continue.
Set a date and time from the calendar, and confirm the schedule.
You cannot change the date once you've selected it.
A printout confirmation will be shown after completing the appointment.
You will have to enter your passport details and click Continue.
In case you made a mistake, you can still backtrack to edit your details.If not , press continue.
Set a date and time from the calendar, and confirm the schedule.
You cannot change the date once you've selected it.
A printout confirmation will be shown after completing the appointment.
To sump up, here are the requirements that you have to prepare:
1. Duly accomplished form
- Details such as intended dates of travel, number of days to stay at member states
2. Documents :
Photocopy of old visa (if you have any)Photocopy of old passport + passport details and visa stamps ( of other countries other than Schengen) <-- nbsp="" need="" no="" strike="">
For Canada, they do require to scan old passport +passport details + previous stamps to show that you've been travelling around and are coming back to your home country. I guess, for Schengen, if you have previously issued visa, you are required to scan it.
Intention of Travel:
- Hotel Bookings - Book hotels based on the time frame you provided (based on the intended dates of travel)
- Photocopy of Latest Passport
- Travel Reservation - reservation of air tickets.
Means of Travel:
- Bank Statements ( 3 months )
- Travel Insurance ( covered for the duration of your travel)
- Certificate of Employment
Intention of coming back
- Leave Certificate
- Photocopy of Re-entry permit ( if you have any)
- Photocopy of IC.
3. Photo
Note: This does not guarantee you a visa. This are just some guidelines to aid you in your application especially if you are doing this on your own. And No, I'm not rich enough to donate any money into your account just because you got denied. ( Luck plays out too. and believe it or not, I got a fair share of rejections because of visa)
Point 4: At the appointed time
The night before
Google how to go to the place esp if you are not familiar. Check if all documents are correct and are in order. Make sure the form is duly completed.
Locating the place
The easiest way is through Exit H of Tanjong Pagar MRT, however,if you fear that the escalator will be broken, take exit D. just head down straight till you reach Spring Leaf Tower. 79 Anson Rd is just a block away from Spring Leaf Tower before M Hotel.
Arrive 30 mins before the appointed time, I guess, it will give you an allowance on locating the place and leeway so you can freshen up.
In the building
Before going to any building, as always sign in at the front lobby, the guard will assist you. ( no IDs are taken at this point) They will direct you to 15th floor.
At the visa center
Once you exit from the lift, you can already see the office on your left, press the bell, so that they'll open the door for you. Take a number and a seat. Once your number is flashing, go to the window.
Good Luck in the application!
Waiting for the Visa
After 6 working days, I received a message to collect my passport. ( The message did not say whether the visa was approved or not).
"Your application has been completed. Please collect your documents at the Joint Visa Application Centre from MM/DD/YYYY onwards from 2pm to 4pm on weekdays."
( This is the same message you will be getting from the website, "Track Your Application" and email. However, as of this writing, "Track Your Application" on the website is not working, I had to use my mobile's browser to access. )
Going to the visa center
For collection, you need not write your name on the logbook. Just go straight to the floor. From 1355, they accept people who will collect the visa. They will ask for the receipt and will ask you to sit down.
Wait until your name is called, you are to check if all the details are correct on the visa before leaving the premises.
Location
VfsGlobal - The Netherlands
79 Anson Road, Singapore, 079906.
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