Schengen visa for Spain

[Trefor]

Hopefully it will all go through OK, enjoy your holiday!

Next time (or for others thinking of getting a visa) when you call VFS ask them to book you in directly with the Embassy. VFS can make these appointments. There are a few each day at the ones we've used. VFS like to take your money so you have to be clear with them. Directly with an Embassy there is no charge!

The first Schengen we got was with the French, and it was very straightforward, they are located directly opposite the Natural History Museum (or is it the Science Museum?) in Kensington. Lots to see and do in the area. You go back and collect your passport with the visa 1 or 2 days later.

The second Shengen Visa we got was through the Dutch Embassy. In this case, since we live in the Midlands we booked an appointment at the Dutch Consulate in South Birmingham. Easy to do again and no cost involved.

Each time Rose has travelled they have not checked her passport to see if the Schengen has been 'started' with a first stamp from the visa issuing country.

We won't need another Schengen Visa as Rose will be a UK citizen before this one runs out.

Additional comment which may be useful: The US Embassy gave Rose a 10 year multi-entry visit visa when we needed a US visit visa for her last year. This cost around £100 (I forget the exact amount). US Embassy in Mayfair. Again, easy to do.

Edited to add: We didn't need hotel/travel bookings, even for the Dutch one last autumn. If you need one then go on booking.com and book a fully refundable hotel on your credit card and tell them you're driving to France/Spain/Italy - roadtrip!

[bhem_bhem]

Thanks Trefor.. I didn't know these things. Luckily, I won't have to do this again as I will apply for citizenship this July.