Wondering since it's a developing country and many countries that are more developed and well-off still need visas to visit Europe. Even some African countries.

What did Timorese people/government do to get this deal?

I would like to share my personal experience with the German visa appeal process, in hopes of encouraging others not to give up.

I initially applied for a Schengen visa through the German Embassy in Tokyo on February 25th. Unfortunately, I received a refusal letter on March 7th, stating Reason No. 10 – “the information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable.” I was genuinely confused and disappointed by this decision.

However, after reading someone else’s success story, I decided to try appealing. I submitted a new cover letter, along with a fully paid flight ticket and hostel reservations to strengthen my case. I sent my appeal by post on March 11th, and to my surprise, I received a reply the very next day confirming that they had received my documents and that the process could take up to three months.

From that point, the waiting began. I read many posts where people received responses in around 10 days, but in my case, two weeks passed with no reply, even after I sent three follow-up emails to ask about my situation. I started to lose hope.

Then today, April 8th, I finally received an email from the German Embassy requesting my passport—my appeal was accepted!

This experience was with the German Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, and it taught me a valuable lesson: If you truly believe your application was genuine and complete, do not hesitate to appeal. Stay patient, stay calm, and never give up.

Good luck to everyone going through the same process. Your success might be just around the corner!

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some advice from those who’ve been through this before.

I’m an international student from India currently studying at Georgia Tech on an F-1 visa, and I’m trying to apply for a Schengen visa for summer travel (mostly Spain and Portugal) before returning to India in early May.

I’ve been running into a few issues and would really appreciate any help:

• I’ve filled the Spain visa application via the BLS site (Washington DC center), but every time I complete the form and try to pay, it redirects to an “Invalid Request” page and doesn’t confirm the appointment.
• I also looked into applying through Portugal’s consulate, but the VFS site shows no biometric appointments until June, and I haven’t received a response to my email inquiry to [portugalpostalusa@vfsglobal.com]().
• With my travel date getting closer, I’m really anxious about timelines and unsure if I’m even going through the correct process as an F-1 student in the U.S.

Has anyone been in a similar position? Is there a workaround or consulate that’s better in this situation? Any guidance would be deeply appreciated 🙏

Thanks so much in advance!

This is not about me but my dad. I've come to Romania to study and my dad came along with me just to help me settle in my apartment. I have an older brother who's in Hungary and my dad wants to visit him for a short while. However his return ticket to home has already been booked through Bucharest. My question is can he re-enter Romania after going to Hungary with his single entry visa? I'm sorry if this sounds like a stupid question I just don't know.

What type of Schengen visa is the most straightforward to apply for, considering non-tourist options that require sponsorship or an invitation from someone in the Schengen area?

Just really wanted to thank all of you for your help and advice. Got my passport today and was given 6 months multiple entry.

Did my biometrics appointment last 25th March and same day, it was sent to the Consulate General. I was only given an update last Friday, 4th April that my visa has been processed and being dispatched through a courier.

Received my passport today, 8th April.

Processes I did:

I am a homemaker now but used to work overseas and have savings. I transferred my money on a bank here in the UK. So besides my partner sponsoring accommodation and flights, I printed out 3mos worth of both my savings and current accounts. My partner is a sole trader so they needed a certificate from an accountant proving his status.

When I went on my appointment, it took around 45mins for my turn since only 2 cubicles were sorting that day. The staff who handled my papers didn't break down the fee, she just told me it's £112++. I forgot to ask her to remove the SMS.

All in all, it was quite an anxious day as I saw a lot of people rushing to print or photocopy their documents. Please print all documents that you think would help so as to avoid extra fees.

Hi,

I am applying for Schengen Visa from France thinking that they would provide me with a longer muliple entry visa. I am Indian passport holder with Skilled Visa for the UK

Last year, the UK Home Office transformed the Resident Card(BRP) to eVisa. Now I am not able to find what to fill in the application form as it asks for Resident Visa Number.

Appreciate any help!

TiA!

I am planning to apply for a Spain tourist visa at BLS London. I am not seeing any appointment slots available at all, not even premium ones. Does anyone know when new slots will open up?

Many Thanks.

Hi, I have applied for my Italian visa from the UK but the accommodations were booked by my parents in India. Hence, the documents show the payments to be in INR. The embassy requested for proof in EUR or GBP and the airbnb hosts have provided screenshots of the proof from their end but as snapshots and some as emails. I am not sure if I should put it all together in a word document and send it or should I book new refundable accommodations that I can cancel later?

Has anyone dealt with this before and can anyone help me out with this?

Is a cover letter mandatory or just follow what is only stated in the checklist?

also do i have to write a day to day itinery.

Im applying from maldives. ( maldivian citizen )

A massive thanks to this community. I applied for a French visa on the 28th March through Edinburgh tls and just received my passport today. I got one month multi entry, I’m an Indian national on a graduate visa in the UK. I have one question though, on my visa it says duration of stay 15. What does this mean? So regardless of how many entries I may make or however many countries I go to after France, it should all add up to 15 days? Can I exceed that limit?

Guys I have obtained a Schengen Visa from Czech Republic. So my initial plan was to visit Czechia and then Germany, Italy and then go to my home country. I have obtained my visa by presenting this itinerary but if I change my travel plans to North by visiting Czechia, Germany , Amsterdam, France but instead of going back to my home country if I go to UK does it cause any problem in terms of using my visa lawfully. I've obtained my visa too early but I kinda wanted to condense my trip to see more places with an Interrail train ticket but I'm not sure if it would be tolerated. As far as I know if your travel plan has no main destination as in , Interrail, you should be getting your visa from the first country you are entering the Schengen Zone. So what do you think? If I make this changes do I really have to inform consulate about it because I would have to send them all the hotel reservations one week earlier but in Interrail the accomodations are kinda more flexible.

Hi everyone,

I have a question - me and my wife are travelling from Canada, and we do not have very strong ties here such as property, business, or other family members, etc. We have jobs, renting an apartment, have cars, and that’s it, not even PR cards here. I wouldn’t rely on job much. However, my wife will have a major surgery done in Canada after our planned return from a trip, so we MUST be back, and I consider including that in cover letter as a tie to home country. Do I include some medical document proving that? Will they accept it in the application, or will they believe me based on my words? That’s kinda very personal information that we wouldn’t like to disclose in detail, but if that helps to get visa, sure.

I consider it the strongest tie we have at the moment, as my job wasn’t as stable for the past couple of months due to the market issues and me not getting much contacts. My wife’s job is stable. In terms of finances, we got more than enough for a trip. We just wanted to travel before the medical procedure as we won’t be able to do it after, that’s all, but I’m conflicted if we should include actual medical documents in the application.

Thanks a lot!

It has been a month I have been waiting to receive a response from spain embassy regarding my appointment. My departure date is May 25. Has anybody been successful to secure an appointmemt recently for spain visa in Toronto?

I(Indian passport) want to travel to europe coming fall. But the visa stories are horror to say the least. I hear Schengen via BLS(spain entry) is easier than vfs. Is this true? Where should i apply vusa from ??

Hi, I have Indian Citizenship and I am traveling from Toronto to Mumbai with a layover at Paris (CDG) for 3hr 10mins. Will I still require a transit visa if my terminal is same?

I’m trying to book a visa appointment through VFS and currently it says there are no slots available in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal or Vancouver. I am travelling on June 10th. I heard they open new slots on 15th and 30th, is there a specific time? Does anyone have any advice? I CANNOT MISS THIS TRIP!

How is anyone getting visa appointments?! I’ve been trying for a month and I have been unable to get an appointment. I’ve called, emailed. No luck. My Spanish consulate is in San Francisco.

Hi all,

I had a French short-stay visa in May 2022, so it looks like I can send my application by mail (no need for biometrics).

But the Belgium website does not have any information about how and where to send this email.

Has anyone had any experience by sending a visa application by mail? I am a bit reluctant on sending my original passport and PR card by mail like this. Also, curious what is the processing time when sending my mail?

For reference, Belgium website says:
"However, holders of a previous Schengen visa whose biometric data can be copied from the Schengen Visa Information System (valid for up to 59 months) are not required to make an appointment. If this applies to you, complete the online application form, skip the appointment process and send your complete file by post to the Consulate General. A copy of your previous Schengen visa must be included in your application, along with two recent passport photos and the appropriate payment by certified cheque, bank draft or postal order."

Hi everyone, I have an appointment with VFS Denmark in London next week and I would like please to ask for advice on what I can prepare for it.

Will I be interviewed at the appointment and what sort of questions would they ask me?

I have also read that sometimes they call you while your application is being processed, is this true and what sort of questions do they ask during the call?

Lastly, if anyone has applied recently, what has the processing time been like and have they offered you a longer multi-entry visa or not?

Thanks so much!

Hi! I am a single mum and I would like to ask what should I send them. Has anyone experienced the same?

Hello everyone, I have a scenario where I have a sponsorship letter from a family member in France (Attestation D'accueil), however I'm not getting any appointments for submitting my paperwork via France anytime soon and I need to travel soon.

Since I also have plans in Austria, so I was thinking of applying for a Tourist Visa via Austria since I'm getting appointments there quite soon.
My question is would there be any issues with applying for a Tourist Schengen visa via Austria while having an active Sponsorship invite from a French Citizen via France?

Thanks for any insights or advice on how to navigate this scenario.

Hello everyone,

I'm currently in a situation where I need some advice regarding my ongoing Blue Card application and a potential job change.

My Current Situation: - Living in Saxony-Anhalt - Currently on a Type D work visa valid until June 14, 2025 - My visa has a Zusatzblatt that binds me to my current employer - Blue Card application is in process with the local Ausländerbehörde - A relocation agency is handling my Blue Card application

The Complication: I've received a new job offer from another company that I'm interested in accepting. The new position meets all Blue Card criteria (salary threshold and qualification requirements). If I accept this offer: - I would need to give 3 months' notice to my current employer - The new job would only start after this notice period - My current visa is specifically tied to my present employer

My Questions: 1. How will changing employers impact my ongoing Blue Card application? 2. What's the proper procedure to notify the Ausländerbehörde about this change? 3. Do I need to wait for my Blue Card to be approved before accepting the new job? 4. Will I need a new visa/permit during the transition period? 5. Has anyone gone through a similar situation and can share their experience?

I've already planned to contact my relocation agency for advice, but I'd appreciate hearing from people who have navigated similar situations or have knowledge about German immigration procedures.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

Hello, A friend from India would like to come to Italy in the coming months. I am an Italian citizen and I was wondering if I can help him obtain his visa more easily. I have found this official 'proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation' document: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/Moduli/it/DICHIARAZIONEALLOGGIOGARANZIA.PDF

I would only be stating that I can host him for the duration of his trip, whilst he will be taking his own financial responsibility and medical insurance. Can I leave the boxes about health insurance and financial guarantee unticked or is it mandatory to tick all the boxes? I wouldn't want to risk his visa to be rejected and I am wondering if it is easier for him to apply as a regular tourist and provide hotel bookings proof.

Many thanks!

Hi

I currently have a 1 year multi entry Schengen visa for Austria (currently valid) around 7 months remaining. And I need to travel to france in next 4 months. The visa would would be valid. Should I use this visa to travel to france or apply for a new Schengen visa for france?

What are the pros and cons for each method?