Schengen Visa Application in UK

Introduction

Applying for a Schengen Visa can be a daunting process, especially when navigating the requirements and procedures of different embassies. This blog post aims to demystify the application process for a French Schengen Visa from the UK. Drawing from my personal experience in 2024, I will provide a detailed guide on the necessary documents, steps, and tips to ensure a smooth application process.

To give you a bit of context, I am a South African passport holder living in the UK, and I recently applied for Schengen Visas for myself, my spouse, and our child. This post will walk you through each step we took, the challenges we faced, and the solutions we found, hoping to make your own visa application experience as straightforward as possible.

Documents Needed for Visa Application

Proof of Visa Payment (TLS)

Adult 1 (Main Sponsor)

1. Completed French Visa form.
2. Two recently taken passport photos (original, no photoshopping).
3. Valid passport (original + copy).
4. Old passport if it has any visas.
5. Valid BRP (original + copy).
6. Flight tickets (in my case, Eurostar train tickets).
7. Accommodation booking (e.g., Booking.com with the option to cancel in case you are not approved).
8. Medical insurance.
9. Proof of employment: Letter from work stating that you are employed. Most companies provide the letter if you contact HR; they’ll know exactly what you need.
10. Three months of payslips.
11. Three months of bank statements.

Adult 2

1. Completed French Visa form.
2. Two recently taken passport photos.
3. Valid passport (original + copy).
4. Old passport if it has any visas.
5. Valid BRP (original + copy).
6. Flight tickets (in my case, Eurostar train tickets).
7. Accommodation booking.
8. Medical insurance.
9. Proof of employment: Letter from work stating that you are employed. Most companies provide the letter if you contact HR; they’ll know exactly what you need.
10. Three months of payslips.
11. Three months of bank statements.
12. Sponsor letter (optional). If necessary, Adult 1 can provide a letter stating that they will cover the costs for Adult 2 and Minor 1.

Minor 1

1. Completed French Visa form.
2. Two recently taken passport photos.
3. Valid passport (original + copy).
4. Old passport if it has any visas.
5. Parents' passports - both parents (original + copies).
6. Valid BRP (original + copy).
7. Flight tickets (in my case, Eurostar train tickets).
8. Accommodation booking.
9. Medical insurance.
10. Birth certificate (original + copy).

Supporting Documents

1. Marriage certificate if applicable.

Important Notes

• Accommodation and medical insurance might be the same document, but you need to print it for all applications.
• The accommodation copy must have all the applicants' names.
• To make the process easier, create three file folders and stack all copies in each. We made the mistake of having one pile, and it took some time for the assistant to sort them out and print copies we missed.
• Your passport or any other travel document (containing at least two consecutive blank pages) + a photocopy of the identity page of this document and the last visas obtained.
• The passport must be valid for six months after the return date to the UK and must have at least two empty pages.
• The employment letter must be signed and dated within the last two months.

My Application Experience

16 April 2024

I completed online application on the France Visas website for all applicants. I then booked and appointment onTLScontact website.

It took me about an hour to complete all three applications, as I had to find some information about the previous French Schengen Visa.

I paid £145.20 in total. That’s a service fee of £48.40 per person. (Note: tourist visa is £105, I paid more because of my mistake)

I got the appointment for 08 May 2024. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to change the appointment to 03 June 2024 at 13:30.

There is a note to notice when you book an appointment:

• Kindly note that the service fee is non-refundable in the following cases and you will have to schedule a new appointment if you are still willing to apply:
  • If you are late to your appointment.
  • If your data is wrong on our website (i.e., visa type, name, passport, or ID number).
  • If you withdraw your application at the time of submission.
  • If you cancel your appointment.

03 June 2024

A few days before the appointment, I prepared all the necessary documentation (all printed).

I attended my appointment, arrived at the consulate, and a few minutes later, I was at the first desk. The assistant looked at my file and said I had applied for the wrong visa. She said she couldn’t change it and that I had to go away and book the correct date.

Imagine my trip booked for a certain date; I had to move everything, costing me some pounds. Even worse, it was very difficult.

03 June 2024 - 09 June 2024

Every day, I randomly checked for available dates.

On 09 June 2024, I got a date for 10 July 2024 at 09:30. Still stressing because it was a week before my travel dates. I paid £105.60. That’s a service fee of £35.20 per person.

09 June 2024 - 18 June 2024

I continued checking for earlier dates until I got an evening slot on 18 June at 21:35. Earlier slots were open, and I managed to change my date for free to 21 June 2024 at 14:00.

21 June 2024

At the consulate:

• Arrived at the consulate at 13:40 and queued for the visa application.
• 14:03: Got inside the consulate.
• 14:10: At the counter. The first counter requested passports, BRP, proof of payment, and application forms. They put three application forms into separate folders and asked us to go to the bench queue.
• 14:15: At the bench counter, waiting for my barcode to be called.
• 15:40: Got called to the desk.
• Continued with the application. Lots of signatures, handed our BRP back.
• Paid £170.44.
• 16:50: Finished from the benches, off to get biometrics.
• 17:10: Called in for biometrics.
• 17:27: Went home.

Tips

• Organize everything in folders per person.
• Every document must be copied three times. E.g., accommodation copy, medical insurance, etc.
• Copy of ID and BRP per person.
• Two copies of the marriage certificate, accommodation booking, etc.

10 July 2024

I got a notification that the visa was ready.

15 July 2024

Only chance I got to collect it, I finally picked up the visa.

To collect your Schengen Visa at the French consulate, you will need to bring the following items:

1. Identification: A valid photo ID, such as your passport or a driving license.
2. Receipt or Collection Slip: The receipt or collection slip provided when you submitted your application. This is typically required to verify your identity and confirm your application status.
3. Notification: Any notification (email, SMS, or letter) indicating that your visa is ready for collection. This may include specific instructions on the collection process.
4. Copy of Your Application: It’s a good idea to have a copy of your visa application and any correspondence with the consulate in case there are any discrepancies.
5. Authorization Letter: If someone else is collecting the visa on your behalf, they will need a signed authorization letter from you, along with a copy of your ID and their own ID.

Before you go, it is always a good idea to double-check the consulate’s website or contact them directly for any specific instructions or additional requirements that may apply to your situation.

Summary

1. Pay £105.60 + £170.
2. Prepare documents from your employer, bank, and travel insurance.
3. Book flights/trains and accommodations.
4. Print 10+ document types per person.
5. Secure up to 4 hours for queueing and processing the application.
6. Allocate another 30 minutes to collect the visa.

When applying for a Schengen Visa, there are two options:

1. DIY (Do it yourself)
2. Use an agency.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Applying by Yourself (DIY)

Pros

1. Cost Savings: By applying yourself, you save on agency fees, which can be substantial. I would have paid £465 extra (£250 per adult, £135 per child under 6. £635 - £170).

2. Personal Control and Involvement: You are directly involved in every step of the process, ensuring that all details are handled to your satisfaction.

3. Flexibility: You can schedule appointments and manage deadlines according to your availability.

Cons

1. Time-Consuming: The process requires significant time to research requirements, gather documents, and fill out forms.Scheduling and attending appointments can be time-consuming and may require multiple visits.

2. Complexity: The visa application process can be complex, with detailed requirements and specific documentation needed. There is a higher chance of making mistakes in the application, which can lead to delays or rejections.

3. Stress and UncertaintyNavigating the visa process on your own can be stressful, especially if you encounter unexpected issues. Without professional guidance, it may be challenging to address specific questions or problems that arise during the application process.

4. Queueing and Processing Time: You may need to spend considerable time queueing at the consulate or visa application center for submission and collection of documents.

Applying using an Agency

Pros

1. Expert Guidance: Agencies have experience and knowledge of the visa application process, reducing the likelihood of errors. You receive personalized advice based on your specific situation, ensuring all requirements are met.

2. Time-Saving: Agencies handle the gathering and preparation of documents, saving you time and effort. They can schedule appointments for you, ensuring you meet all deadlines efficiently.

3. Reduced Stress: Agencies simplify the process by providing clear instructions and handling complex procedures on your behalf. I definitely benefitted on this point when I applied through agency before.

4. Higher Success Rate: Agencies ensure all forms are correctly filled out and all required documents are included, increasing the chances of approval. They stay informed about any changes in visa regulations or requirements, ensuring your application is compliant.

Cons

1. Higher Costs: Using an agency involves paying service fees, which can add significantly to the overall cost of your visa application. For me, £ 465 extra. This time I chose to use that to add to holiday budget

2. Less Personal Control: You rely on the agency to manage your application, which means you have less direct control over the process. Misunderstandings or errors in communication between you and the agency can lead to issues in the application.

3. Variable Quality of Service: The quality of service can vary between agencies. Choosing a reputable and reliable agency is crucial to avoid problems. Some agencies may not be transparent about their processes or fees, leading to unexpected costs or delays.

By considering these pros and cons, you can decide whether using an agency for your French Schengen Visa application is the best option for you.