TransitVisa needed 4 EU countries if schengen visa obtained?

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:37 am

I have several problems regarding Visas to sort out, and I will appritiate any kind of help as this is kind of urgent!

I guess it would be best for me to explain my situation first –

I am an Indian National studying in the UK and I will be participating in a charity Hitchhike from Sheffield to Belgrade,Serbia..

Given the unpredictable nature of this event (hitchhiking!), I will be unable to provide proof of accommodation and travel…sure, I can explain this while applying for the visa but as far as Schengen countries are concerned, I have the following questions –

Which country should I apply to?

…the likely answer would be France as that would be my first likely destination ( I can’t be sure) but I don’t want to as the last time I applied there for the same event, they did not return my passport for almost 2 months and caused a lot of problems. I couldn't complete the hitchhike because I did not have time to apply for other visas to latvia,lituania etc...

So anyway, Can I apply to *any* Schengen country? If yes, which country would be the best one to apply to? as in which one wouldn’t take much time processing my application and not cause much problems?

My second query is as follows ;

After traveling through the schengen countries I will be traveling through countries such as Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. When I called the Slovakian embassy guys ( who were very sweet and kind) they told me that I won’t require a Transit Visa (which is what I need as I will just be passing through these countries) if I have a multiple entry Schengen Visa…. The Czech guys said I’ll need to issue a transit visa BUT their website says I won’t need one if I have a Schengen visa (http://www.mzv.cz/wwwo/default.asp?id=4 ... tIDO=15414)

I couldn’t get in touch with the Hungarian Embassy and their website doesn’t provide any kind of information. Neither does google.

Can anyone tell me if I will require a transit visa for EU countries if I have a Schengen Visa as I am sure I won’t be staying in any of these countries for over a day ( the hitchhike needs to be completed in 8 days).. Does this depend from country to country? ( I might have to pass through Poland, Romania, Croatia etc ) Can someone tell me about these new Transit Visa rules?

My last question is to do with my destination country – Serbia

I will not be staying in Belgrade for over 2 days either. As I couldn’t find any relevant information on their website I called them up. They said something about wanting to send my passport to the Serbian police first, before issuing a visa and this whole process will take about a month…I don’t have time for this as I leave in a months time. Is there any way I can fast process my visa application in the Serbian embassy and avoid this whole police thing they’re talking about ( it’s just a matter of 2 days!) I think there might have been some miscommunication as I couldn’t understand the lady’s accent and I don’t think she could understand mine…They will have to be the first country I apply to as it is my destination country but I will need my passport back in time for the other Visa(s)..

Can anyone please help, suggest and guide me with my situation? Any kind of help will be greatly appreciated as I really want to go ahead with this charity hitchhike and it would be quite unfair (while everyone else in my uni gets to go) if I can’t get on with it just because of a few visa issues!

Thank you ever so much in advance..

flyboy · Post by **flyboy** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:37 am

You should in theory apply at the schengen country that will be your main destination, if not, your first point of entry.

Regarding the multiple entry schengen visa for transit purposes across the non schengen Eu countries that is correct. Not sure if Romania and Bulgaria has implemented it, as they only recently joined the EU. The following is a link verifying the above:

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/sit ... 010007.pdf

Hope that helps.

Seems you'll have to sort out Romania, Croatia and Serbia visas. Double check with them though.

flyboy · Post by **flyboy** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:27 am

As for Hungary the following link is taken from the Ministry of foreign affairs of Hungary explaining visa free transit:

http://www.mfa.gov.hu/kum/en/bal/consul ... t_news.htm

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 11:14 am

That was great great help!!

I need to know about schengen visas as I don't know my main destination and I'm afraid to send another visa application to my first likely port of entry ie france as the last time they did not return my passport for ages...

Anyway thanks so much flyboy!

flyboy · Post by **flyboy** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 12:02 pm

Honestly think the french consulate will be your best bet. Since you already had a visa from them in the past, this time round it might be less of an issue for them to issue you one. Make sure you have enough time left on your student visa and sufficient funds .

Dawie · Post by **Dawie** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:37 pm

The problem with the French embassy is that they require proof of travel and proof of accomodation which could be very difficult to produce in these circumstances.

I have just recently obtained my second Schengen visa from the Spanish embassy. Not only do they tend to issue 6 month multiple-entry visas like the French, but they DO NOT require any proof of travel tickets or accomodation before issuing visas, just the usual letter of employment and bank statements.

If I were in your situation I would get a Spanish visa, use the visa for your trip, and then sometime in the future before your Spanish visa expires actually go to Spain for a weekend break or something just to show that you actually used the visa to go to Spain. Otherwise you could find it difficult to obtain another Schengen visa in the future if you don't actually use it to go to Spain.

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 6:40 pm

Thats great! But what do I tell the spanish embassy guys? Don't I need to get the Serbian Visa first as that is my last destination...Last year, the French embassy gave me the visa only for 14 days!!! And they first told me that they won't issue me the Visa as I had to apply for my final destination first (which was Riga,Latvia) but by then I did not have enough time to do so I had to cut my trip short and only travel till Germany...: ( They caused so much trouble, it's not funny! I'm really really apprihensive about applying to them again but I guess I will have to because of the whole first port of destination issue..

BUT if you guys think this won't be an issue, will it be ok to apply for a Visa at the Spanish Embassy (or any other embassy) without providing them with a - A) Proof of Accomodation B) No flight Tickets ?

It would be well sweet to get a 6 months Visa as I am quite big on travelling and will make good use of the Visas. My only trouble is providing proof of accomodation and flight details as I tend to make quite spontaneous plans (and this visa stuff usually doesn't let me do that)

I have proof of sufficient funds and proof of student status...

also can I apply for my schengen Visa first (I know the french don't allow this) before applying for serbia?

The Serbian people will only need photocopies of my passport and other documents first for verfication (which they said will take 3 weeks or so) and only after that will they provide me with the visa (which will require my passport ofcourse and 2 days of time)...

so I have atleast 3 weeks before I get my Serbian visa but my passort will be with me till then... What should I do?

Dawie · Post by **Dawie** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 6:48 pm

All you need to tell the Spanish embassy is....nothing. They don't ask any questions. You might need to give some proposed travel dates and a destination on your Schengen application form, but just make up some dates up and pick any destination in Spain. You are not doing anything wrong by doing this. Booked travel tickets and accomodation are not required when applying for a Spanish Schengen visa.

DO NOT under any circumstances volunteer information about your Hitchhike adventure across Europe. It will only confuse them and in any case it has nothing to do with them! As far as the Spanish embassy is concerned you are applying for a Spanish Schengen visa because you want to go on holiday to Spain. They will usually issue first-time applicants a 3 month multiple-entry visa. It just happens to be a major convenience that you can then use this visa to do your Hitchhike through the Schengen area of Europe.

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:17 pm

I guess I need to write to the Spanish Embassy for an Appointment..is that right? Does the amount of time issued in the Visa depend on the nationality? I have written the following letter to them for an appointment (no harm done in trying I guess)

------------

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a student of the University of Sheffield studying a course in Biochemistry and Genetics. My Nationality is Indian and I require a Visa to travel to the Schengen countries and other EU countries.

I wish to apply to the Spanish embassy as I intend to travel to Spain during my holidays.

As I am a student and need to complete my course here in the United Kingdom hence I will only be traveling for tourism purpose and I would like to be issued up to a 3 months Visa starting 24th of March. (I have been issued a short Schengen Visa previously)

As I need to apply for other non Schengen visas as well, I kindly request you to provide me an appointment for the Visa Application by the end of this month if possible.

I will be able to provide proof of sufficient funds, university student status form and my travel insurance documents for this purpose (and any other documents you require) However, due to the unpredictable nature of my travel (by road, and we’ll be staying in camping sites) I am unable to provide the travel and accommodation tickets.

I am enclosing photocopy of my passport, previous schengen Visa and UK Visa for your perusal. I thank you for your kind consideration and I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind Regards

-------------------------

How long do they take to issue the Visa as I don't want this to clash with the dates I apply for the Serbian Visa....

Also in the Schengen Visa form, theres a section which asks about temporary address and stuff...should I be leaving that blank?

Thanks a lot for your help and suggestions!

Dawie · Post by **Dawie** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:48 pm

I think your letter's a bit over the top and it sounds a bit desperate. Also you are volunteering WAAAY too much information. Why is it that everyone starts squealing like a little piggy when they deal with immigration authorities?

Here's a copy of the letter I wrote to the Spanish embassy:

-----------------------
Dear Sir/Madam

I would like to request an appointment with yourselves in order to obtain a Schengen visa. My intended travel dates are from XXXX to YYYYY.

Please find enclosed with this letter photocopies of the personal details page of my passport as well as my current UK residence visa.

Kind Regards

ZZZZZZ

--------------------------

That's it! I got a letter back from them within a week with a date to go for an appointment.

Stop worrying, it really is no big deal. If you have the correct documents you will almost certainly get the visa. It's as simple as that. DO NOT mess it up by squealing like a stuffed pig when you arrive at the embassy. DO NOT volunteer any more information than is legally required and unless asked to.

Remember, you are probably a thousand times more intelligent than the idiot behind the counter who will be serving you at the embassy. Just remember how much more superior you are to this idiot and you will be fine. However, at the same time, do not be cocky and arrogant. It's a fine line.

Good luck!

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 7:53 pm

hehehe dawie! you made my day! I hope it works out..I'm sending a simplified letter off tomm! thanks!

Dawie · Post by **Dawie** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 7:58 pm

No problem, don't forget to include a stamped self-addressed envelope with your letter, or else the wheels of the Spanish civil service will not be grinding at all for you.

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 7:59 pm

Hi! I send the application to the Spanish Visa guys on Wednesday the 14th and got it back today on Saturday the 17th! I also got my appointment booked fairly early ie 8th March... Everything seems pretty straightforward except one thing!!!

They are asking for my purpose of Visit and need a hotel booking reservation covering all the schengen countries... or official letter of invitation...

My question is, since I am not telling them about this hitckhike bit...What can I provide? how important is this? Will it result in my visa being declined? Any suggestion/help?

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:10 pm

Hi, I'm getting closer to my Visa appointment date and I still dont have a proof of accomodation to provide them with...As suggested by dawie I applied to the Spanish Embassy...Can someone tell me what happens if I fail to produce a proof of accomodation?

Can I tell them that I will be living in camping sites and hence wont have a proof of accomodation ( which is what I'll probably be doing)

Thanks in adavce! Cheers!

Dawie · Post by **Dawie** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:23 am

Just book a hotel room and then cancel it after you get the visa. Most hotel bookings are 100% refundable.

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:21 pm

I went for the interview today where they not only asked me to send them fully paid and confirmed accomodation (non-refundable!) but also for travel tickets and those were the conditions on which they said I'd get the Visa...
Since I obviously did not want to go to Spain, dawie, your idea did not really work...they dont issue 3 months visa at all...perhaps its based on nationality to nationality but they told me that I'd just get a single entry visa (despite stating that I need amultiple entry visa!) for the no of days I had mentioned on the visa application form!

I decided to withdraw my application, got dirty looks, wasted 30 pounds on travelling and have come back without a visa : (

stedman · Post by **stedman** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:17 pm

Sorry to hear you got no joy - perhaps you have never got a Schengen visa before? For a first timer even the French can be strict, I have overheard some tricky interviews when I've been there and I have seen many people leave empty handed, or with a short duration single entry visa.

You're also a student which didn't help - they like to look for ties to the UK and studying, for some reason, isn't considered a strong tie.

Dawie · Post by **Dawie** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:25 pm

frozenswirl wrote:I went for the interview today where they not only asked me to send them fully paid and confirmed accomodation (non-refundable!) but also for travel tickets and those were the conditions on which they said I'd get the Visa...
Since I obviously did not want to go to Spain, dawie, your idea did not really work...they dont issue 3 months visa at all...perhaps its based on nationality to nationality but they told me that I'd just get a single entry visa (despite stating that I need amultiple entry visa!) for the no of days I had mentioned on the visa application form!

I decided to withdraw my application, got dirty looks, wasted 30 pounds on travelling and have come back without a visa : (

Sorry to hear that. All I can say is that my experience was completely different. The Spanish Embassy's website clearly states that you do not have to buy travel tickets or accommodation before applying for the visa. When I arrived at the Spanish embassy and my number came up in the queuing system, I simply went to the counter, handed over my passport, application form, bank statement and employment letter and that was it. No questions were asked. They simply told me to come back in a week to collect my passport, and when I come back after a week they had given me a 6 month multiple entry visa. It was my first Spanish visa.

I can only think that perhaps my situation was different to yours. At the time of my application I was a South African citizen, I had indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and I had 5 previous Schengen visas from the French embassy. However I know a few Colombian students in London who have successfully applied for their first Spanish schengen visas without any problems and been given 6 months.

Again, I'm really sorry to hear that. Maybe the guy who served you just woke up on the wrong side of bed that morning and decided to have a go at you.

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 7:31 pm

I think that was it...He seemed pretty grumpy....
Anyway, apart from that, the biggest problem I am facing is getting a Serbian Visa..I applied over a month ago and they told me it wouldn't take longer than 2-4 weeks..it's been almost 5 weeks and I've been calling them everyday only to hear that they have't heard from the 'Ministry of Affairs' in serbia who have to *approve* my application. And I only need a visa for 2 days! How difficult can that get?!

Since I don't have my last port of entry stamped, ie a serbian visa. I can't apply for a french visa. And I need both these visas, the serbian and a schengen visa sorted in less than 10 days.

I'm off on this 10 day hitch hike trip next weekend and it's rubbish to go through all this trouble!

Can anyone suggest any other option for application? Will the french give me a schengen visa if I apply 4-5 days before my travel date?

stedman · Post by **stedman** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:53 pm

It may be too late to get a French visa, I just had a look on their website and there aren't any appointments till april.

frozenswirl · Post by **frozenswirl** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 3:19 pm

yup and just to let everyone know..I couldn't go on this trip : (...anyway, thanks so much for the help everyone ....

Graham · Post by **Graham** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:38 pm

Apologies if this question has been posed many times before....

We are trying to arrange for our Philipino housekeeper to join my family on holiday in Spain. She has a valid domestic workers visa etc ... and, I believe, complies with all of the required criterial. However, the earliest appointment which I was able to obtain at the Spanish Embassy is for 6 August which is only one week prior to our intended date of travel.

Is anyone aware as to whether there is any method or agency where an appointment can be expidited?

Thanks in advance....

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