SCHENGEN VISA: Frequently Asked Questions
"MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISAS":
Q: Can I have a multiple entry Schengen visa?
A: By far the most common question. The answer is: visa validity and number of entries are decided by a Consulate and NOT by any agency and NOT by you, the customer. Different Consulates issue different visas. We/you don't know how long your visa is for until the visa is ready.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
"DO I NEED A VISA?":
Q: People of my nationality normally need a Schengen visa but I am now a permanent resident in the UK, do I still need a Schengen visa?
A: Yes.
Q: People of my nationality normally need a Schengen visa but I am married to a UK citizen, do I still need a Schengen visa?
A: Yes.
Q: People of my nationality normally need a Schengen visa but I am married to a UK citizen and have a UK spouse/settlement visa, do I still need a Schengen visa?
A: Yes.
Q: People of my nationality normally need a Schengen a Schengen visa but I am married to a UK citizen and have an Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK, do I still need a Schengen visa?
A: Yes.
Q: I am a permanent resident in the UK and am going to Spain just for a weekend; do I need a Schengen visa?
A: Yes, you need a visa even for 1 day with all documents every time you apply.
Q: I've applied for British Citizenship and am awaiting a result; do I still need a Schengen visa?
A: Until you have a British passport you are considered to be of the nationality stated in your current passport. If that nationality normally requires a Schengen visa then yes, you need one for now.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS OR COPIES
Q: Do you need original documents or copies are sufficient?
A: We only can take ORIGINAL documents.
Q: Will I get my originals back?
A: Yes, except a letter from employer/college/accountant.
Q: I've booked my insurance and/or tickets/hotel on the internet, is print-out sufficient?
A: Yes.
Q: I've booked my insurance and/or tickets/hotel at a travel shop, do you need originals or copies are sufficient?
A: We need originals (no copies please).
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
"I AM MARRIED TO A BRITISH CITIZEN":
Q: I am married to a UK/Irish citizen/EU; can you arrange my Schengen visa?
A: Yes, we can arrange a Spanish Schengen visa for spouses of British, Irish and Spanish nationals. We can arrange a Portuguese Schengen visa for spouses of British, Irish and Portuguese nationals. If you are married to another EU national you have to apply at the Embassy of your spouse's country (even if you are travelling to another Schengen country).
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
"MY UK VISA IS NOT STAMPED IN MY PASSPORT"
Q: I have renewed my passport by my UK visa is stamped in the old passport. Is it OK?
A: Yes, you just need BOTH passports.
Q: I was granted a UK visa extension and have a letter from the Home Office but there is no sticker in my passport, is it OK?
A: No, you need to get your UK visa stamped in your passport and then to apply for a visa.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
EMPLOYMENT LETTER
Q: I have no employment letter, are payslips or my employment contract OK?
A: No, you need an employment letter whatsoever and sometimes payslips as well.
Q: Is a fax/email/scanned copy OK?
A: No, you need an original. None of the above will be accepted by the Embassies.
Q: I am self-employed or a company director, what do I do regarding an employment letter?
A: You need a letter from your accountant or solicitor confirming you are self-employed, your business name, company number (if applicable), nature of your business.
Q: What does that employment letter have to say?
A: We can email you a sample.
Q: I am a student, is a letter from my college enough?
A: Letter is required and also MUST state your ATTENDANCE. Not the fees but the fact you are attending the classes.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
BANK STATEMENT
Q: My bank statement is older than 1 month.
A: You need a most recent ORIGINAL postal statement plus a print-out with an up-to-date balance (no older than 1 month). A print-out can be done from internet banking or instantly at your bank, it's also called Temporary Statement (but please no machine statements!). Your account number must be in full. Send BOTH old statement and a print-out.
Q: Can I take a bank-machine or cash-machine statement?
A: No, it is not accepted. Please read the above question.
Q: My bank account is overdrawn.
A: We can only accept a balance in credit.
Q: Why do you need to see my salary on the bank statement?
A: It is a requirement of the Consulates. Moreover, company name on your bank statement must be the same as on your employment letter.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Q: My travel insurance is provided by my bank, what do I need?
A: You need an ORIGINAL letter from your bank (no older than 1 month) confirming you have insurance valid in Europe and covering medical expenses/emergency.
Q: I have no travel insurance; can I apply for a Schengen visa?
A: No, you need to buy insurance.
Q: Where can I get my travel insurance and how much does it cost?
A: Click below for on-line instant quote and purchase. When ordered just print the certificate out.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
PASSPORT or UK VISA IS EXPIRING SOON
Q: My passport is expiring soon.
A: Your passport must be valid for at least 4 months AFTER your return from Schengen area. Otherwise, you need to extend or renew your passport and then to apply for a Schengen visa.
Q: My passport is expiring soon but my UK visa is valid for much longer.
A: You need to extend or renew your passport and then apply for a Schengen visa.
Q: My passport is expiring soon but my UK visa is valid for much longer and I am married to a UK citizen.
A: You need to extend or renew your passport and then apply for a Schengen visa.
Q: My UK visa is expiring soon.
A: Your UK visa must be valid for at least 3 months AFTER your trip for France; 4 months for Spain.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
GENERAL Questions
Q: Can I renew my Schengen visa or do I need all documents all over again?
A: You need all documents all over again.
Q: Do I need to go to the Consulate in person?
A: No! If we are applying on your behalf. Exceptions are for certain nationals whom we can assist with applying earlier than via public appointments but these nationals still have to come to the Embassy together with our agent. Such nationals are: Chinese, Colombian, Filipino, Kazakhstan, Belarus and some others.
Q: I don't have all documents but need a visa quickly. Can I apply with what I have and bring the rest while visa is being done or on collection?
A: No! You can only apply with all documents. It's all or nothing!
Q: I want to apply, what do I need?
A: Before we instruct you we need to know more about you: your nationality, UK visa type and validity, location, how long you have been in the UK; whether you are married to a UK or EU citizen. It will save time if you say this in your email.
Q: While my visa is being done can I have my passport?
A: No, passport has to be at the Consulate until visa is finalised, i.e. stamped in your passport. If you have to travel in the meantime you need either to apply for a visa earlier or later when your passport is available.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
PHOTOS
Q: Is photos' white background really so important?
A: Yes, it has to be white because your photo is printed on the visa.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
TICKETS and ACCOMODATION
Q: I would not like to book my trip before visa is granted.
A: You now need to provide a proof of paid-for tickets and a hotel or an official invitation from Spanish police. Exceptions are made for spouses of UK/EU citizens for a Spanish visa. The only way not to worry about booking is to check all requirements and to APPLY EARLY.
Q: I am staying with my friends/relatives, what do I need as a proof of accommodation? Is a letter/email from them sufficient?
A: You need an original official invitation from Spanish police. For a Portuguese visa you only need a letter from the host, copy of passport and a copy of a utility bill.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
IF YOU WERE REFUSED A VISA IN THE PAST
Q: I applied for a Schengen visa but didn't get one; can you now apply for me to make sure I'll get one?
A: No, if you applied in person and didn't get a visa for whatever reason then we cannot take you. You have to apply in person at the same Consulate. Had you come to us at the first place - we would have helped you (if you meet requirements and follow instructions).
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
FINALLY,
Q: Why is applying for a Schengen visa so complicated?
A: A good question! We wish we knew. We cannot change it but we can certainly make it easier for all if you follow our instructions.
Click here to go back to a Spanish visa page or here for a Portuguese visa page.
Contact us: phone 0845 3910 247, mobile 07795471483, email: info@multitravelvisas.co.uk