In chase of Schengen visa: How not to miss the moment and deprive yourself of a long-awaited trip?

To spend a romantic weekend in Italy, go on a family vacation to Germany or attend the 2024 Olympics in France – all year round Europe offers tourists from all corners of the world to enjoy the amazing atmosphere of vibrant events.
Europe is the place where even the most demanding travelers will find something to their liking. Old city squares, narrow streets, majestic cathedrals and azure beaches – this is far from everything that attracts guests.

To drop everything and head to Europe for the weekend is a dream for everyone. It will definitely come true if you have a valid Schengen visa. However, it is better to plan your long-awaited vacation or trip, the anticipation of which makes your heart skip a beat, in advance. We recommend starting with applying for a visa, setting aside the thought that this issue can be left until the last minute. Otherwise, there is a risk that your dream of traveling to Europe may remain just a dream.

Planning trips to Europe for spring and summer is already in full swing. And it is not surprising: it won’t be possible to visit Olympic France by simply going to the visa center a couple of weeks before the trip.

Tourism companies in the UAE note a growing demand for tickets and visas every year. As for hotels and flights, things are easier: there is often a possibility to find alternative accommodation options, such as a rental apartment, or to find a flight with perhaps inconvenient transfers that will still take you to your final destination.
But a trip to Europe without a Schengen visa definitely won’t happen. From March to September you won’t be able to obtain the coveted stamp in your passport by relying solely on luck.

When is the best time to submit documents for a Schengen visa application?

When planning a trip to Europe between March and September, it is recommended to submit the documents for a Schengen visa application at least three months prior to the intended travel date.

This is due to the high number of people wishing to travel to Europe and, consequently, the huge queues at visa centers.

During the peak season visa centers process tens of thousands of applications, with the majority falling within the holiday period and hot summer months. The Visa Services specialists advise to start collecting the necessary documents and submit the application for Schengen visa as soon as possible.

Of course we can book a slot for document submission in a few days. However, we still recommend signing up now: this way there is every chance to avoid queues and save on visa processing. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to choose a date that is most convenient for your schedule.

How does the procedure of obtaining a Schengen visa look like?

The procedure of obtaining a Schengen visa is not as complex as many people think. The experts at The Visa Services will spare you the need to delve into all the intricacies of the process on your own, and the procedure itself will go through several simple stages:

Initial free consultation, during which we will discuss all the details of your request and the nuances of the application process, as well as check if everything is in order with your documents.
Payment of the visa fee, as well as the fees for the services provided by The Visa Services company for submitting the visa application.
Collecting the necessary document package, including passport, current residency visa and completed application form for obtaining a Schengen visa. The manager may also request additional documents to expedite the processing of your application or increase the chances of a positive decision.
Booking an appointment to submit the documents at the visa center, which will be arranged by our specialists after agreeing on the date with you.
Submitting the documents at the visa center – you will need to come to the visa center on the designated day with the prepared application.
Waiting for a decision, during which you will be able to track the status of your application online.
Receiving your passport, which you can either pick up from the visa center yourself or request courier delivery to your address (upon prior request).

And then – packing your suitcases and looking forward to a pleasant trip that you have been dreaming of for so long!

List of documents required for Schengen visa application:

Valid passport
Current resident visa
Copy of previous Schengen visa
Photo on a white background, size 3.5 x 4.5 cm (no older than 6 months)
Employer’s certificate stating position, salary, and contract duration. If you are a business owner, you will need to provide a copy of your company’s trade license.
Bank statements for the last 3-6 months.

When you finally have your passport with the long-awaited stamp in your hands, we recommend to verify the accuracy of the document, paying attention to the following points:

Photo: make sure that it is your photo on the visa (unfortunately, such mistakes can happen).
Correct spelling of your surname and name.
Visa type: it should correspond to the one you applied for.
Dates of the visa’s validity: they should match the dates of your actual trip or be longer.
Duration of stay and number of entries.
Visa’s validity area: usually it should indicate “Schengen countries,” but there may be exceptions, and only the issuing country may be specified.

Competent approach to trip planning and timely contact with the visa center guarantee that your plans to have an unforgettable time in Europe will be realized. With the help of The Visa Services specialists, you will eliminate unnecessary stress and have more time to enjoy the anticipation of your trip!