Wanting to visit Europe so bad but worried about the visa application? Excited to see the tulip plantation and windmills in Netherlands but confused on how to start gathering your documents? I was feeling the exact worries and hesitation when I planned for my solo Eurotrip. But then, it would be a bigger regret if I won’t give it a try, right? Unlike several blog information that includes additional recommendations for other Schengen countries as an option, I will only be focusing on giving you my personal experience in applying for the Netherlands Multiple Schengen Visa in Qatar. However, you are very much welcome to give your own points and share your experiences. WHAT IS A SCHENGEN VISA A Schengen Visa is the document issued by the appropriate authorities to the interested party for visiting/ traveling to and within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Of the 26 countries bound by the Schengen agreement, 22 are part of the EU and the other 4 are part of the EFTA. (Source: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/) Find out here who needs a Schengen visa. Remember that we mean here Tourist Visa application, so this will be your visa type. **Tourist Visa - This visa is solely for the purpose of leisure travel including vacationing, cruising, sightseeing and other recreational activities. If during any portion of their visit to Netherlands the applicant intends to engage in business, or official duties he/ she must refer to other relevant visa categories. (Source: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/Qatar/Tourist.html) WHERE TO APPLY For Qatar based applicants, there is an authorized joint visa center who will provide you assistance in landing your application since Netherlands Regional Support office is located in Amman, Jordan. Keep in mind that VFS Global will only assist and guide you through the entire application process, they do not have any control whether you will be granted a visa or otherwise as this is the Netherlands’ Office's entire prerogative and discretion. HOW TO APPLY Once you are sure, decided and ready to proceed with your application, follow the steps below. Again, please do know that these procedures are purely based on my personal experience, simple and applicable to everyone who is eligible. 1. Register or create an account with VFS Global on their website to get an appointment schedule with the visa center. 2. Once account is ready, proceed to scheduling your appointment (as advised to me by VFS, application can be submitted at least 2-3 months prior to your planned travel dates), you will then receive an appointment letter (see sample below) with the document checklist (see gathering documents section below). 3. Mark your calendars and start gathering requirements as per the checklist provided by VFS. 4. Arrive 15 minutes before your time on the scheduled date. Pass by at the guard reception counter of the building before proceeding to VFS office (see location map below). VFS Global Address: 1st Floor (103) Abdul Jaleel Business Center, Airport Road, Al Matar Street, Doha, Qatar 5. At the VFS office, take priority number from the reception. Wait for your turn and follow instructions as given. NOTE: Promise time for visa processing is 15 working days, but I received mine after 6 working days. COLLECTING DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS The following are the exact list of documents I submitted as per the checklist. For more detailed, accurate information and easy reference, see the attached supplementary PDF files.
1. Application - A completed and signed Schengen visa application form (always double check the information you provide)
2. Documents - clear passport copy valid for at least 3-6 months before and after the travel period - personal details page of old and new passports - all travel and visa stamps of old and new passports 3. Evidence of Legal Residence - Copy of Qatar ID valid for at least 3-6 months before and after the travel period 4. Photo - To avoid mistakes in photo requirement, I opted to take mine from VFS Global as they take photos as an extra service for QAR35/- 5. Proof of Travel - Travel itinerary (a copy of my confirmed air ticket via Pegasus Airline from Skyscanner.net) - ***Documents proving that visit is for tourist purposes (see below itinerary and PDF supporting docs made from Viator.com and Visitacity.com) - Hotel reservation/s for the duration of visit (done mine via Booking.com) - Bank statements for the last 3 months (bank issued me 6 months for a QAR60/- charge, I requested the report day before my appointment) - Approved holiday application form and No Objection Letter from the employer - Copy of Qatar ID valid for at least 3-6 months before and after the travel period ***NOTE: Below supporting PDF documents are matching with the Europe Itinerary I've prepared. The actual itinerary submitted indicates budget/ prices and confirmation numbers as per the bookings I made online.
6. Proof of Health Insurance - Travel health insurance valid throughout the Schengen area under the applicant's name covering the entire travel duration - The insurance should be at least EUR30,000 of medical costs are reimbursed, including hospital care, emergency treatment and repatriation (got my insurance issued from a travel agency for QAR74/-, price depends on the travel duration) ***Whether you are traveling solo, with friends or family, for business or leisure, it is necessary to get the best travel insurance to keep you secure. If you are not certain which insurance company to take, the information and guides provided by reviews.com will surely help you decide. 7. Visa - Copy of Qatar ID valid for at least 3-6 months before and after the travel period 8. Payment (CASH ONLY) - Visa fee to be given in the VFS Global's office upon application submission (see below breakdown as of this blog's date) QAR 270.00 - Visa Fee (Normal Tariff) QAR 120.00 - VFS Service Fees QAR 35.00 - Photobooth Fee -------------------------------- QAR 425.00 - TOTAL NOTES:
Are the above information and guides helpful? Let me know your thoughts by leaving your comments below. Happy Traveling!
13 Comments
Xin
8/10/2018 11:02:24 am
Hello, please give advice on how much money is required in your bank account . Thanks.
Reply
Hi Xin,
Reply
DEE NAW
9/5/2019 07:19:58 pm
Hi,
Reply
Claire
6/11/2019 09:06:33 am
Hi! How long till your visa result was released? Did it take more than 15 business days?
Reply
Elias
22/12/2019 04:10:35 pm
Dear Pie Tan
Reply
Xin
16/1/2020 12:59:11 pm
Hi, my visa application is approved yesterday. Thanks for the tips!!
Reply
Hayze
4/7/2020 03:38:41 pm
Hi, am planning to travel to netherland to visit my friends there, is it necessary for me to book a hotel or i need an invitation letter from my friends.
Reply
This really sparkles! You make me want to learn more! Out of this world! Your ability to work across these topics. I’m impressed with the manner you’re operating together with your articles and the work into getting this. You really went above and beyond on ideas. You’re doing a good job on your role and responsibilities. Keep up the good work.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
The Author❤PIE TAN❤
Zealous Writer | Wander Blogger | Eager Traveler | Striving Singer | Tea Lover | Happy Partner *** A full-time expat and part-time lakwatsera. An optimist who is not willing to give up her dream to travel and see amazing places as far as she could. A crazy main character of her own Theatrical Show who is exaggeratedly dramatic and annoying. A Leo full of dreams, ambitions and SURPRISES! Donate with PayPal
HOTel Deals!Archives by Month
March 2018
Categories
All
|