Can I avoid visiting the French consulate when applying for a Schengen visa?
I am an Indian citizen with US green card (living in the US). I had applied and received a Schengen visa last year from the Italian Embassy last year for a 2 week visit. The visa details were:
From: 20-06-15 To: 10-07-15. MULTI Duration of stay: 21 days The visa had the "VIS" entry in it (proves that the visa included biometric information which is shared across the SCHENGEN states)
I was planning to travel to France in July/August and saw the following information on the France web site:
Please note that you don't have to apply in person if you already hold a Schengen visa with the mention "VIS" on it issued less than 5 years ago. In that case, just mail us your complete application with a credit card authorization form for the fees and a self addressed prepaid envelope.
Does this hold true in my case and can I just mail the passport in (without going in for an appointment)?
Best Answer
As I read it, the requirement just means you need to have been previously issued a Schengen visa labeled "VIS," which demonstrates that your biometrics are already in the system (that's the Visa Information System, which Schengen states use to share visa data and biometrics), whether or not that visa is used or expired. Since you gave biometrics for your last visa already, you wouldn't need to appear in person.
One source says:
An applicant requesting a visa for the first time must appear in person for the collection of his or her biometric data: a photograph and ten fingerprints. However, for subsequent applications within five years, fingerprints from the VIS file can be re-used unless there is reasonable doubt regarding the applicant's identity.
You can usually email the consulate to confirm too if there's any doubt. I presume they would contact you if they deemed a personal appearance necessary.
Note that every Schengen country has been rolling out their systems on different timetables, so the exact rules that will apply to applicants may depend on the consulate responsible for your application.
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Should my first trip be to the country issued by Schengen Visa?
There is no general requirement that you must enter the Schengen Area through the country that issued your visa. Your main destination may be different than your first destination. To prevent complications, stick to your itinerary as best you can.Can I go to VFS without appointment for Schengen Visa?
Walk In Without Appointment* If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.What are the reasons for rejection of Schengen Visa?
Occasionally, an applicant can be prone to illegal and/or dishonest behavior. Furthermore, some information that the applicant provides may not be per the rules and procedures of the visa application or the country the applicant wishes to visit. This can lead to a visa refusal.Do embassies know about visa refusal in other countries?
As long as there is no visa rejection stamp on your passport none will know that another country has denied your visa. Except for Schengen countries as they use the same system and they will be able to pull you information. In the Western world all of the embassies are linked into common computer networks and systems.REASONS WHY SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATIONS GET REJECTED (Highly requested)
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