Spanish Schengen visa: No appointment available in the next two months
I need a new EU Spouse Schengen Visa for my Chinese wife for a visit to Spain. As per previous instructions, I've booked the trip for 7 July 2016 but vfsglobal have informed they have no appointments available in Manchester (we are based in West Yorkshire). Is there any other way to obtain the Visa so we do not lose the holiday and payment?
Best Answer
No perfect solution but there are a few things you can do:
Bypass VFS, as the spouse of an EU citizen (because you wrote "EU spouse visa", I am assuming you're a British citizen and she would be travelling with you), your wife is covered by the EU freedom of movement. It means that she is entitled to get a visa under a simplified procedure, not the regular Schengen rules and the consulate should be more accommodating.
And, in principle, it should not take longer than 15 days to issue this visa. It's possible that VFS isn't aware of all this but the consulate is really at fault if they can't find a solution. Don't be obnoxious but do remind them of that if necessary.
Suggest applying to another consulate (see Can I get an appointment at a French consulate different than the one assigned to my state?) Applicants are not entitled to it but consulates can always allow that and, as an EU citizen, you are in a stronger position to ask for it.
While waiting on the consulate to react/trying to reach them, keep watching the schedule, some time slots might free themselves.
Pictures about "Spanish Schengen visa: No appointment available in the next two months"
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.Is Spain giving visas now?
Earlier today, BLS International also announced that Spain's visa application centre in St Petersburg, Russia, has resumed accepting applications for some visa types.Is Schengen Visa available now?
About four years from now, Indian passport holders will be able to obtain online a Schengen visa to visit any of the 26 Schengen Area member countries, including here France, Germany, and Italy, as the European Union's Commission is working to digitalize the procedures for obtaining a Schengen visa.How long does it take to get an appointment at the Spanish embassy?
All applicants who want to apply directly should write a letter, which can be delivered in person or by post, to the Spanish Consulate. An appointment will usually be given within 2 weeks after you apply if there are appointment slots available.Spain Tourist Visa Latest Updates | Spain Visa Appointment
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Olya Kobruseva, Olya Kobruseva, Olya Kobruseva, Olya Kobruseva