Tips for applying for a Schengen visa
On this page you can read a number of general ones tips for applying for a Schengen visa.
Tip 1: One good preparation is of great importance for a positive visa decision. Make sure you read carefully, consult official websites for (up-to-date) information. Collect all necessary documents and use the official checklist from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tip 2. Take the time for a visa application. From 2 February 2020, you may already submit a visa application six months before the intended departure. Hasty urgency can cause you to forget things or not be able to deliver on time.
Tip 3. Provide the supporting documents in the correct language. Official foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled (certified by a competent authority) and translated into Dutch, English, French or German. Consider, for example, an employer's statement in Thai or Chinese, which must first be translated.
Tip 4. Fill in everything truthfully. A white lie is a bad choice in this case. You are even punishable and you may be wasting your chances of traveling to the Netherlands in the future.
Tip 5. Don't get involved with shady desks. We strongly advise you not to use intermediary agencies or other agencies that pretend to be (affiliated with) the embassy or consulate.
Tip 6. Arrange for an interpreter yourself if you do not speak Dutch, English or the language of the country where you are staying. You must then arrange for an official interpreter with a special pass that proves that he/she is an official interpreter. The interpreter may not be a family member.
Tip 7. Close only one medical travel insurance with an insurer who refunds the premium in the event of a visa rejection.
Tip 8. Don't buy plane tickets if you don't have a visa yet. This is not a requirement and prevents considerable financial disappointment in the event of a rejection.
Tip 9. Behave properly if you submit the application to the external service provider or the embassy. They do their job according to the regulations and if they point out shortcomings or the lack of documents, it is not their fault. You obviously don't have your affairs in order.
Tip 10. Look closely at the validity period of your passport if you apply for a multi-entry visa. The visa is never valid longer than the validity period of your passport. It is therefore best to apply for a multi-entry if you have first renewed your passport. You can then travel to the Schengen area for 5 years without having to apply for a visa every time. that is not only easy but also saves you a lot of fees (application costs).
