Tips for applying for a Schengen visa
On this page, you will find a number of general tips for applying for a Schengen visa.
Tip 1: Good preparation is of great importance for a positive visa decision. Make sure you read up on the subject thoroughly and consult official websites for (up-to-date) information. Gather all necessary documents and use the official checklist from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tip 2. Take your time with a visa application . As of February 2, 2020, you can submit a visa application as early as six months before your intended departure. Rushing can cause you to forget things or be unable to submit them on time.
Tip 3. Submit the supporting documents in the correct language . Official foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled (certified as authentic 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 be translated first.
Tip 4. Fill everything in truthfully . A white lie is a bad choice in this case. You are even liable to prosecution and you may be throwing away your chances of traveling to the Netherlands in the future.
Tip 5. Do not do business with shady agencies . We strongly advise against using intermediary agencies or other organizations that present themselves as (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 proving that he or she is an official interpreter. The interpreter may not be a family member.
Tip 7. Only take out medical travel insurance with an insurer that refunds the premium in the event of a visa rejection.
Tip 8. Do not buy plane tickets if you do not have a visa yet. This is not a requirement and prevents significant financial disappointment in the event of a rejection.
Tip 9. Behave correctly when submitting the application to the external service provider or the embassy. They do their work according to the regulations, and if they point out shortcomings or missing documents, it is not their fault. You apparently do not have your affairs in order.
Tip 10. Pay close attention to the validity period of your passport when applying for a multi-entry visa. The visa is never valid for longer than the validity period of your passport. Therefore, it is best to apply for a multi-entry visa after you have renewed your passport. You can then travel to the Schengen area for 5 years without having to apply for a visa every time. This is not only convenient but also saves you a lot on fees (application costs).
Schengen Visitor Insurance OOM
Please note: Allianz no longer offers Travel Risk Insurance for a Schengen visa. Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative: the Schengen Visitor insurance from OOM Insurance. This Dutch insurer from Rijswijk specializes in Schengen insurance.
The policy offers visa guarantee (if the visa is rejected, you will get the premium back) and extensive coverage up to €500.000. With a low premium starting at €1,60 per day, it is a reliable and affordable choice. You can take out the policy online immediately, and you will receive it within an hour.
✔ Meets all requirements for a Schengen visa application with ease.
✔ Affordable and good: From just €1,60 per person per day.
✔ The policy by email within 1 hour (iDEAL, credit card or PayPal).
✔ Also for persons over 70 years of age
✔ Coverage for medical expenses up to a maximum of €500.000
✔ VISA GUARANTEE: If your Schengen visa is rejected, you will receive a refund of the premium.
✔ Liability can optionally be included in the insurance.
The Schengen Visitor insurance is the best choice for a successful Schengen visa application!
Would you prefer to receive the policy in English? Click here: Calculate premium and finalize.
More information about OOM's Schengen insurance:
- Coverage overview Schengen Visitor Insurance
- Policy conditions Schengen Visitor Insurance
- Schengen Visitor Insurance Insurance Card
