Schengen Visa - France Or Italy?

[AndyM]

A cousin is getting married in Italy this summer, and has invited my wife and I to the wedding.

My wife has a settlement visa in the UK, and will be eligible for full time residency this coming October (having lived in the UK for 2 years).

I'd quite like to do a road trip through Europe, starting in France -> possibly Switzerland (where my wife has friends) -> Italy -> France -> UK

So, my question is; which is the better embassy to apply to?

I've already purchased two tickets to fly from Manchester to Italy (which should make it easier to apply to the Italian embassy), but am more likely to go with the road trip idea.

If at all likely, I'd like to not have to travel to London to visit the embassy - preferring a postal application

[AndyM]

I've just seen that it may be possible to apply to the Italian consulate in Manchester: http://www.consmanchester.esteri.it/Consolato_Manchester

Is this possible, and if so, advisable?

[Mahout Angrit]

If you live in the north you should apply in person at the Italian Consulate in Manchester (no postal applications)

or again if you live in Greater Manchester or other counties in the north you can apply to the French embassy by post

I've no idea which is easier and if you drive you could apply at either, if you fly you should apply at the Italian consulate.

[manuchaomk]

I think you need a visa for Switzerland too.

I know that tourists need a visa to come in Switzerland and it 's not the same visa that you need to travel into Eu States.

May you check first...

Manu

[farangsay]

I think you need a visa for Switzerland too.

I know that tourists need a visa to come in Switzerland and it 's not the same visa that you need to travel into Eu States.

May you check first...

Manu

Found this re Switzerland :

"Also all Thai citizens who are in posession of a valid residence permit (which has to be recognized by the SWISS FEDERAL ALIEN'S OFFICE) of the member states of the EUROPEAN UNION and EUROPEAN FREE TRADE ASSOCIATION (Efta) as well as of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Kanada or USA are allowed to enter Switzerland up to a period of three months without a Swiss visa, if one of the following reasons apply: tourism, visit, business meetings, medical treatment, staying at a health resort for medical rehabilitation, participation at scientific, economic, cultural, religious or sports events as well as staying as a foreign correspondent."

http://www.geocities.com/bkk99net/allginfos.htm

[manuchaomk]

right Farangsay.

Thank you for support

Manu

[AndyM]

Thanks for everybody's help, much appreciated!

[Maestro]

Andy, I am not one hundred percent sure but I believe your wife should get her Schengen visa form a consulate of the first Schengen country she plans to enter.

A Schengen visa is valid also for entry into Switzerland. I know this for sure. Only last month, I had Thai visitors whose itinerary was Bangkok-London-Brussels-London-Switzerland-Italy-Switzerland-London-Bangkok and all they had was a multiple-entry Schengen visa obtained from the Belgian embassy in Bangkok and a UK visitor’s visa.

--

Maestro

[giruz]

A cousin is getting married in Italy this summer, and has invited my wife and I to the wedding.

My wife has a settlement visa in the UK, and will be eligible for full time residency this coming October (having lived in the UK for 2 years).

I'd quite like to do a road trip through Europe, starting in France -> possibly Switzerland (where my wife has friends) -> Italy -> France -> UK

So, my question is; which is the better embassy to apply to?

I've already purchased two tickets to fly from Manchester to Italy (which should make it easier to apply to the Italian embassy), but am more likely to go with the road trip idea.

If at all likely, I'd like to not have to travel to London to visit the embassy - preferring a postal application

Ok, what you have to do is:

1) Find where you plan to stay longer, if it is Italy then apply to the italians. If you plan to stay much longer in France..then apply with the French.

2) Ask your friends for a letter / invite. It is linked on the ministry for foreign affairs or I guess on the consulate's webpage. The invite has to be legalized (14.57EUR). It shouldn't be mandatory but might help. If they refuse...do as for point 3 (well do point 3 no matter what)

3) Get a letter from your friends with a formal invite stating why you want to go in Italy (if you apply to the italian the letter should be in Italian or English...if you apply to the french consulate french/english)

4) Get an insurance for the period

5) Book the flights (I think you should be able to get good deals from webjet/ryanair)

6) Prepare bank statements (with HER name, not yours!)

7) Write a letter stating that you'll go with her

8) Pay the 60EUR due

///

Switzerland does not require a visa for thai holding a ILR, family permit or British temporary permit. Also, a schengen visa does the job.

(assuming your wife is thai).

///

NOTE: in this case she is able to travel ALONE in schengen.

If she travels with you all you need is a copy of your marriage certificate, a printout of the latest ec directive and I think you should be fine. NO VISA. (new eu rules, some cases have been reported in Italy and Spain but most customs officers aren't aware of it...this is why you need the relevant laws printed out...in Italian and French would be better)

If you want to apply for a visa it can be issued free-of-charge at the either the Italian or British consulate but you MUST travel with her.

g.

[AndyM]

Have run into a slight problem:

I phoned the Manchester Italian Consulate's automated appointment booking system, but the earliest date it was able to provide is 30th August - a date 2 weeks AFTER we're wishing to travel (approx 13th August).

Given that we're attending a special family event (wedding) do you think they'll allow special dispensation in allowing an earlier interview, or do you think they'll punish me for being a forgetful donkey in applying too late?

Anybody able to offer any advice?

[the scouser]

It's normally impossible to to get to speak to a human being when you ring these places, so perhaps send them a fax explaining the relevant circumstances. Failing that, you may be looking at a trip down to the embassy in London.

Scouse.

[the scouser]

Just come across a general enquiries phone number - 0161 236 9024. You could try giving that a bell.

Scouse.

[Mahout Angrit]

Failing that, you may be looking at a trip down to the embassy in London.

Not sure about that as under "Where to Apply" the Italian Consulate web site says your residential address governs the consulate to which you should apply and it gives no indication if you can cross these boundaries.

If you wanted to try at another consulate (who may have a shorter waiting list) and have relatives/friends in another location you could try using their address.

I guess you have shelved the idea of driving via France as you could have applied via post to the French embassy.

It seems that many of the Schengen consulates currently have long waiting times for appointments.

[AndyM]

Thanks for the advice given

Have just received the following mail from the consulate:

Dear Sir,

Due to the large amount of requests, the automated Appointment Booking System operated by Cablecom of London is giving appointments after more than 30 days, some times after the intended date of departure.

Whenever possible, we will be glad to offer the opportunity to submit the visa application at an earlier date provided that:

- you have booked an appointment by calling the number 09065 540 770 (even if at a later date);

- you can prove you are actually going to Italy;

- you meet all the requirements, as stated in our website (please visit it).

As soon as you've secured your appointment, send us an e-mail with the following information and, if possible, we'll rearrange your appointment at a suitable date (we'll send you an e-mail):

full names:

- nationality:

passport number:

- address:

date of the appointment you have been given:

- date of your intended departure:

REMINDER

Please carefully read the visa information on our website The processing time for the issue of a visa may vary from few days to two weeks No visas can be issued on the same day of application Admission without an appointment is not permitted All visa applications must be submitted personally.

Visa Officer

The 09065 number is an absolute rip off at £1 per minute from a BT line - especially given that they insist on repeating everything at least twice. Hate to think what it's cost on my mobile.

Will update to let you know how we get on

[the scouser]

Whatever you do, don't ring the premium numbers for an appointment.

Likewise, don't think that just because one lives in a certain neck of the woods that one must apply to a given office. Sod 'em: you either qualify or you don't, and you may apply to any designated office.

Scouse.

[32x]

Have run into a slight problem:

I phoned the Manchester Italian Consulate's automated appointment booking system, but the earliest date it was able to provide is 30th August - a date 2 weeks AFTER we're wishing to travel (approx 13th August).

Given that we're attending a special family event (wedding) do you think they'll allow special dispensation in allowing an earlier interview, or do you think they'll punish me for being a forgetful donkey in applying too late?

Anybody able to offer any advice?

If you have time on your hands visit the Italian Consulate in London(5 Minutes walk from Sloane Square Tube station)but get there early.They have a walk in Visa dept that deals with holiday visa.Same most places take a ticket & wait your turn.

But as said before get there early as they close at 12.30 but wont throw you out if you havent been seen as long as you have a ticket.Tel-020 7235 9371

email [email protected]

[Mahout Angrit]

If you have time on your hands visit the Italian Consulate in London(5 Minutes walk from Sloane Square Tube station)but get there early.They have a walk in Visa dept that deals with holiday visa.Same most places take a ticket & wait your turn.

Sounds great if you can but the web site says:

Due to the large number of applicants, we have introduced an appointment system.

It is a 24 hour fully automated service operated in conjunction with Cablecom Productions of London .

Appointments for the Visa Section of the Italian Consulate in London can be booked on 09065-540707 (calls charged at £ 1 per minute).

PLEASE HAVE YOUR PASSPORT, PEN AND PAPER READY WHEN CALLING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT.

All persons wishing to apply for visas to visit Italy should call this service in order to make an appointment in advance.

Admission without an appointment is not possible.

Check with 32x if this was a recent experience of his.

[32x]

You could be correct.

Havent paid a visit there for over a year.

But a friend works for a sub office of the Italian consulate.

Will give him a bell & find out.

[paully]

Whatever you do, don't ring the premium numbers for an appointment.

Likewise, don't think that just because one lives in a certain neck of the woods that one must apply to a given office. Sod 'em: you either qualify or you don't, and you may apply to any designated office.

Scouse.

Bureaucracy rules in Italy it seems, Scouse:

"WHERE TO APPLY (Be careful not to confuse Manchester with London and be aware that you can only apply at one of the following Consulates in accordance to your residency)

- Italian Consulate in MANCHESTER, located at 111 Piccadilly, Manchester (close to Piccadilly Station), if you are resident in the North of En Ig and (Cheshire, Cleveland, Cumbria, Derby, Durham, Humberside, Lancashire, Leicester, Lincolnshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire) in North Wales (Clwyd, Gwynedd, Powys: districts of Montgomery and Radnor) and the Isle of Man. Applications are by appointment only and must be booked on 09065 540 770.

- In case of difficulties please call the technical helpline on 08448 009 002, callers can leave a message on this service and we will contact the callers directly and try to sort out any issues they may be having."

Or you can email: [email protected]

Edited July 10, 2007 by paully