Visa For Europe

[dr45]

My girlfriend is over in the UK at the moment for 6 months studying Business English full time. She is on a 6 month student visa. We are returning to Thailand in January 2009, but intend to come back in April 2010 for 1 year where she will do a years study at a local college.

If we want to travel into Europe, then am told we have to apply before she leaves Thailand - but if we do not make any definite plans for travel then how do we get around this issue. I would be looking to take a months vacation and would look to book last minute to get the best deals.

any advice would be appreciated

[the scouser]

You really just have to explain the situation as it is and see their response. In my experience, they either want an invitation from a host in the Schengen country or a confirmed itinerary. If you don't have the former, then a spontaneous trip to Schengen-land is effectively ruled out.

Scouse.

[dr45]

Scouse

Many thanks - is there a definitive website / or a place I can look at to get some accurate information on this.

I have a friend who owns a chalet in France so ( If he provides an invitation then is it as simple as providing this letter along with flight tickets etc) or do I still have to provide bank statements bills from my GF etc from UK.

Much appreciated

dave

[the scouser]

You will still need to show that you can pay for the proposed trip to France and that you and your g/f are in a relationship. If you wait until she has her 1-year student status in the UK, she should be able to make the application at the French embassy in the UK.

If you do a google for "french embassy thailand" or "french embassy UK" and then follow your nose, you should find the definitive answers.

Scouse.

[dr45]

Many thanks

I will follow this up - I have made some investigations that you can go to Switzerland without a visa but must have 3 months left on the UK student visa which I will also persue.

Dave