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

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.

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

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.

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