Shengen Visa Problem

[maymay]

I want to travel to Italy on 22nd september. I will travel by car leaving the UK and traveling through france (2nights) to Italy (staying 4 nights) and returning vis Switzerland (1 night) and back through france (2 nights).

I tried to get an appointment with the Italain embassy today and the only one I could get was 18 September, so I booked it. If I go through with this appointment I dont think they will process the visa in time for me to leave on the 22nd.

So.... because I am technically staying an equal amount of time in France I called the appointment line (£1 p/min) today and after going through 5 mins of options was told by a recorded message that they were too busy and couldnt even give any advance appointment and to call another day. But they still took my call money.

So am stuck........I know I should apply to the embassy of the country I will be staying the longest period or the first country of entry. But now what can I do.....

I read here that the german embassy will process by post in 8 days if I have a UK visa and am spouse of an EU person, which I am....So can I maybe book a trip to germany this month (reserve hotel room on my credit card for say one night in france and 2nights in Germany) get a shengen visa from the german embassy, cancel the hotel then go off the italy in September and use the same shengen visa.

Or does any body here have any better or more informed ideas.

many thanks

maymay

[londonthai]

because of the high season the french visa is 3 months waiting, do the german one. If it fails you still will get appointment with the italians.

[mariner29]

A lot of people just go to the nearest Embassy which issues the Visa and don't bother even travelling to the country which issued it.

[caledonia]

Could you not explaint he situation to the Italians?

Or do you not have family elsewhere in the UK near a less busy embassy and you could go there!! Sounds silly perhaps but the times that hubby has needed Schengan visas we have literally walked into the embassies in Edinburgh and had the visa 3-5 days later (Italy, Spain & Dutch) - I guess we are very lucky!

The Italian consulate had a three day turn around - but judging by the wait times in London I don't imagine it would be so quick.

The Italians and Dutch wanted proof of the trip in terms of accomodation and flights but Spain only wanted proof of our marriage if I remember rightly - and proof we were traveling together - could you not try them and maybe imply your trip will also extend to Spain!?!

Edited August 9, 2008 by caledonia

[caledonia]

Could you not explaint he situation to the Italians?

Or do you not have family elsewhere in the UK near a less busy embassy and you could go there!! Sounds silly perhaps but the times that hubby has needed Schengan visas we have literally walked into the embassies in Edinburgh and had the visa 3-5 days later (Italy, Spain & Dutch) - I guess we are very lucky!

The Italian consulate had a three day turn around - but judging by the wait times in London I don't imagine it would be so quick.

The Italians and Dutch wanted proof of the trip in terms of accomodation and flights but Spain only wanted proof of our marriage if I remember rightly - and proof we were traveling together - could you not try them and maybe imply your trip will also extend to Spain!?!

Oh I should note we only got super service cos we were travlling together - you don't say whether you are traveling with your spouse and if your not it may not be as easy!

[MrsExpat2B]

Try looking online on Thursday afternoon (3pm-5pm), the French normally release next week's available appointment slots should there be any.

Need to be quick though as they get taken quickly.