Schengen Visa For Tgf

[tariq]

Hello All

I've been reading some of the threads and I'm a little confused and would like some clarification on applying for a schengen visa(s.

Firstly our circumstances..

I have a Thai girlfriend who has successfully had 3 UKVV's during the past few years and I have been her sponsor for all. Planning on applying for a further UKVV soon and I would like to take a couple of trips to perhaps France and Spain. We don't have any planned dates for these visits and would prefer to go at short notice.

Questions

1. Does she have to apply for the Schengen visa whilst in Thailand or can we visit the French/Spanish embassy in London and apply there?

2. Does she need a separate schengen visa for each country we intend to visit or does one allow travel to any country(ies) in the Schengen area?

3. Does the fact that we are not married cause any issues or will the fact that 3 previous UKVV's have been granted help?

4. Would like to take a trip to Marrakesh - what's the score with that and a visa requirements?

Appreciations in advance for any guidance and advice.

Regards

Tariq...

[theoldgit]

1. Does she have to apply for the Schengen visa whilst in Thailand or can we visit the French/Spanish embassy in London and apply there?

She has to apply in Thailand, she cannot apply in London unless she is resident there. For a Schengen visa she should apply at the visa section of the country she enters the Schengen Area, or if touring the country that's the main destination. She will need to supply hotel bookings, travel details out of Schengen so it's not really practical to make an application unless you know what you intend to do,

2. Does she need a separate schengen visa for each country we intend to visit or does one allow travel to any country(ies) in the Schengen area?

One visa covers all.

3. Does the fact that we are not married cause any issues or will the fact that 3 previous UKVV's have been granted help?

The fact you are not married makes no difference to her application. Providing she meets the criteria she shouldn't have a problem.

4. Would like to take a trip to Marrakesh - what's the score with that and a visa requirements?

She will need to apply for a visa in Thailand, check here. http://www.moroccoembassybangkok.org/ConsularSection.htm

[tariq]

1. Does she have to apply for the Schengen visa whilst in Thailand or can we visit the French/Spanish embassy in London and apply there?

She has to apply in Thailand, she cannot apply in London unless she is resident there. For a Schengen visa she should apply at the visa section of the country she enters the Schengen Area, or if touring the country that's the main destination. She will need to supply hotel bookings, travel details out of Schengen so it's not really practical to make an application unless you know what you intend to do

Thanks oldgit (hmmm...doesn't seem right calling you that!) It is impractical to have hotel bookings etc if I don't know for sure when we're going (as you've indicated) Is it feasible to have provisional bookings? Or if we had bookings with specific dates and then we entered on a different date would that cause problems?

Thanks.

[theoldgit]

What I normally do is to make bookings with a major chain like Accor, Hilton or Holiday Inn, the type of booking where you hold a room with a credit card, once I have the visa I cancel the booking, make sure you do that otherwise your card will be charged, my partner has never been refused a visa. I do ensure that I make a confirmed booking prior to actual travel in case proof is asked for at the border, though it never has been. It's worth noting that Schengen Visas are normally given for the dates you propose in the application, not six months as you might get from the UKBA.

Likewise, we have always made provisional travel arrangements in and out of Schengen, firming up before travel. We always get the UK Visa first, I think once that's in the passport the Schengen Visa is almost a slam dunk.

[tariq]

Thats great mate. Thanks for your help.

Tariq...