2026.5 Vancouver Europe Schengen Visa Sharing

The following applies to a Spanish travel visa 1. Process: I booked an appointment at the Swiss Consulate two months in advance, for 11:45 a.m. on a weekday. There is a notice at the entrance: you cannot enter more than 15 minutes early, and do not linger nearby after your appointment is completed. I arrived around 11:30 and was ushered into a small room with fewer than 20 people and about four counters—one counter handles French visa applications, while the other three handle other countries. I waited until 1:15 p.m. before the review and fingerprinting began. The entire process varies in length depending on the complexity of your individual situation. Here you are dealing only with VFS staff, who conduct a preliminary completeness check and provide a review recommendation, so have your documents ready and stay relaxed. 2. Documents: 1) Signed application form—handwritten versions are not accepted; the signature must be in Chinese and match the passport (for applicants holding a Chinese passport) 2) One Schengen-size photo taken within the last 3 months, white background 3) Original passport and a photocopy 4) If you have had a previous Schengen visa, provide a photocopy (there may also be a simplified process allowing submission by mail only—please check the latest requirements yourself) 5) Photocopy of PR card or valid visa 6) Travel itinerary—I provided only a one-page concise version 7) Round-trip air tickets 8) Travel insurance 9) Accommodation booking 10) Bank statements from recent months (I requested 6 months; RBC can provide them on the spot if you go in person—ask them to stamp the statements) 11) Local transit orders such as train tickets and bus tickets In addition, I was asked to provide the insurance policy details and my U.S. visa (the staff member photocopied it for me at no extra charge; the insurance details were forwarded by email) 3. Timeline—to be updated 4. Other: Whenever I have been able to pick up my passport in person, I have done so, so I asked about it this time. The staff member said that if there is an urgent situation, she could check with her supervisor and it might be possible. I mentioned that I would be travelling next month, and I was granted permission. Those choosing mail delivery should remember to purchase an envelope. #Schengen