In my recent blog, Europe was identified as the top travel destinations for OFW’s in Qatar. And since this blog’s goal is to provide as much information which will be beneficial to the Filipino community in Qatar, I tried to collect some information that will be useful especially to those who are planning for their European vacation sometime soon. As most information is also general, our readers from other regions may also get idea on how to process their visa application locally.
WHAT?
A Schengen Visa is a document issued by the appropriate authorities to the interested party for visiting/travelling to and within the Schengen Area.
Schengen Area, named after “the Schengen Agreement” signifies a zone where 26 different European nations, acknowledged the abolishment of their internal borders with other member nations and outside, for the free and unrestricted movement of people, goods, services, and capital, in harmony with common rules for controlling external borders and fighting criminality by strengthening common judicial system and police cooperation.
Read more here: http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/
WHERE?
The application of a Schengen visa is subject to your point-of-entry in Europe or the country where you will stay longer. Depending on your planned itinerary or tour package, you should be advised where to apply for a visa in their respective Embassy offices here in Doha.
Please do note that some Schengen States also use private Visa Application Centers for short term visas only. However, it is still the concerned Embassies who do the review and approval for all applications, including long term visas.
The Italian Embassy
Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) is a private company in charge of the Italian Visa Application Centre.
CKGS Italy Visa Application Centre
Ground Floor, AMG Building
Al Jazira Al Arabiya Street, Madinat Khalifa (South),
Doha, Qatar (near Philippine School Doha area)
Telephone No.: +974 33329127
from 08:00 am – 04:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday
Email Address: italyvisa.qatar@ckgs.com
Residents of Qatar who wish to travel to Malta, Sweden, or Estonia can also apply at the CKGS Italy Visa Application Centre in Qatar.
For other information, you may also contact the Italian Embassy in Doha at +974 44831803 from Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 1pm or write an e-mail to doha.visti2@esteri.it.
The German Embassy
WorldBridge Service is a commercial company who is working in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Qatar. They also process Schengen Visas for Austria, Finland, Norway and Slovenia.
WorldBridge Visa Application Centre
Al Jaidah Square, 3rd floor
63 Airport Road (atop Jarir Bookstore in Airport Road)
Doha, Qatar
Telephone Nos: +974 44364771; +974 44364774
The Spanish Embassy
The Embassy of Spain in Qatar is working together with VFS Global – an international outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. Effective October 2, 2016, their office will move to its new location (from Jaidah Square to Abdul Jaleel Business Center also in Airport Road).
The Spain Visa Application Centre
1st Floor (103) Abdul Jaleel Business Center,
(new building near Al Meera Airport Road)
Doha, Qatar
Telephone No.: +974 44069001
Email: info.spainqatar@vfshelpline.com
For travelers to other Schengen states, it is a must to go directly to their Embassy offices for visa application.
West Bay, Diplomatic Area
Doha, Qatar
Telephone No.: +974 44021777
The Embassy of The Netherlands
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
6th Floor, Al Mirqab Tower, Al Dafna,
Doha, Qatar
Telephone No.: +974 44954700 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
E-mail : doh@minbuza.nl
For other Embassies in Qatar, please check out this listing:
http://www.lifeinqatar.com/Pages/en/listing-category/living/embassies-in-qatar.html
HOW?
Only residents of Qatar (with valid QID) are eligible to apply for a short-term Schengen visa under “tourist” specification in the above centers/embassies. Depending on the visa issued, they may be allowed to enter once (single entry) or multiple times (multiple entry) and stay for no longer than 3 months 90 days per year in between the period of 6 months. Such a decision is made by the authorities depending on the nature of one’s travel purpose and other relevant factors.
Here are the standard procedures and requirements in applying for a Schengen Visa:
- Download an application form from the internet and fill it completely and sincerely. You can electronically fill in the form for a Schengen Visa and print it out directly and sign pages when necessary.
- Prepare the following documents (originals and photocopy):
- Bank Statement (last 3 months showing salary transfer and must be stamped by the bank). In some cases, embassies and VAC’s will require the following documents:
- Schengen travel health Insurance (min. Coverage 30.000 Euros), covering the period of your travel
- Recent passport size photos (2 pcs, white background)
- Passport and Residence permit valid for 3 months after your return date to Qatar (Please note that for all applicants over 10 years of age, the passport has to be signed by the holder).
- Copy of the reservation of the return ticket and hotel booking for the time intended to be travelling (especially for French Embassy)
Please note that Company Invitation Letter is required for Business Visa only.
- Make an Appointment. You must make an appointment online before you go to the Visa Application Centre. Embassies who do not use a VAC will accept walk-in applicants during their designated timings.
- Submission of documents to the Visa Application Center or the Embassy. Lodge your application personally and have your biometrics taken on the date mentioned in your Appointment Slip. I have to emphasize that the embassies and the VAC’s are very strict with the appointment time. Applicants who came in late, whatever the reasons may be, might not be entertained (especially if the schedule is full).
- Payment of Visa Fees and Service Fees. Visa Fees are payable directly to the Visa Application centers or the Embassy.
- CKGS – QR 245 (QR 143 for children between 6-12 years) + applicable service fee
- WorldBridge – QR 250 (QR 150 for children between 6-11 years) + QR140 Service fee
- VFS Global – QR 237 (QR 138 for children between 6-12 years) + QR79 Service fee
- Embassy of France – QR 237 + applicable service fee
Convenience Fees (or Service Charge) are levied on the total billed amount made using the Debit or Credit card either online or at the application centre. Please note that these fees are non-refundable and subject to change as per the Embassy policy.
- Tracking of your Visa Application. As per usual procedure, approval takes 5-10 working days (could be earlier or longer depends on the documents submitted). The Embassies or its Visa Application Centers do not process rush applications so be sure to give enough allowance before your flight. Application tracking may be done online and afterwards, original passport with the visa stamp shall be available for collection at the application centres. Another reminder, please double check the details on your visa as any minor difference or mistake can cause more trouble when you are already on your flight. Another reminder, please double check the details on your visa as any minor difference or mistake can cause more trouble when you are already on your flight.
The most common cause of delays in any travel preparation is the visa approval. Others take their visa applications ahead of their scheduled flights (ideally 45 days prior to the flight) to avoid any frustrations. Also, always be reminded that VISA is a prerogative that is given by a country to those who wish to visit them… it’s not everyone’s right. Therefore we have to use this privilege well and not take it personally when we are denied.
Common reasons why visa approvals are being denied includes (and not limited to): not properly filled-out application forms, incomplete supporting documents, visa application submitted more than 90 days prior to the flight, passport is damaged and/or no longer valid (less than 3 months), false travel documents, insufficient proof of subsistence (as evidenced by financial statements), and other legal problems.
Otherwise, if documents submitted are all in order, then there should be no reason for your visa application to be denied.
Off you go and we hope that you will have an enjoyable and meaningful Schengen exploration!
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Should you find other helpful informations or if there are some details above that is already outdated, please feel free to email us at bestlifeqatar@gmail.com inorder to serve the purpose of helping the community by providing accurate and up-to-date information. SHUKRAN!
Hi! I’m a new expat here in Doha and would like to ask which embassy is the easiest to get a Schengen visa?
Hi Ms Darlene we would always process at worldbridge for germany and austrian embassy. You can ch3ck out the requirements at http://www.visainfoservices.com
hello, does it works to apply if you open your bank statement recently like one month before but it has enough money in? thx
Unfortunately no. Usually bank statement should show financial capability. One month wont tell anything. Min is 6months usually. In qatar we can open savings account but the usual account used here is the salary/savings account which show ur monthly income
Hi is it really necessary to buy ticket and book hotel before Visa application? Im afraid that I will be denied.
These are part of the requirement in applying for Schengen Visa. Either you purchase it or request your agency to provide you with dummy esp if youre not yet sure of the dates or not yet final with which hotel to book.
Hi, my name is smart Omofonmwan and I have been in Doha for more than four years now and I just want to visit my sister and brother in Italy and France for two weeks or one week . I just want to know if any documents is needed from my company in applying for the visa . And tell me what it’s will cost me if your agency is to process it for me
Dear Sir,
I stay here in doha last 2 and half years, my salary is QR 2200 and in my bank i have QR 30000 something. i want to visit Spain where my uncle & cousin are living. and my uncle will send me invitation latter. and they will take care my expense in Spain. can i get visit visa for 30 days to Spain ?? and what document do i need if u advice me will be appreciate
As tourist di ako familiar mam if they really particular with salary. I think so long as me vomplete docuemnts ka including bank statement pwede naman po. You may want to inquire with the visa centers po para maassist kau.
Good morning sir,
Magaapply po kasi ako ng schengen sa french embassy, ang point entry ko po ay spain pero main destination ko talga france kasi more days doon. Pano po ang sa ticket ko po? Kelangan ng dummy ticket sa lahat ng bansa sa europe na bibisitahin ko? Hindi po ba pwedeng dummy ticket lang doha to spain tapos rome to doha tas yung mga in between na countries including yung france pwedeng reservation lang? Thank you po.
Thanks for dropping by. As per experience, i usually apply for visa based on point of entry howeever since you mentioned that you will be staying more in France. then i suggest that you ask with the visa section of either Spain or France to be sure po.
According to the website of the SPANISH EMBASSY IN DOHA: https://qatar.blsspainvisa.com/short_term_visa.php
If the visit involves two or more Schengen countries, the Embassy responsible for the issuance of the visa will be: The Embassy of the country in which the traveller is going to stay the longest.If the traveller is to stay the same time in different Schengen countries, the Embassy of the country of first entry.Only applicants travelling within the next 3 months (90 days) can submit their application
Please note granting a visa is the prerogative of the Embassy of Spain for each application. Submission of all the documents does not imply right to be granted a visa.
Dear Sir , I am Kazi From Bangladesh But Now live in Doha Qatar and also Working in here.Sir I want to visit austria Because My Girl Friend Lives i n Austria Althogh She Citizen of Germany and She ASponsor of me for visit Austria.And i got invition number From Her.Now I just want to know where i wiil submit my document ausstrian embassy or German Embassy? Sir Please Help me
Thanks for dropping by. From what i know, the visa should be secured from the country of entry or where you will stay longer. I suggest that you call the Embassy to be sure.
Sir sa flight transporttion proof niyo dummy ticket po ba kinuha niyo o reservation lang? Thank you.
Pls email me po at bestlifeqatar.com
please how many moths validity of Non Objection Certificate form company for Shengen Visa application
They usually ask for the latest one (letter date is within the month of application). It is still safe to do that.
Hello. I am planning to go to Spain for tourism for 28 days. My question is if by the time I applied I have a total of atleast 11,500 QAR in my bank account, do you think it is enough for my 28 days stay in spain? Thank you.
Im not sure how particular are they in the account balances. You may want to call the Spanish Embassy to double check? But i guess even if you have enough and your travel documents are complete and you are working in Qatar, i think that should suffice.
Hello Sir! I’m planning to go to germany next year (April) to visit my relatives there for 20 days only. Its not my 1st visit in europe actually, but its my 1st time to apply shengen visa here in qatar. Sir, I just want to ask if where can I have the cheapest flight reservation, and also, where to get the health insurance? Thank you po 🙂
Dear Sir,
Would it be possible to process the Schengen visa here in Qatar but my point of entry will be from Philippines? My itinerary would be Doha-Philippines-Barcelona-Doha
Your point of entry then will be Barcelona. You may apply at the Spanish Embassy po… hindi po counted ang Pinas.
Good day! You mean to say sir, hindi po ako pwede kumuha ng visa dito sa Doha at sa Pinas ako mangagaling papuntang Barcelona? Kasi my plan was to go to Philippines first, then from there saka ako pupunta ng Barcelona. Though I already asked BLS agency about this ang sabi lang nila is wala daw problema as long as my return ticket ako pabalik ng Doha.
Pwede po. What i mean is BARCELONA po ang point of entrt nyo at sa spanish embassy ksu kukuha ng visa.
Thank you so much sir! That was very helpful. Godbless!
Have you contacted the spanish embassy in qatar? If not let me know we mighr have someone to connect you there.
hi maam pwede po ba mgdirect apply ng visa sa spanish embassy or kelangan po meron dumaan ng BLS or vfs?
sir require po ba na mgpaassist sa BLS or VFS kapag mgapply po sa spain?
Ididirect din po kau ng spaish embassy sa BLS. So tawag po kau sa 40428720 or check their website qatar.blsspainvisa.com
Wala po bang chance na makaapply ng schengen visa sa Qatar pag wala pa pong QID kasi kakadating lang po ng husband ko dito at gusto sana namin magtravel bago sya maghanap ng work dito sa Qatar.
Unfortunately since he is not considered a resident hindi oa po sya pwede magapply dito as he is still considered tourist or visitor. Until magka QID po sya.
hi Sir,
Pwede ba ma-approve ang visa if my bank statement reflects 13k salary per month pero laging 100 below lang ang balance at the end of the month kasi may investments ako sa pinas? and it has been that way ever since… o kailangan talaga i-maintain ung at least 10,000 qar sa balance every month? thanks po.
You have to check po the visa centers for this po. Wala naman po silang sinasabing amount but they want to see where you will get the expenses… so the whole amount to be spent during the trip is what they want to see from the balance.
Hi! Thanks for this info, if my point of entry is in Oslo,Norway (and this is where I’ll most likely stay), which embassy in Qatar can I apply for Schengen Visa? And any pointers you have to get approved for multiple entry?
Hi Sir,
Good day po!
Sir, dito po ako sa qatar and gusto po ako invite ng boyfriend ko sa germany sya din po yung sasagot sa lahat ng gastusin bahay tirahan lahat po.. pero yung salary lang na natatanggap ko ay mababapo atyung nasave ko lang mga 4k may possible po kaya na maaprove ako?
the rest po kaya ko naman iprovide, coe from my employer.
thank you po inadvance
Baka po hindi. Kasi titingnan nila ung capacity mo to sustain the travel unless me makikita po silang enough na savings. Kasi di po nila titingnan ung status nyo as bf kasi technically wala pa po ung bearing. Thats my opinion po. Pero pwede nyo pa rin po itry sa visa centers kung makakapasa kasi minsan case to case din.
good day.
nasa qatar rin ako. ask ko lng pwde ko ba pakita kht screen shot ng account ko sa pinas then credit card statement? since mern rn ako account dun makaktulong po ba un + salary ko dto sa qatar? for france visa…
thank you po
hello po. do you know where to apply czech visa? yun po kasi point of entry ko
Please try calling Embassy of Hungry po… Phone: 4493 2531
hello po. do you the visa center kung saan pwede mag apply ng czech visa?
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Maraming Salamat Kabayan sa mga information..nakalaking bagay ito para sa amin.
Thank you din po. God bless.
hi sir, ask ko lng plan ko kasi mag travel ITALY and PARIS. anong agency po ako dito sa Qatar puede mag apply ng schengen Visa? Puede kaya mag apply ako by September pero ang travel date ko end this year or early next year?
Ito po ang lumalabas sa website: CKGS Italy Visa Application Center will be moving to a new location w.e.f. Wednesday, 14th March 2018. New Address is Regus, 1st Floor, Blue Tower, Bank Street, Sword Signal, Doha, Qatar.
Contact Number : +974 40068480
Email : italyvisa.qatar@ckgs.com
I know this is a late reply, pero go ko na rin kasi baka makatulong. @Yanie.. First you have to determine how many days you are going to be in Italy and France. Kung mas matagal ka sa Italy, you have to apply at the Italian embassy. Kung sa France naman, apply at the French embassy. Kung same number of days, you have to apply at the embassy of the country that you will enter first.
Now if sa Italian embassy ka maga-aapply, may visa application center sila which is CKGS. Go to their website and submit the required documents personally at CKGS office in Regus, 1st Floor, Blue Tower, Bank Street, Sword Signal, Doha, Qatar. Ang processing time nila ay 3 to 20 days depende kung nasa peak season or off-peak season ka nag-apply.
Dun sa tanong mo kung kailan ka pwedeng mag-apply.. you can apply as early as 60 days before your target date of arrival in Schengen country, in your case either Italy or France. Anything earlier than 60 days, hindi nila tatanggapin pa yung application mo.
By the way, I just got my Schengen visa via CKGS. In my case, dahil complete yung documents ko nung nag-submit ako sa CKGS, it did not take more than 30 minutes for them to accept my application. After 4 working days, I received a notice from CKGS that my passport with the Schengen visa was ready for pick-up. Ganun lang kabilis. They gave me multiple-entry visa with 1 year validity.
Good luck sa application mo.
Hi! I would like to ask (if you dont mind), if how much yung end balance mo sa bank statement? kasi i am planning to apply by next month. Thank you!
Usually they’re checking if the amount can sustain the whole travel, sometimes they are checking the monthly savings. But so long as you have enough to cover for the whole trip and you have documents to prove that you are capable of travelling and returning… then i think you’re good.
hi sir, pano po if ngkaron ng typo error yung name sa visa application and napasa na po sa visa application center?
reason po ba yun for rejection ng application?
If maapprove man po sya or mareject importante po na macorrect yun kasi magkakaproblema po sa immigration. For safety i advise na sabihan nyo po ung visa center. Either they will ask you to amend or apply again.
Hi meron po b kaung list ng requirements sa pag apply ng visa ppuntang paris? Thanks po
I cant book appointment for spain visa, cant take any date online and I am traveling for business next month. please help!
May i know which website you are getting an appointment with? Where are you based on? Are you travelling from Doha?
Hi! Good Afternoon! Has anyone here tried to apply for Schengen Visa-Spain via BLS? Ask ko lang po if gano katagal yung approval, and also how much yung minimum na amount sa account dapat for a 10-day travel. Thank you!
sir ask ko lang po ano po ba ang contact no. ng france imbassy balak ko po kasi mag apply ng visa .magkanu ba kailangan pag nag apply po.
Hi what will I do me and my 3 kids are resident in qatar we are all here im the sponsor but apparently my husband is in the philippines and not resident here , and he will not travel with us what is the procedure regarding this matter can i get consent with him , what is the process?
Since you are the sponsor, 3 of you can apply from here. You should seek assistance from the visa centers/embassy of the country (point of entry).