It’s incredibly enticing to board a train from London to Paris and arrive in less than three hours. However, the process of obtaining a visa presents a completely different story. With Schengen visa appointments taking weeks or even months to secure, it becomes challenging to acquire both visas in time for your travels. But fear not, there is a way to navigate this situation. Nihal Daswani from EASA, a company specializing in visa solutions, has some valuable tips and tricks to share. His most crucial advice is to begin with the UK visa application, and here’s why.
Choose the “keep your passport service” when applying for a UK visa
When applying for a UK visa, you have the option to select the “keep your passport service.” After completing biometrics and submitting your visa application at the UK visa center, your passport will be returned to you. For an additional fee of Rs3,750, you can retain your passport until a decision is made by the UK embassy. This proves advantageous, particularly if you intend to apply for a visa from another country. If you have ample time available, Daswani suggests completing the entire UK visa process. However, if you only have a few weeks, he recommends keeping your passport and applying for a Schengen country, such as Sweden, that offers appointments within a few days.
Easily accessible UK visa appointments
Another reason to prioritize the UK visa application is the availability of appointments, according to Daswani. While appointment wait times are decreasing as summer travel winds down, certain exceptions like Greece still take up to seven to eight weeks to grant a visa after getting an appointment.
Faster processing for UK visas
According to the official website, the processing time for a UK visa is three weeks. However, Daswani notes that most visas are approved within 10 days. “Schengen visas may take longer depending on the country. In some cases, though, they may be granted in less than five days. Consult your agent, and if they notice a trend of early approvals, it’s advisable to choose the ‘keep your passport service’.”
If you wish to expedite your Schengen visa application, you can also fast-track your UK visa process. A priority visa, which is granted within 5-7 working days, costs £230 (Rs22,449). Alternatively, a super-priority visa, processed in 1-2 working days, costs £990 (Rs96,631).
No itinerary required for UK visas
Unlike Schengen visas, you are not obligated to book any travel plans before a decision is made on your UK visa application. This simplifies the process before applying for a Schengen visa. However, if you plan to travel to a Schengen country via the UK, you will need to provide your itinerary, including your ticket and hotel reservations, along with your UK visa. “If you are pressed for time, you can always apply for a Schengen visa with proof of your UK visa application,” advises Daswani.
By following these suggestions, you can navigate the visa procedures more effectively and increase your chances of obtaining both UK and Schengen visas in time for your travel plans.