Recent experiences getting Schengen visa

[Claymore]

Your UK trip leg is interesting you will likely need a visa there as well.

Get everything done ASAP

Yup. Tickets are booked already. Except for my son who is still waiting for his appointment for his SA passport.

 

[Tongs of Destiny]

Do you live in the UK or SA?

I don't have any tips other than if you comply to all the requirements, you shouldn't have any issue. Moreover, it's my understanding that the spouses of EU citizens are easily granted visas. They have that privilege. So make sure to mention in your application that you're married to a Belgian. And of course, still make sure you fulfill all the other requirements.

I have a Kenyan friend who is married to a Belgian. They both live in Kenya. She has no problem getting Schengen visas. She goes there multiple times a year. However, it's a pain in the ass for her to get an SA visa. She was supposed to come here on holiday last Christmas, but her SA visa application took too long. It's been almost 2 months, and she has yet to get a reply.

You know she doesn't need a visa right?

A Belgian national gets 90 days on arrival, you can just rock up. Pretty much the whole of Europe + UK is like that, 90 days, unless everything has changed??

 

[charlieharper]

Do you live in the UK or SA?

I don't have any tips other than if you comply to all the requirements, you shouldn't have any issue. Moreover, it's my understanding that the spouses of EU citizens are easily granted visas. They have that privilege. So make sure to mention in your application that you're married to a Belgian. And of course, still make sure you fulfill all the other requirements.

I have a Kenyan friend who is married to a Belgian. They both live in Kenya. She has no problem getting Schengen visas. She goes there multiple times a year. However, it's a pain in the ass for her to get an SA visa. She was supposed to come here on holiday last Christmas, but her SA visa application took too long. It's been almost 2 months, and she has yet to get a reply.

Kenyan's can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Same with Belgian.

Visa requirements for Kenyan citizens - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Gutt]

I am traveling to Belgium and transiting through Zurich airport. Flights are CPT>ZURICH>BRUSSELS.

For the Schengen application you have to list first port of entry. Does anyone know if Zurich will be the first port of entry or will it only be when I reach Belgium? Do you go through immigration at Zurich already when connecting to Belgium?

 

[DStvNothingOn]

You’ll go through immigration in Zurich, as the flight from Zurich to Brussels is within the Schengen Zone and is almost treated like a domestic flight.

There are no border checks when you arrive in Brussels—you can just leave the airport.

That being said, since you are spending all your time in Brussels, you can apply for the Schengen visa through Belgium, as that is where your evidence for accommodation and main stay will be etc.

I am traveling to Belgium and transiting through Zurich airport. Flights are CPT>ZURICH>BRUSSELS.

For the Schengen application you have to list first port of entry. Does anyone know if Zurich will be the first port of entry or will it only be when I reach Belgium? Do you go through immigration at Zurich already when connecting to Belgium?

 

[Gutt]

You’ll go through immigration in Zurich, as the flight from Zurich to Brussels is within the Schengen Zone and is almost treated like a domestic flight.

There are no border checks when you arrive in Brussels—you can just leave the airport.

That being said, since you are spending all your time in Brussels, you can apply for the Schengen visa through Belgium, as that is where your evidence for accommodation and main stay will be etc.

Thank you!

 

[Sideshow Bob]

I am traveling to Belgium and transiting through Zurich airport. Flights are CPT>ZURICH>BRUSSELS.

For the Schengen application you have to list first port of entry. Does anyone know if Zurich will be the first port of entry or will it only be when I reach Belgium? Do you go through immigration at Zurich already when connecting to Belgium?

For Schengen visa, first port of entry refers to first Schengen port of entry that you land in so it will be Zurich in the application form. Immigration will be done only in Zurich.

 

[wcm]

I am traveling to Belgium and transiting through Zurich airport. Flights are CPT>ZURICH>BRUSSELS.

For the Schengen application you have to list first port of entry. Does anyone know if Zurich will be the first port of entry or will it only be when I reach Belgium? Do you go through immigration at Zurich already when connecting to Belgium?

Hi did you apply through Belgium or Germany for your Schengan visa, I also need to go to Belgium but unsure as I'll be flying through Zurich

 

[Mirai]

You know she doesn't need a visa right?

A Belgian national gets 90 days on arrival, you can just rock up. Pretty much the whole of Europe + UK is like that, 90 days, unless everything has changed??

Belgians don't need any visa for any other EU or Schengen Area country. The 90 day limit is not a hard limit as say with foreigners. A person is supposed to register in the country they reside more than 90 days but the registration is approved as a formality and cannot be denied in the ordinary sense. If one does not register one could face a small fine but one can't be deported or forbidden re-entry. The government has to prove you stayed longer than 90 continuous days.

Under EU Directive 2004/38/EC, every EU citizen has the right of residence beyond three months in another EU country if they meet one of a small number of objective conditions:

• Worker or self‑employed
• Student (with health insurance and sufficient resources)
• Economically self‑sufficient (with health insurance)
• Family member of someone who meets the above

But most people don't do that, most stay in their own countries long term. Even though they can move about anywhere and they will be treated the same as any local with some exceptions (eg voting rights).

 

[Gutt]

Hi did you apply through Belgium or Germany for your Schengan visa, I also need to go to Belgium but unsure as I'll be flying through Zurich

Hi, I applied through Belgium because that was the country where I spent most days during the trip. I went through immigration at Zurich already and not at Brussels (Belgium).