purplish:
Dear all,

I booked an appointment for my mum (before coming across this thread) and selected the tourist/private visit option for first time travellers. From the info here, I realise that I should have picked the frequent traveler option as she travelled to the UK in 2019/2020. VFS is not letting me change the category of appointment. Does anybody know if this will cause issues for her during her appointment? Thanks for your response in advance.

send a mail explaining your situation.
info.frng@vfshelpline.com

Thanks. Doing that right away.

hunee:


send a mail explaining your situation.
info.frng@vfshelpline.com

purplish:
Dear all,

I booked an appointment for my mum (before coming across this thread) and selected the tourist/private visit option for first time travellers. From the info here, I realise that I should have picked the frequent traveler option as she travelled to the UK in 2019/2020. VFS is not letting me change the category of appointment. Does anybody know if this will cause issues for her during her appointment? Thanks for your response in advance.

She will be fine

spriteB:
Thank you everyone for the support. I got my short stay France- Schengen Visa today!

Submission at VFS - Monday, March 6th.
Notification of passport return - Monday, March 13th
Passport delivery by UPS - Tuesday, March 14th.

Intended Travel dates: March 18th to 26th.
Destination: Paris.


Documents Submitted at VFS:


1. Application form.
2. Nigerian Passport.
3. Return ticket purchased via Wakanow. ( Realized from this thread that I would've just made reservation so money won't go to waste, just in case...)
4. Ticket reservation of tour activities. Booked on Viator, but not paid for.
5. Letter of introduction from my Employer , confirming employment and dates of travel and Employment letter.
6. 6 months bank statement each for my Salary account (Naira) and a Dollar account. This was reduced to 3 months for each account at VFS.
7. Allianze travel insurance; purchased via Wakanow .(Already purchased it before I saw this thread.)
8. Hotel accommodation booked via Hotels. com; but not yet paid for.
9. Copies of Work ID, Pension and Co-operative participation - I used them as a proof of strong tie to Nigeria.
10. Cover letter introducing myself, intended activities in Paris and summarizing the documents submitted. (Many many thanks to the contributors on this thread!)
11. Copy of US Visa.

PS: I got my US Visa just last month but I'm yet to travel with it. I was told at VFS that I'm a 'Frequent Traveler' so it was written on my documents pouch, even though I'm a first time traveler. So if you have any of the Visas listed on the website, just select 'frequent traveler' for your VFS appointment.

Thank you, everyone!

pls how much do you have in ur Bank account before applying?

Restricted:

Application submitted last week Tuesday, passport returned by UPS today. 12 days visa issued. This is my first Schengen visa.

how much did you have in ur Bank account before applying?

Paris now very dirty and no no for tourists

https://www.facebook.com/100068681555451/posts/532534195712628/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Are you in France now?
Saw the news

davodyguy:
Paris now very dirty and no no for tourists

https://www.facebook.com/100068681555451/posts/532534195712628/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

This was as a result of the strike and protests.

Measures are taken already...

hunee:
Are you in France now?
Saw the news

Nice to know.

josephb:
This was as a result of the strike and protests.

Measures are taken already...

Good evening all, i am new here, I have an appointment next Month to submit my application for France visa. I have an expired US visa issued in 2014, a copy of the visa page, but my old passport is missing, can I put a copy of the visa in my application as part of my supporting documents?
Thank you 🙏🏿
This is the first time I am applying for a Schengen visa.

Luckychild2015:
Good evening all, i am new here, I have an appointment next Month to submit my application for France visa. I have an expired US visa issued in 2014, a copy of the visa page, but my old passport is missing, can I put a copy of the visa in my application as part of my supporting documents?
Thank you 🙏🏿

This is the first time I am applying for a Schengen visa.

My first application, I included a copy of a UK visa that was in a passport I lost years ago.

I also included a copy of a US expired visa and the passport, and assume it helped made my case stronger.

In your case, I would suggest you include it as well as a printout of your entry and exit from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home if you travelled with the visa.

For any supporting docs that may raise more questions than answers, my preference is to always over share information and given this is your first Schengen application, I encourage you to also 'overshare'!

Luckychild2015:
Good evening all, i am new here, I have an appointment next Month to submit my application for France visa. I have an expired US visa issued in 2014, a copy of the visa page, but my old passport is missing, can I put a copy of the visa in my application as part of my supporting documents?
Thank you 🙏🏿
This is the first time I am applying for a Schengen visa.

nannanie10:
Many thanks to everyone for the responses.

Documents submitted include:

Completed application form
Invitation letter from OEM
MOU with OEM
Company Introduction letter
Company Bank reference letter
Company bank statement
Travel insurance certificate
Return ticket
Hotel reservation
Employment document
Marriage certificate
Academics/professional certificates.

Hi boss! I guess you've traveled. I will be applying for a visit/tourist visa to the Netherlands in a couple of months from now.

I've got a few questions, if you are still here and don't mind answering, I'll be grateful.

First one is, where did you submit your documents/interviewed? Lagos or Abuja?

Please can I send you a PM? I need some clarifications pls. Someone so close to me just got denied France visa and it's his company that's sending him... I have more details to share can I message you plss??

Newbiein2016:
For first time travellers, and based on history shared here, you can expect to receive anything between 1 week to 1 month depending on the dates you state in your application.

It really might be hard for you to get 3 months on your first application as schengen countries are notorious for the short validity they issue.

The good news is that visas have been issued to first timers and to ensure you get yours, go back a couple of pages and read through to see documents that others have submitted. There's the story of a lady who got a 1 year visa after an initial rejection and she listed all the documents she submitted (it was a lot). That will benefit you greatly as you prepare your application.

Additionally, if your company will fully sponsor your trip i.e. provide all supporting documents to confirm they will cover you for the duration of your stay, I think it might give you an even better chance.

So, take some time and go through this thread and you'll get nearly all the answers you need.

Good evening house, please I’m trying to get a Schengen visa for my parents going to the UK but want to use Airfrance (cheaper fare).
I’ve gone through some pages and screen munched the list of documents from SpriteB and others but I’m still a bit confused as this is my first time.

Please a few questions, how do I get the travel insurance, do I need to book hotel since it’s just for transit, do I apply for multiple or double entry?

I’ll appreciate any guide. Thanks in advance.

Mandydaisy:
Good evening house, please I’m trying to get a Schengen visa for my parents going to the UK but want to use Airfrance (cheaper fare).
I’ve gone through some pages and screen munched the list of documents from SpriteB and others but I’m still a bit confused as this is my first time.

Please a few questions, how do I get the travel insurance, do I need to book hotel since it’s just for transit, do I apply for multiple or double entry?

I’ll appreciate any guide. Thanks in advance.

Get them Transit visa

- Apply for a return or multiple ATV.
- Don’t book Hotel
- include copy of the visa and ticket reservation

- Health Insurance: You still require health insurance with a minimum value of €30,000 even though you won't be leaving the international terminal of the French airport where you will land.
This is needed in case of sickness or accident while you're at the airport.


You can get travel insurance from most insurance companies in Nigeria. All you need to do is visit any of their websites to buy travel insurance. You don’t need an agent or anyone else to buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance is cheap in Nigeria. The price you pay depends on the company you get it from. You can visit multiple insurance company websites and then compare prices.

I always go for the cheapest because it doesn't matter which company you buy it from.

You can get travel insurance that will cover a 7-day trip for as little as 3,200 naira, a 10-day trip for about 4500 naira, or less than 9000 naira for one month of travel insurance.

Buy it online from any of the insurance companies. You don’t need anyone or agent before you can buy travel insurance.

AIICO Insurance
https://www.aiicoplc.com/index.php/home/travel-insurance-plan

AXA Mansard Plc
https://www.axamansard.com/insurance/travel/general/

Cornerstone Insurance
https://cornerstone.com.ng/products/detail/Mjg=

Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc
https://custodianplc.com.ng/travel-insurance

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc
https://www.mutualng.com/technical/product-view/?product_name=TRAVEL%20HEALTH%20INSURANCE#


Zenith insurance: This insurance company stop selling travel insurance.

Do ask your question here so others can contribute and provide even better support as you prepare to reapply.

Phunmyne:
Please can I send you a PM? I need some clarifications pls. Someone so close to me just got denied France visa and it's his company that's sending him... I have more details to share can I message you plss??

Ashirioluwa:


- Apply for a return or multiple ATV.
- Don’t book Hotel
- include copy of the visa and ticket reservation

- Health Insurance: You still require health insurance with a minimum value of €30,000 even though you won't be leaving the international terminal of the French airport where you will land.
This is needed in case of sickness or accident while you're at the airport.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate.

Good morning house, please another question.
Please how can I make flight and hotel reservation without paying?
Any link or website will be appreciated.
Thank you.

Wakanow.com

Mandydaisy:
Good morning house, please another question.
Please how can I make flight and hotel reservation without paying?
Any link or website will be appreciated.
Thank you.

I'm currently undergoing a recruitment process with a company in Malta. Please how tasking is it getting their work permit and visa as I neeed to be sure if I'm wasting my time or not?

Hello guys, pls I need clarification on the following attached images on my application:

1. Where it asked number of stays in France in the coming year ?

2. Visapro number?

3. Other stay project?

4. Can I also indicate I will visiting some tourist centers ?

I am actually going for a Seminar, if am not mistaken that categorise my application under Business?

Yes Business.

Where it asked number of stays in France in the coming year ?

Write 0 or skip it if you do not plan any visit in the coming year.

Visapro number?

Leave it blank

Can I also indicate I will visiting some tourist centers ?

YES YOU CAN!

aekmanweb:
Hello guys, pls I need clarification on the following attached images on my application:

1. Where it asked number of stays in France in the coming year ?

2. Visapro number?

3. Other stay project?

4. Can I also indicate I will visiting some tourist centers ?

I am actually going for a Seminar, if am not mistaken that categorise my application under Business?

Mandydaisy:
Good morning house, please another question.
Please how can I make flight and hotel reservation without paying?
Any link or website will be appreciated.
Thank you.

For flight reservations, try any of the airlines' websites.
For hotel reservations, try booking.com, hotels.com, etc.

Thanks a million times brotherly

josephb:
Yes Business.

Where it asked number of stays in France in the coming year ?

Write 0 or skip it if you do not plan any visit in the coming year.

Visapro number?

Leave it blank

Can I also indicate I will visiting some tourist centers ?

YES YOU CAN!

For Q.3, Other stay project. Should I put Business or Tourism ?

josephb:
Yes Business.

Where it asked number of stays in France in the coming year ?

Write 0 or skip it if you do not plan any visit in the coming year.

Visapro number?

Leave it blank

Can I also indicate I will visiting some tourist centers ?

YES YOU CAN!

For Q.3, Other stay project. Should I put Business or Tourism ?

aekmanweb:
Hello guys, pls I need clarification on the following attached images on my application:

1. Where it asked number of stays in France in the coming year ?

2. Visapro number?

3. Other stay project?

4. Can I also indicate I will visiting some tourist centers ?

I am actually going for a Seminar, if am not mistaken that categorise my application under Business?

Yes if you want to visit tourist attractions.

Regards,

aekmanweb:
For Q.3, Other stay project. Should I put Business or Tourism ?

Many thanks

josephb:
Yes if you want to visit tourist attractions.

Regards,

Alright, thanks. It all started with his company receiving an invite from another company in France to send a staff of theirs to the company in France. The company here is buying an equipment from the company in France.
The first visa application was denied which came as a surprise, their reason was that they could not justify his traveling purpose. The company in France was contacted to reach out to them so the exact reason for the refusal will be known, the response was that the submission was less than a month to the traveling date and his marital status from his company's documents in Nigeria was single while he presented himself as married. The company in France decided to send another invitation at no cost (the first invite was paid for, not a big amount though).
All documents was put together again for re application, the day he went to submit, the company in France was updated and they sent a reminder memo from their end as well. He was refused again. This time they gave two reasons 1. They can't justify his traveling purpose 2. They are not sure he will leave the member state before his visa expires.
What do you think might be wrong?

Newbiein2016:
Do ask your question here so others can contribute and provide even better support as you prepare to reapply.

Your post reminded me of this other post shared a while ago and it details more about why the visa application may have been denied.

Before reapplying, it will be important to review each aspect explained and have a clear explanation plus supporting documents that speak to your purpose.

Phunmyne:
Alright, thanks. It all started with his company receiving an invite from another company in France to send a staff of theirs to the company in France. The company here is buying an equipment from the company in France.
The first visa application was denied which came as a surprise, their reason was that they could not justify his traveling purpose. The company in France was contacted to reach out to them so the exact reason for the refusal will be known, the response was that the submission was less than a month to the traveling date and his marital status from his company's documents in Nigeria was single while he presented himself as married. The company in France decided to send another invitation at no cost (the first invite was paid for, not a big amount though).
All documents was put together again for re application, the day he went to submit, the company in France was updated and they sent a reminder memo from their end as well. He was refused again. This time they gave two reasons 1. They can't justify his traveling purpose 2. They are not sure he will leave the member state before his visa expires.
What do you think might be wrong?

erwinschro:
I saw this on stackexchange and thought it could be useful to this discussion about justification of purpose of travelling

When you see "Justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not provided" on a Schengen refusal, it usually means that they decided that the application was either 'incoherent', or not credible, or both.

Incoherence
Coherence has a special meaning in the Schengen vocabulary; it means clear, sensible, consistent, and most importantly, understandable. An 'incoherent' application lacks these qualities. Coherent applications will generally succeed; incoherent applications will not. Some examples of incoherence are given in the handbook...

- an applicant claims to travel to an industrial area, staying in a cheap hotel, for the purpose of tourism;
- an applicant claims to visit a professional event at dates that do not correspond to the actual dates of the event;
- an applicant claims that the purpose of the trip is to visit a friend, but it turns out that the person concerned is absent during that period;
- a trader in jewellery claims to have been invited to attend a medical conference.
While these examples may not correspond to your situation, they have a common thread where the application was not consistent with the applicant's job, status, or apparent life-style.

Premise
Incoherence also includes applications that did not successfully establish a premise for the visit. Commonly, there is no apparent connection between the applicant's itinerary and his career, apparent life-style, or financial capacity. Some examples of this are...

- an applicant expresses interest in an event or geographic area for which there are no signs of previous interest;
- an applicant presents a letter of invitation from a sponsor whose relationship with the applicant is unclear or distant;
- an applicant is continually sponsored by the same person where there is no apparent justification for visiting that person;
- an applicant cannot establish why a visit is contemplated at this particular time.

Credibility
An applicant's credibility can also result in a refusal reason of "Justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not provided".

Some examples of credibility problems are...

- The applicant has an existing support network of friends or family that would easily enable them to break the rules;
- A disproportionate amount of income is being spent for the visit;
- The applicant has changed stories over the course of several interactions with Schengen officials and their credibility has been damaged;
- The decision-maker cannot determine if the funds really belong to the applicant;
- The decision-maker cannot determine if the funds were obtained legally;
- The applicant has a history of prior refusals and there is no visible change in circumstances;
- The applicant's submission contains gaps or evidential shortfalls that cannot be explained;
- The applicant is going to a location where previous visa holders have entered breach;
- The sponsor has a dubious status, or has sponsored people who have entered breach;
- The sponsor attempts to attest to things that are beyond his control (like guaranteeing that the person will not overstay).

Phunmyne:
Alright, thanks. It all started with his company receiving an invite from another company in France to send a staff of theirs to the company in France. The company here is buying an equipment from the company in France.
The first visa application was denied which came as a surprise, their reason was that they could not justify his traveling purpose. The company in France was contacted to reach out to them so the exact reason for the refusal will be known, the response was that the submission was less than a month to the traveling date and his marital status from his company's documents in Nigeria was single while he presented himself as married. The company in France decided to send another invitation at no cost (the first invite was paid for, not a big amount though).
All documents was put together again for re application, the day he went to submit, the company in France was updated and they sent a reminder memo from their end as well. He was refused again. This time they gave two reasons 1. They can't justify his traveling purpose 2. They are not sure he will leave the member state before his visa expires.
What do you think might be wrong?

Hi.

If you have a strong contact as you said in France. File an appeal .

Stop re applying. Send a motivated signed appeal and attach proof to substantiate your claim.

This can be done by the company in France on his behalf.

Do this as soon as possible.

Goodluck.