Blog-post

If you’re planning a Spanish sojourn and haven’t been to Europe in six months or more, you might want to pay a little attention to what we are about to tell you!

Visa rules and requirements change ever so fast that keeping a tab on them is genuinely hard for travelers, who anyway have so many things going on (think hotel bookings, itinerary planning, money- exchange, and everything else)!

But with BLS International by your side, you needn’t worry about your visa and consular requirements—we’ve got you covered.

We extend our plethora of services to a gamut of countries, where some mandate a visa on arrival, and others require advanced biometric information and blockchain linkage to issue visas. No matter which type of visa your destination requires, BLS is here to cater to it! That being said, getting a Schengen visa in recent times has become particularly cumbersome—but that has more to do with fraudulent activities by external agents and little to do with the visa process itself. However, noting the uncertainty and anxiety travelers face, we thought we’d put down in clear detail what you can expect upon your visit to a Visa Application Center for a Schengen or Spanish Visa. First things first, to embark on your visa application journey:

Step one is to book an appointment at one of our conveniently located Visa Application Centers (VAC). You can also choose from our range of thoughtfully designed Value Added Services, including Standard, Premium, and Platinum packages, tailored to suit your specific requirements and preferences. With each package fully customizable, you can personalize your experience to make it truly seamless.

Once you’ve arrived on the date of your VAC appointment, here’s how the day is likely to play out:

Remember to bring a printed copy of your visa application as well as a valid passport or travel document with at least two blank pages and six months of validity (we speak with experience when we say to double-check your passports before even taking your appointments).
Also, bring all supporting documentation as per the checklist given in your visa application form.

While our dedicated agents and staff are available to guide you throughout the process, you also have the option to request a dedicated agent for a small fee to assist you with form filling and other requirements.

If you need any documents photocopied or if you feel the need to retake photographs, don’t worry. BLS VACs offer Value-Added Services that add convenience to the entire visa application process.

Once you’ve submitted your papers and given your biometrics, you can select between getting your passport delivered to your doorstep and picking it up from the VAC, based on your convenience.

Don’t worry- though the process seems intimidating, we assure you that it is indeed quite easy!

Special Conditions:
Now, generally, only those applicants who have an appointment at the VAC are allowed to be present there. However, if your child is under 18 and is a solo applicant, you are allowed (in fact,required) to accompany him or her to their appointment. If, however, the parents are unable to come with the child, they are advised to send an NOC along with the child and the guardian.

Similar exemptions are made for elder citizens and differently abled individuals who require physical assistance.

The Biometric Ballgame:
An intergovernmental project between 27 countries in Europe gave birth to the Schengen Area. To visit any of these 27 countries, a traveler needs a Schengen visa. This visa is granted on the basis of the biometric scans and information that the traveler provides during their visa appointment.

Please note : For an applicant between the ages of 12 and 17, a parent or legal guardian will be asked to give consent and be present when fingerprints are collected.

Given how crucial biometric scans are to your travel history and visa application, it is imperative that you consider the following while scheduling your appointment:
* Make sure that fingertips are free from any mehndi/henna as it interferes with the working of the scanner.
* If you have injured or have a cut on any of your fingertips, we advise rescheduling your appointment, else you risk not getting the correct scans.

Exemptions for Biometrics:
If you have applied for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, it is not mandatory to provide biometrics again.

However, we would recommend checking this beforehand, as particulars tend to vary from case to case and mission to mission.

Apart from that, minors or applicants who are under 12 do not need to submit full biometric data. Lastly, citizens who hold diplomatic passports and heads of state who do not require a visa do not need to submit biometric data.

If it is physically impossible for you to give your biometrics, you need to provide a medical certificate certifying the reasons along with your visa application.

Lastly, the hassle-free visa application procedure provided by BLS International not only saves you time but also provides a pleasant experience. With a wide range of value-added services at your fingertips, we strive to make the entire process convenient and efficient. From booking your appointment to personalized assistance with documentation and form filling, we are committed to providing a smooth journey. Trust BLS International to handle your visa and consular requirements, allowing you to focus on planning your travels with peace of mind.