Planning a Euro Trip: Complete Schengen VISA and ticket booking process

A Euro trip is undeniably exciting, but the planning process can be quite overwhelming. From booking flights and securing a visa to crafting the perfect itinerary, it requires significant effort and attention to detail. A step-by-step approach can make the whole process more manageable. In this article, I’ve outlined the key steps we took while planning our first Euro trip in April 2024.

The first thing to consider is timing. When deciding when to go, you’ll need to factor in various elements like weather conditions, ticket prices, and your personal availability.

Once you’ve settled on your travel dates, the next crucial step is applying for a tourist visa. A tourist visa grants you permission to visit your chosen destinations for a set duration.

Process for getting a Visa:

To apply for your visa, follow these steps:

• Book Cancellable Tickets

  Since your Visa approval is not guaranteed, it's wise to book refundable tickets. This way, you’ll only need to commit to travel once your Visa is confirmed.

  
  

• Choose Your Visa Application Agency

  Decide which company you’ll use to apply for your visa, such as BLS or VFS Global

  
  

• Understand the Guidelines

  Carefully read the Visa guidelines to determine the country through which you should apply. Generally, you apply through the country that you’ll either enter first or spend the most time in. For example, during our trip, we started in Amsterdam (2 days), spent the next 4 days in Paris, and then spent 7 days in Spain, so we applied for our visa through Spain as we were staying there for the maximum duration.

  
  

• Select Your Appointment Location and Time

  Choose a location, date, and time for your Visa appointment. Availability for slots is updated regularly on the official website. During peak season, updates may occur for 2–3 weeks at once It’s a good idea to check frequently because the slots get filled up really really fast. Be aware that the cost of the appointment varies depending on the type of slot you choose (normal/primetime/doorstep), but the time to process the visa and the chances of your Visa getting approved or rejected remain the same. If you encounter any issues with booking, you can reach out to the customer support team for assistance.

  
  

• Download the Application Form and Document Checklist

  Visit the official website to get the Visa application form and a list of required documents.

  
  

• Complete the Form and Gather Your Documents

  Fill out the application form and make sure to collect all necessary documents. Keep photocopies of everything, as they may be required at different stages.

  
  

• Apply Well in Advance

  Submit your application early to allow enough time for processing. If your visa is rejected, you’ll have time to reapply.

  
  

• Have the payment handy

  Bring the exact cash amount required for the Visa fee to simplify the payment process.

  
  

• Follow Photo Specifications

Ensure your photo meets the requirements specified in the application form. This will help avoid delays or rejection due to incorrect photo formatting.

Once your VISA is approved, you can go ahead with the process of booking tickets.

Applying for a VISA is a time consuming process, but if done in a structured way, you can do it on your own.

Pro Tips:

• Book your VISA slot well in advance to allow enough time for the Visa to get processed or to re apply in case the Visa gets rejected the first time

• Make sure of the country where you will apply the Visa from

• Write a well detailed cover letter stating the reason of your visit (in this case tourism) and include a proper and realistic itinerary in the cover letter

• Do not panic if there is any document missing on the day of your Visa appointment, the team gives you time to sort things out

• Be very clear on your travel plan and expect basic questions from the Visa representative regarding your travel