There are times when travelers usually get confused when it comes to applying for a Schengen Visa but to be precise the Schengen Visa and Tourist Visa both are the same. One needs to apply for a Schengen visa as soon as possible as the Netherlands Schengen Visa processing time may take around 15 to 30 working days, especially during the peak season. So, let’s get right into the Netherlands visa process:

• Please note that this is a general document list, so please provide physical documents that are appropriate as per your profile.
• The visa questionnaire form is filled out by passengers individually with a sign. This form helps us fill out a visa application.
• Visa forms are filled out by FTPL and given to passengers for checking. Once the passenger confirms all details and gives the go-ahead to process, then we will explain to you about your file, and you have to visit VFS.
• Passengers have to provide all the documents in person. A European visa is a sticker visa.
• Europe visa is a paper application. FTPL staff ready the case and give it to the passenger before the submission date.
• Visa fee details are mentioned on the Website, which you have to pay in cash at VFS.
• A cover letter that explains the purpose of the visit has to be given by the passenger on their business letterhead, if any, or can be given on a formal letter with the main applicant’s signature and designation stamp. A letter format is attached to this file for your reference.
• European visa processing takes 15 working days. Please know that the processing time will depend on your application and the Embassy.
• The Europe visa is a sticker visa, and it will come to our office by courier. We will notify you once we receive your passport via courier.
• Visa payment is required in advance before applying for your visa file, and we will provide you with an invoice copy as per your requirement. If you want to use your own name or company name.
• Visa issuance is the sole responsibility of the Embassy. Shree Swaminarayan Tourism is not responsible for any rejection, refusal, or delay in visa
• For the Schengen visa process, all the necessary documents should be photocopied, except those that are asked for in the original.
• All visa applicants, irrespective of nationality, who applied for Schengen visas should come personally to the local VFS office (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi, Puducherry, Pune) to give the mandatory fingerprint formality, which is time-consuming in the tourist pick season On the day of submission, all fingers must be clear from HINA (Mehdi), cuts, etc.
• VFS Global is an outsourced partner of the client Embassy
• VFS is also providing services like the Premium Lounge – For a more personalized service at the Visa Application Centre, you can purchase access to Premium Lounge. You can also purchase this service during your visit to the VFS Visa Application Centre at any given time, simply by informing a staff member. This service includes:
  • Direct access to a Premium Service counter where VFS staff will verify the documents provided and take payment in a single location
  • A dedicated team member assists during the submission process.
  • Photocopy (up to 10 pages), SMS, and courier services
• This service does not guarantee the right to obtain a visa or faster processing of your visa application by the Mission. Using the Premium Lounge service does not guarantee the success of your visa application or affect the service standard.
  • Charges for premium service, which are not included in the Shree Swaminarayan Tourism service charge
• Biometrics are required if you have not given them in the last 5 years, but if your visa is rejected, you have to give a new biometric in your submission in the visa process.
• No documents will be returned by the Embassy or Consulate after the visa process.
• You must declare rejection if rejected in any country in the last 10 years and mention the rejection year and category of visa for the rejected country.
• All applicants have to pay visa fees, convenience charges, and courier charges in cash at the local VFS center. The VFS charge will be paid online if we take the online date.
• If the passenger has a passport with any observations regarding the data page, an affidavit and paper advertisement in English are mandatory.
• All documents will be submitted at the local VFS

Here’s a step-by-step of the appointment process for a visa application at the VFS center:

Arrival:

• Passengers should arrive at the VFS center 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.

Check-In and Token System:

• Upon entering the center, passengers will be directed to the check-in area.
• VFS staff will ask for the country of the visa application.
• Passengers will be assigned a token number.

Document Submission:

• When the token number is announced, passengers proceed to the designated counter.
• VFS staff will check and verify all required documents provided by FTPL Shree Swaminarayan Tourism FTPL staff) including visa forms, cover letters, courier forms, tour vouchers, tickets, financial documents, etc.

Fee Payment:

• After document verification, passengers will be asked to pay the required fees.
• Once payment is complete, a receipt will be issued.

Biometric and Digital Photo:

• Following fee payment, passengers will undergo biometric information collection.
• This involves the submission of fingerprints using a digital scanner and a digital photograph.
• The digital photograph must adhere to specific guidelines (full face, no sunglasses or tinted spectacles, no head covering unless for religious or medical reasons).

Applicant Restrictions:

• Only applicants, caregivers, and individuals accompanying children under 18 are allowed in the Visa Application Centre.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is not a VFS Global staff member.

Document and Appointment Requirements:

• Passengers must bring a printed copy of the visa application given by Shree Swaminarayan Tourism FTPL staff.
• A valid passport or travel document with at least 2 blank pages is required.
• If the visa fee is not paid online, payment must be made at the center.

Biometric Information Guidelines:

• Fingertips should be free from Heena Mehndi, decorations, cuts, abrasions, or markings.
• If a passenger misses their scheduled appointment, a new appointment must be booked 24 hours after the original date.

Processing Note:

• Emphasize that without biometric information, the visa application will not be processed