gelatolover

Alec, that's the best news today! While I would love to go back to France at the next opportunity, it's a relief to know that if we're going to Germany (or any other Schengen territory) in the fall, I will NOT be driving 7 hours, one-way, just to get yet another Schengen visa. At least, not until March, 2013.

KTtravel

This was a very interesting thread -- congratulations on getting your visa!

tod

gelatolover - You lucky devil you! Getting your schengen for such a long period. We got ours 2 weeks ago at great discomfort - also involving driving 5-6hrs and a hotel bill.
Only difference was we virtually had to beg for a years validity but were given only 6months. In previous applications we were only allowed the exact time we would be in Europe.
If we are going to spend the longest time in France we have to apply at the French Consulate in Johannesburg.
If we are spending the longer period in Germany we have to apply at the German Consulate in Durban, and so on for the other countries in Europe.

kerouac

At my company, we are specialized in making 'temporary' (i.e. fake) air and hotel reservations for company employees with 'difficult' nationalities just so that they can get a Schengen visa. As soon as they have the visa, we cancel the reservations and they come to Europe whenever and however they want.

gelatolover

KT: thanks!

tod: Oh, no! I truly feel your pain...

kerouac:

In my case, it wasn't just hotel and air confirmations I had to submit to the French consulate, but the actual paid-for hotel and air receipts. The travel agency will not hold a reservation longer than a few days anyway, and with it being too close to our June trip, I had to pay the full amount for the apartment in Paris.

tod

Kerouac - Just when I thought I had been a very naughty lady you have set me straight! Two years ago when it became necessary to appear in person at the French Consulate (which is in Johannesburg) a good 5 hrs driving, I refused to travel that long distance.
I booked a hotel in Frankfurt for a longer period than my Paris booking and called on the German Consul only an hour from home.
They wanted the hotel to write a confirmation letter (with the hotels letterhead) but when I pointed out this just doesn't happen anymore and to prove it I gave them the print-out of my email from the hotel saying the cannot do it that way, they then backtracked slightly and said they would speak to the 'powers-that-be' and see what can be done.
I thought we would be refused but lo and behold it came through! I cancelled my hotel before even collecting my visa.

Last year I combined the Schengen application with a short holiday and did the same this year. Just wondering what I will do next year as I'm hoping to get at least a year's Schengen but if you read my sad story you will understand why I'm put off going to Johannesburg again!

kerouac

I will not say a word against the French consulate in Johannesburg, because when I was mugged there, the vice-consul(a Mauritian) paid for my taxi to Sandton, let me stay at her place that night (against all rules), and got my laisser-passer the next morning so that I could fly home. As a dual national, I also called the American consulate and only got the answering machine. Never heard from them again.

tod

I'm sorry to hear you got mugged Kerouac - the Standard Bank building (in Rosebank ) has a few security guys walking around but we were advised to park at the back of the building with 2 men patrolling, and not to go to the underground parking garage if we were worried about our vehicle being stolen.
It must have been a dreadful experience and one which I hope I never experience. Very glad to hear the Consul treated you so well.

inspired_traveller

What if I stay at my friend's house in Paris? Will I ever get a schengen visa? Last year I went to Paris for business and extended my trip, so the office took care of the paper. This year I plan to visit Paris again, and I have no idea where to start with the visa. Is there anyone can help me? Btw, I'm from Indonesia.

kerouac

Private parties have special forms to fill out to sponsor people for visas.

hetismij

As of April 5th there is a single 90 day visa for nationalities requiring a visa. This means you can apply to any Schengen Consulate for a Schengen visa, regardless of which country you will be visiting first.

This does not apply to visas required for a stay of longer than 90 days by those not normally needing a visa to visit.

Alec

hetismij

Can you give the link to the official announcement of change to visa rules? I can't find anything on EU site, nor on any Schengen state embassy sites.