Schengen Visa application in Seattle area

[CJ8611 6]

Dear VJers from Seattle or to anyone in the know...

I've been searching and searching if there is a European consulate in Seattle which processes Schengen Visa applications, but, to no avail. I saw France and Belgium consulates, but it doesn't say that they accept applications. I'm planning a short Europe tour next year for me and my husband, I'm at the point of researching on where to apply for a Schengen visa when I get to the US. The nearest France consulate I saw is in SFO. I still need to fly there to get a visa?

Thanks in advance!

[Tahoma 2,292]

I think those two Consulates are honorary Consulates and don't provide visa services, but you can call them or email them to find out for sure.

[CJ8611 6]

Thanks Tahoma! You are right, they don't accept visa applications. I would have to go to SFO for a visa interview. My excitement has died down. Lol!

Edited October 9, 2012 by CJ8611

[Tahoma 2,292]

Yes, you will have to go to San Francisco if the French Embassy requires a personal appearance. You could use the occasion to explore SF and to have a photo op at the Golden Gate bridge. Chinook and I love SF.

Or instead, how about an Alaska cruise next May or June? Even though the cruise ship stops briefly in Canada, you are okay to go using your Green Card and your Filipino passport. You don't need a Canadian visa to go on this closed-loop cruise (Seattle-->Seattle). If your passport is still in your maiden name, you will want to take along your marriage certificate too. Also, your passport name must match the name on your boarding pass. It's an awesome cruise.

[Anh map 2,098]

I've seen recommendations that a person should apply for the visa at the embassy of the country where they will first enter the Schengen region.

[CJ8611 6]

I was just thinking about that, take advantage of seeing friends and have a photo op at the Golden Gate!

I am also liking your Alaska cruise suggestion. I will look it up! Thanks for the tip on the passport! I already got one in my married name, had it changed as soon as I can just to make things simple about names, identification, etc. Haha.

Salamat!

[CJ8611 6]

I've seen recommendations that a person should apply for the visa at the embassy of the country where they will first enter the Schengen region.

You are correct! I was working on the idea which European consulate processes applications in Seattle, then I'll work on the IT from there. There are French and Belgium consulates in Seattle, but they don't issue visas. It would have been perfect though because I am thinking of France or Belgium as the first entry point. I would have to personally go to SFO for the visa interview.

[Tahoma 2,292]

There's a lot of good Pinoy food in the Bay area.

There's also Jollibee, Chow King, and Red Ribbon.

Check out Chinatown for good grub.

[CJ8611 6]

There's a lot of good Pinoy food in the Bay area.

There's also Jollibee, Chow King, and Red Ribbon.

Check out Chinatown for good grub.

[Tahoma 2,292]

You are correct! I was working on the idea which European consulate processes applications in Seattle, then I'll work on the IT from there. There are French and Belgium consulates in Seattle, but they don't issue visas. It would have been perfect though because I am thinking of France or Belgium as the first entry point. I would have to personally go to SFO for the visa interview.

I think the amount of time spent in a country trumps country of entry point. You might want to check it out.

[CJ8611 6]

I think the amount of time spent in a country trumps country of entry point. You might want to check it out.

At present, just considering equal days for the target countries. But if later on, we decide to spend more time in a certain country, I would have to apply for visa at that country's consulate.

Thanks!

[Asia 2,498]

A short-term Schengen visa [C] is valid for 90 days, and is valid for the whole Schengen area.

You must apply for it at the embassy of the country where you will first enter the Schengen area.

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay national visa [D] at the embassy of the country where you want to stay more than 90 days.

Edited October 10, 2012 by Asia

[CJ8611 6]

A short-term Schengen visa [C] is valid for 90 days, and is valid for the whole Schengen area.

You must apply for it at the embassy of the country where you will first enter the Schengen area.

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay national visa [D] at the embassy of the country where you want to stay more than 90 days.

Thanks Asia! Yup, valid only for 90 days. But we don't plan on staying for more than 90 days, staying for 2-3 weeks only else, my husband might lose his job.

Plus, if in our final itinerary we spend more days in a certain country as opposed to the original plan of equal days per country, I would really have to apply visa at that country and not at first entry point, unless they are the same. It's what I read on the French consulate website: http://www.consulfrance-sanfrancisco.org/spip.php?article1787

If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Consulate of that specific country.

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply at the Consulate of the country of your main destination, or the country where you will be staying the longest.

If you intend to visit several Schengen for the same amount of time, you must apply at the Consulate of your first entry.

[Scott and Mhay 57]

With my wife, since she was not a US citizen we had to apply through Washington DC. (Italian Embassy) We are in Italy, but entered Europe in Germany.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Here is the grandaddy of all Schengen visa threads.

It's over eight years old and still going strong.

I wish I could read it, but it's in Tagalog.