If you want to visit Europe, the visa that will give you access to 26 European Countries (plus 3 extra) is the Schengen Visa. In Schengen Zone, you can cross borders with your passport and visa. If you are in Qatar, here’s a guide on How to Get a Schengen Visa in Qatar.
Please note that this article is for Short Stay Tourist Visa – Schengen Visa C. Residents of Qatar, regardless of nationality, can apply in the Visa Application Centers in Qatar. Read more about the steps in getting a Schengen Visa in Qatar for your European adventure. It’s very accessible, too, since there are quite many direct flights from Qatar to Europe.
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Quick Facts About The Schengen Visa
Validity: short stay for up to 90 days in every 180 days
Number of Entries: Single, Double, Multiple Entry
Processing Time: 15 days
Schengen Visa in Qatar Requirements (Short Stay – Tourist Visa)
These are the common requirements in getting a Schengen Visa. However, there may be small differences in every country.
1. Schengen Visa Application Form – it must be duly completed and signed, some countries may let you apply or fill-up the application form online
2. One/Two Passport-sized photo – the picture must not be older than 6 months with a white background, has a size of 3.5 x 4.5 cm, don’t attach this to the application form
3. Passport(s) – Valid must be valid 3 months from the expiry of visa, with at least 2 blank pages and your Old Passport(s) if there are any
4. Qatar Residence Permit / Iqama – valid at least 3 months from the expiry of the visa
5. Photocopy of the following (1 each):
- Bio-page and signature page of the passport holder
- Qatar Residence Permit
- Previous Schengen Visa
6. Overseas Medical Insurance – It should be applicable for all Schengen States and cover the entire stay or transit period of the person. The minimum is EUR 30,000 / USD 50,000. Some embassies might only accept insurance companies authorized by the Embassy. I highly recommend AXA Schengen for this!
7. Flight and Accommodation
- Flight Reservation – It is not required to pay or buy the ticket until a visa is granted.
- Valid Accommodation Booking or Reservation – must have the full address (Number, Street, City, Zip Code), Contact Information and Booking Reference Number
- Please note that vouchers from travel agencies may not be accepted as proof of accommodation
8. No Objection Letter from Local Employer or Sponsor (NOL)
- With name, postal address, telephone number, and position of the signatory starting date and salary of the applicant
- With Company Registration or computer card showing representative must be not older than a month
9. Proof of Financial means of the applicant
- Bank Statement – original and signed, with salary income for at least 3 months, must not be older than 2 weeks from the submission date
10. Visa Fee
- EURO 80 is the usual visa fee for adults and EURO 40 for children 4 – 11
- This may be converted to Riyal, each Embassy will have different exchange rates
- Additional Service Fee for the application center may be charged
Step-By-Step Guide Can Get a Schengen Visa in Qatar
STEP 1: Select a country where you will apply. This can be the place where you will be spending most days at or if it’s of equal duration the first place you will arrive at.
STEP 2: Gather all the documents needed for your application.
STEP 3: Book an appointment at the Visa Application Center. Payment may be asked prior to your appointment.
STEP 4: Go to your appointment date at the VAC or Embassy. Submit your documents, pay the fees (maybe the visa fee or service fee), and have your photo and fingerprint taken.
STEP 5: Track your application.
STEP 6: If your visa is ready, claim your passport at the application center or Embassy where you submitted it. Bring the receipt and a valid I.D. to claim it. There are also options where you can get your passport through courier.
Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Qatar
For the Stated Countries you can see where you can apply below:
- Belgium (represents Luxembourg)
- Czech Republic
- Germany (represents Austria, Finland, Norway, and Slovenia )
- Italy (represents Estonia and Malta)
- Latvia
- Netherlands (represents Sweden and Slovakia)
- Switzerland (represents Liechtenstein)
Where to Apply: VFS Global
Address: 1st Floor (103) Abdul Jaleel Business Center, Airport Road, Al Matar Street, Doha, Qatar
Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday
Hungary, Denmark, Latvia
Where to Apply: Embassy of Hungary in Doha
Address: Building No.: 15, Saha 83, Zone 66, West Bay, Doha
Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday and Thursday
France
Where to Apply: French Embassy in Doha
Address: West Bay, Diplomatic Area, keep on “Al Corniche” following the Sheraton Hotel.
Poland
Where to Apply: Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Doha
Address: West Bay, Al-Qutaifiya 66, str. no 519, Saha 49, Doha, State of Qatar
Portugal
Where to Apply: Embassy of Portugal in Doha
Address: Aljamie Street, 803, Zone: 67, Building: 31, Al Dafna, Doha
Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday
Spain
Where to Apply: Spain Visa Application Center – Doha (BLS)
Address: Office No 23,5th Floor, Al Reem Tower, Al Wahda Street, West bay Doha, Qatar
Submission: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Sunday to Thursday
Collection: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday
FAQs On A Schengen Visa
1. Is the visa fee refundable?
No, once it has already been paid, you can’t get a refund.
2. How long can I travel with my Short Stay Visa?
You can travel for 90 days maximum in a 180-day period. However, most first-timers are given 15 days on their first Schengen Visa.
3. How long does a visa application usually take?
A visa application usually takes up to 15 days. However, in some cases, the Embassy may take 30 days of processing time and ask for additional documentation and further verifications.
4. How many days before my flight should I apply?
You can apply a month or two before your scheduled departure. However, you can submit your application up to 3 months before your planned departure.
5. Do I need to apply personally?
Yes, except when the applicant is below 12 years old, biometrics are taken, so you are required to visit the application center.
6. Can someone else get my passport?
Yes, you can have someone else can get it for you. They need to bring the original official receipt, copy of your passport’s bio-page, an authorization letter, and a photocopy of your ID.
7. Can I get my visa via courier?
Yes, you can. You need to coordinate with VFS Global.
8. Is there an interview?
Not necessarily, but you may be called for an interview at the Embassy in case they see something wrong with your documents, or they want some clarification with the purpose of your stay.
9. Do I need a Paid Flight Booking?
No. Only a CONFIRMED BOOKING is required. Our Rent-A-Flight Service is the best for this. For just 1,500 Pesos, you can get a LEGITIMATE and CONFIRMABLE booking.
10. What company do you recommend for the insurance?
AXA Schengen! The best thing about them is they will completely refund your payment in case your visa doesn’t get approved.
11. My visa is rejected! What remedy do I have?
You can either file a Remonstrance Letter or submit another application from another E.U. Embassy.
That’s how you can get a Schengen Visa in Qatar. The process is the same worldwide; however, there may be slight differences in the requirements like resident permits and office hours are a bit the same. Please double-check the schedule, especially on Ramadan, though, as Qatar is a Muslim country. If you need help in your application, we offer a Visa Application Bundle Service. Read the article to know what is in the offer. Good luck!
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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