Schengen visa for South African travelling from the UK

[HeatherPenrith]

Hi all,

I did a search on the Schengen topic and could only find some quite old threads. I am hoping to walk some of the Camino in November. I have a SA passport with a UK residence visa (expiring 22 Feb 2015).
I looked up on the net and the visa appliation requirements are almost impossible to fulfill. Has anyone had any experience of this lately or suggestions of agents in the UK perhaps that could assist?
I am self employed so can't get a letter from an employer or payslips, and I don't have an accountant! (They want a signed letter from an accountant if you are self employed). Am feeling completely stuck.
They also want proof of accommodation for every night of your trip! I was planning to go acrosswith a friend on the ferry via France, but they want proof of ownership of vehichle, and other assorted info. It just seems like madness.

 

[Tincatinker]

Heather. Many pilgrims from outside the Schengen area undertake the Camino without a months worth of pre-booked accomodation. And I don't think you need a letter from employer / accountant etc if you can show that you have sufficient means to support yourself during your visit to the Schengen region. Presumably a bank statement or two would suffice.

This website https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/visa-info seems to set out the criteria quite clearly, though being an insurance company they would obviously like you to buy their travel insurance package. As an expat in the UK I assume you are already adequately insured and will just need to provide the necessary evidence

A Credencial (pilgrim passport) is sufficient "documentary evidence of the purpose of your visit", bank statements will cover "means of support" and a return 'plane, train or ferry ticket covers the "round trip travel" requirement ie you intend to leave as well as arrive. I have not been able to find any requirement to establish ownership of a vehicle to obtain a Schengen visa. Eurotunnel and the ferry companies will want proof that the driver of a vehicle is entitled to drive it but that is nothing to do with Schengen requirements.

Take a couple of deep breaths, fill in the form and send / take it to the French / Spanish / wherever that you intend to enter Fortress Schengen.

And Buen Camino