The German embassy in Doha has issued an advisory to Qatari citizens and expatriate residents to plan their travel itinerary and visa application early to avoid delays in processing entry permits to Schengen countries during peak season.
In a press statement, the embassy said prospective travellers to Germany and Austria, Finland, Norway and Slovenia are recommended to prepare their visa applications as early as three months prior to planned departure date at the German Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global.
The centre is located at Level 1, Abdul Jaleel Business Centre, Airport Road, Doha. Visa applicants can direct their queries and appointment requests to the call centre number +97444069001 or communicate with the centre at [email protected]
Germany represents Austria, Finland, Norway and Slovenia for the issuance of Schengen visa.
“The embassy’s endeavour is to process visa applications promptly to issue Schengen visa within a maximum 15-day time frame. However, it is prudent for travellers to take into account that the increase in the number of applicants, particularly during the peak season from May to September has an impact on the procedures,” a spokesperson for the German embassy said.
“It is in this context that we recommend to prepare application forms and supporting documents in line with the requirements listed on the official website and to ensure that they adhere to the checklists for the different visa types. Early travel planning helps seamless processing,” the spokesperson added.
The advisory also recommended travellers to avoid using “service providers” for preparing visa applications and supporting documents.
“Early visa applications will help travellers avoid last minute hassles and it will also give ample time for the embassy to evaluate the submissions for Schengen visa permits,” said VFS Global’s Middle East, South Asia and China Regional Group COO Vinay Malhotra.
“We have been registering an increase in the number of applications from Qatari residents with Germany being a preferred tourist and business destination, and it is prudent in this context to plan in advance,” Malhotra added.
The centre will provide secure and time-efficient processing of entry permit requirements in a friendly ambience.
Applicants can also opt for the comfort and privacy of a Premium Lounge. Some of the key features of the centre include convenience in terms of location, automated queue governance for smooth flow of applicants and a dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, check-lists and applicable fees.
VFS Global staff are well trained in secure handling of passports, documents and personal information. Door-step delivery of passport is also yet another service VFS Global offers.
