A Guide to the Schengen Visa Interview

What Really Happens at the Visa Center?

You have spent weeks gathering documents and finally secured an appointment. Now comes the day of the "interview." For most applicants, this is not a scary interrogation but a straightforward administrative process. Knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and confident.

This guide breaks down the process at the visa application center (like VFS Global or TLScontact) and covers the kinds of questions you might be asked.

The Appointment Process: Step-by-Step

1. Arrival and Security: Arrive a little early, but not too early, as you may not be allowed in before your scheduled time. You will go through a security check, and you may need to turn off your phone.

2. Document Check: At the first counter, an officer will check that you have all the required documents from the checklist. They will organize your papers. This is not the interview; this is a preliminary check. If you are missing a document, you may be asked to retrieve it or reschedule.

3. Biometrics: You will be called to another counter to have your fingerprints scanned and a digital photograph taken. This is a quick and simple process.

4. The "Interview" (Cashier/Submission Counter): The final step is submitting your application and paying the fees. Here, the officer accepting your file might ask a few basic questions to verify the information in your application. This is the part people think of as the interview. For most tourists, it is very brief.

Common Interview Questions (and How to Answer)

The questions are designed to confirm the details of your application and your intent as a traveler. Be honest, be confident, and keep your answers concise and consistent with your application documents.

• "What is the purpose of your visit to [Country]?"

  • Answer: Be specific. Instead of "tourism," say "I am going for a 10-day holiday to Paris and Rome to see the historical sites."

• "Are you traveling alone or with someone?"

  • Answer: State who you are traveling with. If they are applying separately, mention that.

• "Who is paying for your trip?"

  • Answer: Be direct. "I am funding the trip myself," or "My father is sponsoring my trip." This must match the financial documents you have provided.

• "What do you do for work?" or "Where do you work?"

  • Answer: State your job title and the name of your company. This shows you have a stable job to return to.

• "How long do you plan to stay?"

  • Answer: State the exact number of days. This must match your flight bookings and hotel reservations.

• "Have you traveled to the Schengen Area before?"

  • Answer: Be honest. A simple "Yes" or "No" is fine. If yes, they might ask when and where.

Tips for a Smooth Appointment

• Organize Your Documents: Arrange your papers in the exact order of the official checklist. This makes the process faster and shows you are a prepared applicant.
• Know Your Itinerary: Be familiar with your own travel plans. You should be able to answer basic questions about your trip without hesitation.
• Be Polite and Confident: Treat the staff with respect. Answer questions clearly and confidently.

Once you have submitted your application, the waiting begins. But the hard part is over. Now, you just need to find that initial appointment slot. If you are still looking, Schengen Alert can help you get there. Sign up now for instant alerts.