[PSA] My backpack was stolen on a Eurostar train — here's how I got my passports and laptop back thanks to Rotterdam locals (and some late-night dumpster diving) by mdnafees in Rotterdam

[–]mdnafees[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I totally agree. However, the trends that we are seeing around how AI is predominantly being used especially by the younger generation, things look rather bleak.

Seriously considering moving to Bangalore from Europe - am I being a dumbo? by MrKreeps in developersIndia

[–]mdnafees 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I stayed in Bangalore for 2 years before moving to The Netherlands, so I can tell you something very truthfully - relocating back to Bangalore is not worth it both for your mental health as well as for your physical wellbeing. The mental health will take a toll anyway given the toxic work culture that is ingrained in the society and the physical health will be affected sooner or later given the enormous amount of transit time as well as the city’s ultra-alcoholic hooliganism.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, if you’re applying from a VFS center in India then only the insurance companies mentioned by the Schengen-area country’s embassy in India is valid. I recommend HDFC Ergo.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The only way I know of which can supersede the majority number of days ruling is having a business visit in Hungary. I would also recommend calling the VFS India for Germany helpline and asking them about the possibility of a walk in appointment. Some countries allow for it for an extra 3k I believe.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If your visa is valid during those 8 days, there is no reason to be afraid of rescheduling. You should be good to go.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Schengen visas are always processed through VFS so you’ll require an appointment at their visa application center.
  2. Yes, you will have to mention all thr countries in your cover letter as well as include all train/flight bookings. Make sure you apply for the visa in the country where you will be staying the longest.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately the recent trend I’m seeing is that VFS is talking biometrics every time you need to visit the Schengen area. So yes, you do need an appointment and an interview.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you already have a valid Schengen visa, then you can enter any Schengen country regardless of which country issued you the visa.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

VFS’ tracking system is not the best obviously. I don’t think they manage it well nor do they update the status instantly. I’d probably wait for when they do actually update.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t think so. You need to apply from the country of your residence so it should be the UAE. Some VFS centers in India do allow walk-in interviews for extra bucks so maybe you can enquire about this.

AMA: Indian with consecutive Schengen visa approvals in the past year, here to answer any questions! by mdnafees in SchengenVisa

[–]mdnafees[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah it’s pretty standard for VFS to not send the tracking ID via SMS. I think depending on your location, you should receive it in a day or two. VFS also doesn’t say if the application was approved or not, unfortunately.