A Question for International Traveler Types

[Timexwatch]

I'm supposed to be headed to Barcelona, Spain in January of 2004. I have everything set with the company there and will have everything set with my University.

The big question is how long does a student visa usually take to obtain for a European country? The Spanish consulate in New York lists an average 4 week turnaround time for visa applications, but it varies depending on load.

What's everybody else's expierence with the byzantine world of international study and travel? Am I safe sending in the visa application with 60 days before the departure date or should I contact a visa assistance firm?


Any help would be appreciated.

[Makeo]

Sixty days should be fine. I have no experience with the spanish visa process but my american visa is processed within a couple of weeks. Same for my English and Canadian work visas

[Japher]

Better safe than sorry... don't lolly-gag on this, just get it done.

[Makeo]

Originally posted by Japher
Better safe than sorry... don't lolly-gag on this, just get it done.

Yep. Some of my friends have been screwed by late visas. Visa didn't arrive until after the date they were supposed to fly out.

[The Viceroy]

If your an American, can you not just go an obtain a Shengan visa from any Euro consulate (who happens to be part of the Shengen states) ???

My wife got one same day, by just turning up with valid tickets to travel .. No problems.

[Timexwatch]

I'll have it all sent out by Wednesday, hopefully. The anthrax scare in D.C. has delayed the arrival of some necessary documents. By the time it gets there it'll be about 58 days out from when I leave.

Maybe shudder Fez would know more about Spanish visa stuff. I wonder if he's around....

[Japher]

Some of my friends have been screwed by late visas

Better late than never, eh... In their case, and Timex', late = never...

Just go do it tomorrow...

own goal

[Timexwatch]

The only thing is that it's a Federal holiday tomorrow, so I'm not going to receive the last document I need, nor can I send mail tomorrow

[self biased]

yeah, but you might as well just get your passport, though. the damn things are good for ten years or so.

[Timexwatch]

I've had a passport since 1999 when I last went to Spain. Getting the visa is the tricky part.

[self biased]

musta changed things since i've been abroad.

[alva]

Does an American need a visa to get to europe?
AFAIK I only need my passport to get to the states..

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I must say, I had the same question as Alva. I've travelled all over Europe without a visa (not to Spain, admittedly, but my wife has been there without a visa). Why do you need a visa at all?

[Makeo]

He needs a visa because he is planning on living/studying and probably working there. You don't need one for a visit but anything more than a holiday and you do.

[Timexwatch]

I have to obtain a 90 day student visa and then apply for an extension once I get there.

On a bad note, my doctor claimed to have sent my records to me here in D.C. on Thursday, but they haven't arrived yet. I'm beginning to think that they got caught in the latest Anthrax scare...