docs(notes): add 2025-03-23 EU travel visa guide

Author: lzwjava

notes/2025-03-23-eu-travel-visa-en.md

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+---
+title: EU (Schengen) Travel Visa
+lang: en
+layout: post
+audio: false
+translated: false
+generated: true
+---
+
+Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for a Chinese citizen in Guangzhou applying for an EU (Schengen) travel visa:
+
+---
+
+### **1. Determine Which Embassy/Consulate to Apply To**
+- **Main Destination Principle**: Apply to the embassy/consulate of the country where you will spend the **most days**.  
+- **First Entry**: If visiting multiple countries equally, apply to the embassy of your **first point of entry** into the Schengen Area.  
+- **Guangzhou Consulates**: Many EU countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy, Spain) have consulates or visa centers in Guangzhou.  
+  - Example: German Consulate in Guangzhou (Address: 14th Floor, Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Road).  
+
+---
+
+### **2. Prepare Required Documents**  
+#### **Core Documents**:  
+1. **Passport**:  
+   - Valid for ≥3 months after your return date.  
+   - ≥2 blank pages.  
+   - Copies of previous visas (if any).  
+
+2. **Visa Application Form**:  
+   - Download from the embassy’s website (e.g., [France-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/)).  
+   - Fill in English or the embassy’s required language.  
+
+3. **Passport Photos**:  
+   - Two recent (≤6 months) 35mm x 45mm white-background photos.  
+
+4. **Travel Insurance**:  
+   - Coverage ≥€30,000 for medical emergencies/repatriation.  
+   - Valid in all Schengen countries.  
+   - Purchase from Chinese providers like Ping An or Allianz.  
+
+5. **Proof of Financial Means**:  
+   - Bank statements (last 3–6 months, balance showing ≥€50–100/day of stay).  
+   - If sponsored: Sponsor’s bank statements + sponsorship letter (notarized if required).  
+
+6. **Flight Reservation**:  
+   - Round-trip **booking** (no need to pay until visa approval).  
+
+7. **Accommodation Proof**:  
+   - Hotel bookings (use refundable options like Booking.com) or invitation letter from a host in the EU.  
+
+8. **Employment/School Proof**:  
+   - Employed: Leave approval letter from employer + business license copy.  
+   - Student: School attendance certificate + leave approval.  
+   - Retired: Pension statement.  
+
+9. **Cover Letter**:  
+   - Explain your travel purpose, itinerary, and guarantee of return to China.  
+
+#### **Additional Documents (if applicable)**:  
+- Marriage certificate, property deeds, or other ties to China.  
+- For business trips: Invitation letter from the EU company.  
+
+---
+
+### **3. Book an Appointment**  
+- Most Schengen embassies in Guangzhou use visa agencies like **VFS Global** or **TLScontact**.  
+  - Example: Apply for a French visa via [TLScontact Guangzhou](https://fr.tlscontact.com/cn/CAN/).  
+- Schedule online via the embassy’s portal. **Peak seasons (summer, holidays) have long waits—apply 3+ months early**.  
+
+---
+
+### **4. Attend the Visa Interview**  
+- Visit the visa center/embassy with all documents.  
+- Pay the fee: **€80 (adults)** / €40 (children 6–12) / Free (under 6).  
+- Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo).  
+- Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and finances.  
+
+---
+
+### **5. Wait for Processing**  
+- Standard processing: **15 calendar days** (may take 30+ days in busy periods).  
+- Track your application online via the visa center’s portal.  
+
+---
+
+### **6. Collect Your Passport**  
+- If approved: Visa sticker will be attached to your passport.  
+- If rejected: You’ll receive a refusal letter (can appeal within the timeframe specified).  
+
+---
+
+### **Key Tips for Success**  
+1. **Apply Early**: Start 3 months before your trip.  
+2. **Be Thorough**: Missing documents are the top reason for rejection.  
+3. **Show Strong Ties to China**: Prove you’ll return (job, family, property).  
+4. **Use Reputable Agencies**: Avoid scams—only use official embassy partners.  
+
+---
+
+### **Guangzhou Visa Centers**  
+- **VFS Global** (for Italy, Spain, etc.): Room 1201, Central Plaza, 381 Jiangwan Road.  
+- **TLScontact** (for France, Germany): 19F, GZ International Hotel, 339 Huanshi Dong Road.  
+
+---
+
+**Good luck!** For more details, check the official website of your target country’s embassy or the [Schengen Visa Info](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/) portal.