PINAY FRANCOPHILE

I went over my documents last night and arranged them neatly, one set clipped inside my passport, and a second on the ready — just in case.  I woke up this morning not having to rush because my online appointment didn’trequire me to go there until 10:15 AM.  The Consulate was emphatic that one must try to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the appointed time because they have no waiting area (meaning you wait outside in the cold) because they have limited seating inside the Consulate (which was true).  

I took the Express bus to 3rd Avenue and I don’t know what possessed me that I got off at 51st Avenue.  (Some tiny voice at the back of my head was saying it was on East 54th.. and this was supposed to be my third trip to the Consulate already!)  Before I crossed Park Avenue, I decided to check the address in my appointment receipt and lo and behold, it was 74th.  So I took the M3 on Madison Avenue and slowly made my way to the upper east side.  

The cruise down Madison Avenue on the upper east side is a fashionista’s dream come true.  Designer store after designer store line both sides of the street.  Fortunately, I love to look, but buying is another matter altogether for me.  I’m more on the practical side when it comes to clothes, but I don’t mind oohing and ahhhing over those fine coutoure shops.  I was making good time.  It was just a few minutes past 9AM, barely 9:30, so I got off on 69th street and walked.  I was in front of the French Consulate by around 20 to 10AM, and I stood there waiting with a few others.

They couldn’t understand why we weren’t being let in when it was rather chilly outside.  I tried to tell the middle-aged Asian couple that there really wasn’t much room inside the Consulate.  Then the lady said then perhaps they should get a bigger building.  (If the staff inside heard that, they would have pointed to a sign saying “Travel to France is not a right..”.. I so wanted to copy that announcement but was in line and trying to wait quietly for my turn I couldn’t fish for my pen in my purse..)  One thing we must all remember is that once we step inside the office, building, grounds of an Embassy or Consulate, that is their sovereign domain and we are all subject to their laws and regulations, even if that Embassy and/or Consulate is located in the United States.

They finally called me in at 10AM exactly, and I proceeded to go to the cashier to pay.  The good news is that along with their online appointment system, they now accept American Express (which they didn’t do in Feb 2005).  My single entry visa was $44.30.  If you intend to pay in cash, bring the exact change because the cashier will not be able to give you money in return.  I was then instructed to fall in line for processing.

I must’ve stood there for around 20 minutes, but it would’ve been faster if the people ahead of me were ready with the right documents, and would listen to the consular officials behind the window instead of trying to argue their case.  Many do not realize that there are many required documents, and there are specific requirements given by the Schengen countries for one to gain entry into Europe.  A businessman ahead of me thought that his $2Million maximum Health Insurance policy would be good enough for the Consulate, but the consulate is very specific that it requires a letter from the carrier of your Medical insurance that you are insured up to at least $37,000 including emergency repatriation if necessary.  You may have a $2Million maximum lifetime medical insurance policy, but if the letter stating your coverage fails to specify the coverage for emergency repatriation, the Consulate will not accept that.  The solution is to go to InsureMyVisa.com and they will give you exactly what the Schengen countries require.  (My $50,000 policy cost me all of $15.50.. and I got the required letter, too.)

The Asian couple told me they didn’t know that the hotel confirmations were also required, and that an e-mail confirmation was not sufficient because the Consulate required that the hotels fax the applicant directly.  (Of course mine were taken cared of by Alan — and that was easy because it was internal.)  So they had to call the hotels last night and have them fax in the confirmations ASAP.  

While it is true that there severeal documents required, they are all fully described in the Consulate’s website, and the specifics required are not in any way ambiguous.  The lesson here is that one must not presume adequacy — you must comply with what is required to save yourself the trouble of having to come back or having to reschedule your trip to a later time.

I have already written about processing times below.  I have been requested to check back in 2 weeks if my visa is ready, and they will affix the visa onto my passport.

One gentleman who seemed to be of carribean descent was flustered that his documents were not sufficient, and the consular official wasn’t about to give him any special breaks.  He was being told time and time again to just come back when he has all the required documents, but he was adamant about getting his money back instead.  The gentleman behind the counter politely told him that refunds are not issued, because the application fee is being paid for you to be able to apply.  It isn’t even for the Embassy to process that application.  Whether you complete the application process or not, get your visa or not, the money is non-refundable.  He turned back in a huff and tried to badger the cashier instead, who, of course, wasn’t budging any either.

The businessman was getting catty responding to the consular official who still held his composure in the midst of the discussion about the $2M medical insurance.  He would apologize after the consular official clarified that he was just trying to explain, but by then the poor consular official had to parry his blows already.  Now I see why that sign is posted on each window — that you have to be polite to the consular officials, otherwise, it can be grounds for them not to grant you a visa, which will mean your denial of entry via any other Schengen country.  

The same consular official was very kind to me.  He asked for each required document which I produced one after the other.  He was even pleased that I had not only photocopied my Philippine passport and my greencard, but a copy of my old Schengen visa as well.  We went about our business nicely and in a very friendly fashion.  I was out of there in 5 minutes!  So many things happen faster when you ask nicely — so you see I did pay attention to the lessons in good manners and right conduct from the nuns of St. Paul.