Visa application appointment: how to prepare properly

The day you submit your application is a decisive step. A forgotten document or a hesitant answer can complicate a well-prepared application. With a little organisation, this appointment generally goes smoothly.

Before the appointment

• Check the time, the address and the instructions in your appointment letter.
• Gather the originals and copies requested, in the order of the official checklist.
• Check the validity of your passport and the number of blank pages.
• Prepare photos in the required format, if they are requested.

On site: biometrics

For many destinations, your fingerprints and a photo are recorded when you submit your application. For the Schengen area, fingerprints are in principle stored and reused for 59 months: if you have given them recently, they may not be taken again.

Questions you may be asked

Depending on the destination, the officer may briefly ask you about your trip. Answer simply and honestly:

• What is the purpose of your stay and how long will it last?
• Where will you stay and who is paying for the trip?
• What is your professional or family situation in the DRC?

Your answers must match what is in your application. There is no "right answer" to learn by heart: consistency is enough.

After submitting

Keep your receipt and your application tracking number. Processing times vary depending on the destination and the time of year: avoid buying a non-refundable ticket before you have your passport back.

Our advice

The day before, go through your documents again against the official checklist. Our clients receive a personalised checklist and interview preparation before every appointment.