My Adventures in Securing Danish and Swedish Visas
Navigating the Visa Application Process
I'm sharing my personal experience applying for Danish and Swedish visas – whether for business trips, tourism, or visiting family – which I've done annually.
Included is an example of a cover letter; feel free to use it as a reference and customize it to accurately reflect your specific travel purpose. While a detailed itinerary isn't mandatory for Sweden and Denmark, the reasons for your visit must be honest and logical. The cover letter outlines the necessary documents based on whether you're traveling for work, leisure, or family visits.
Simplified Legalization: A DIY Guide
Legalizing documents yourself is surprisingly straightforward. Here's how:
- Translate the document and have it notarized (this typically takes 1-2 days).
- Schedule an appointment with the consular section to legalize the notarized document. (Consulates generally require appointments.)
Required documents for legalization:
- Original translated and notarized document
- A photocopy of the document
- Completed online application form and appointment confirmation from the consular section's website. The original document is for verification and will be returned.
Processing is quick, often taking just one day. If you submit in the afternoon, expect a day and a half.
Important Notes for Completing the Legalization Application:
- Document Name: Select the appropriate document type (e.g., Marriage Certificate, Business License).
- Document Type: Choose "TRANSLATED VERSION" (since it's translated from Vietnamese to English).
- Document Number: Use the notarization number from the translator's certification page, NOT the number on the original document.
Of course, services are available if you prefer not to handle it yourself. However, costs can add up, especially with multiple documents. Doing it yourself is fast and economical; the legalization stamp costs 30k.
For translation and notarization, a notary office conveniently located opposite the consular department on Tran Phu Street is a good choice. Remember to photocopy your translated documents for future use. This can save you money on subsequent notarizations; the agency will only charge a fee for the stamp (around 50k per stamp) rather than a full translation fee. Some agencies charge per-page for translation, which can become expensive.
Wishing you a smooth visa application!
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