Mastering Schengen: Our Two-Part Norway Visa Journey Through VFS Global

August 4, 2025 Not Your Typical Tourist

We’re heading back to Norway! This time, it’s a dedicated trip to explore more of this beautiful country, unlike our previous visit which served as a transit point to Iceland. While I was fortunate enough not to require a visa for Europe, my husband, being a Thai national, needed one then and needs one again now.

Both of his Schengen visa applications have been processed through VFS Global, but with different embassies. Our first experience was with the Royal Danish Embassy, which represents Iceland in Thailand. This year, it’s with the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Each application process brought its own set of complexities, and it feels like no matter how much information is shared online, there are always unique challenges that don’t seem to have readily available answers. On top of that, there were so many negative reviews online for VFS, so we prepared for the worst, but with a little bit of planning, it went well.

Year One’s Hurdles: Dispelling Common Worries (Denmark/Iceland Visa)

Last year was my husband’s very first Schengen visa application, and it came with a lot of anxiety. I tried to reassure him there was no reason a tourist visa would be denied, especially given our stable financial standing. However, he was quick to remind me that many applicants get turned away, and that ultimately, an embassy can reject an application for any reason it sees fit.

Many Thai vloggers and bloggers provide standard advice, with some emphasizing the necessity of a land deed or house registration document. For various reasons, we don’t possess these, which initially caused concern. Another major point of anxiety was his employment certificate: it was system-generated and lacked a physical signature.

To put his mind at ease, I directly emailed the Royal Danish Embassy in Bangkok (bkkvisa@um.dk). I explained his situation, clarifying that due to the sheer size of his company, all employment certificates are system-generated and that we would also be providing the latest three months of salary slips and bank statements. Their swift and reassuring response, received within two days, confirmed that the house registration document could be bypassed, and a system-generated, unsigned employment certificate was indeed acceptable. They did note that the embassy might need to verify the documents once submitted and would contact the applicant if any additional information was required. This simple clarification saved us a lot of unnecessary stress and proved that sometimes, a direct query to the embassy is the best solution.

I also recall visiting VFS Global before his actual appointment date last year. I was allowed to go in and ask general questions, which was incredibly helpful. They were even kind enough to advise me that I could return in the afternoon, when the crowd was typically smaller, for a quick document completion check if needed before the official submission. This pre-check option, though informal, can be a lifesaver for anxious applicants. While I had read many negative reviews online about VFS service, I believe the key is to be polite and understand that the ground staff are not the ones who create the rules. I encountered many polite and helpful staff, including the guards at the counter. When I turned up during their lunch break, they advised me to wait. I patiently waited and, after the break, the guards began calling queue numbers. Seeing me, they took the initiative to hurriedly explain my situation to the VFS staff, highlighting that I had been waiting for a long time and should be let in as soon as possible. They then immediately sent me to a counter after the bag screening. My experience proves that a little bit of patience and respect can go a long way in making the process smoother and less painful for everyone involved.

Year Two’s Challenge: A Date Dilemma (Norway Visa)

Fast forward to this year’s application for Norway. My husband made an online registration for his visa and proceeded with payment before realizing a crucial error: he had accidentally confirmed the wrong birthdate (day and month) in the system. He had only corrected the birth year, neglecting to input his actual birth day and month, so by default, it populated with the day and month of the application. With the Euro 90 fee already paid, he was convinced he’d have to abandon that application, submit a new one, and pay another Euro 90.

Euro 90, again?! Not on my watch! I immediately emailed the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok (visa.bangkok@mfa.no) explaining the situation. To their absolute credit, they provided a simple yet invaluable solution within two days: draft a letter clearly stating the incorrect birthdate and the correct one, and submit this letter along with the application.

I quickly drafted the letter, got my husband to sign it, and made sure he brought it, along with the embassy’s reply email, to his VFS Global appointment. It’s worth noting that the embassy’s initial automated reply stated they would only respond if the inquiry wasn’t covered in their standard FAQs and that status updates or emailed documents after submission wouldn’t be considered. This made their personalized two-day response even more commendable.

The VFS Global Appointment: A Smooth (Mostly) Process

My husband’s appointment was scheduled for 8:45 AM. When we arrived, they were already calling the 8:15 AM queue. Soon after, an announcement was made that everyone could proceed inside – yippee! This meant we were done by 8:40 AM, even with a minor hiccup.

The minor hiccup? The checklist didn’t explicitly mention it, but they required two copies of the passport bio-data page (we only had one) and a copy of the first page of his bank book, despite us already providing a bank certificate and bank statements. Thankfully, there was a photocopy service on the ground floor (albeit an expensive 5 baht per page), so it was a quick run to get those sorted. The additional copy of the passport bio-data page was stamped with a VFS stamp and stapled together with the receipt and queue number, which was then returned to my husband for collection day.

Just like last year, strict rules apply regarding electronic devices: no laptops, tablets, or storage media are allowed inside VFS Global. This is why I tagged along again, so my husband could leave his bag and devices safely with me. For those who are alone, luggage storage is an option, although it requires some planning.

The MeSpace locker service is located on the same floor, but it opens at 9:00 AM, so you’ll need to schedule your appointment accordingly. After reading conflicting online reviews about their rates, I took the liberty of emailing them at rcd@mespace.storage and they confirmed their Ratchadapisek (The Shoppes Grand Rama 9) branch offers luggage storage for 50 baht per hour per piece or 150 baht per day per piece. It’s important to note that all luggage must be retrieved by 5:00 PM.

It’s also worth noting that a new cafe, Perk, is located on the same floor and may offer luggage storage as well, according to some Google reviews. Last year, a different café in the same spot provided this service for less than 100 baht. For an early morning appointment before 9:00 AM, the safest bet is to either come without these prohibited items or have a companion with you.

So here we are, fingers crossed, waiting for the result. The standard processing time is up to 15 days, but it may be extended up to a maximum of 45 days, when further scrutiny is needed. (Update: He received approval in 14 working days). This whole experience reinforced the importance of clear communication with the embassies and being prepared for those little unlisted requirements at VFS! While our official receipt provides email addresses and phone numbers for their helplines, my husband found that calls often went unanswered. I personally prefer to write directly to the embassies for critical clarifications, as I feel VFS is primarily a processing agent, and it’s best to confirm requirements with the decision-makers directly at the embassy.

Getting to VFS Global

We took the MRT to Rama 9 station (exit 3), and then continued with the free ‘Golf Cart’ shuttle service, which starts from 7:00 AM. The golf cart can only fit 7 passengers at a time, but the service was really frequent. Leaving Belle, we had to wait for the third one, but they come almost immediately after a full cart leaves, so it takes no time at all. It’s a short 2-3 minute ride from G Tower to Belle, with only one stop in between at the R House. A crucial note for visitors: we spotted a sign at Belle stating that the golf cart service is suspended during heavy rain for safety reasons, so do take note of that when planning your trip.

Key Contact Information: VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Bangkok

(Relevant to Norway and Iceland/Denmark Visa Applications)

VFS Global Centre Address: The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9, 1st Floor, 131/1, 141/1, Rama 9 Road, Huay Khwang, Bangkok 10310

Business Hours:

Application Submission: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Passport Collection by applicant: Monday – Friday, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Passport Collection by representative: Monday – Friday, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
General info at the VFS centre: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/cze/attend-centre/bangkok

Norway Visa Specifics (via VFS):

VFS Website: visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/nor
VFS Helpline Email: info.nrth@vfshelpline.com
VFS Helpline Phone: +66 (0)2 4607801
Royal Norwegian Embassy Email (for direct queries): visa.bangkok@mfa.no
Tourist visa checklist: https://www.norway.no/en/thailand/services-info/visitors-visa-res-permit/visitors-visa/#online-reg

Denmark/Iceland Visa Specifics (via VFS):

VFS Website: visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/dnk
VFS Helpline Email: info.dkth@vfshelpline.com
VFS Helpline Phone: +66 (0)2 460 7056
Royal Danish Embassy Email (for direct queries): bkkvisa@um.dk
Royal Danish Embassy Phone: +66 (0) 23431100
Tourist visa checklist: https://www.vfsglobal.com/denmark/thailand/Thai/pdf/Tourist-visit-checklist.pdf