Collecting recent user experiences for a detailed Schengen visa guide

Hi everyone, I am currently researching for a new article on my travel blog and I want to feature real stories about the Schengen visa process.

I am looking for detailed experiences regarding short-stay visa applications from the last five years. There is often a disconnect between official requirements and reality, so I want to bridge that gap.

Did you breeze through the interview, or were you asked for documents not listed on the checklist? How did you handle appointment unavailability? Please share your triumphs and frustrations below so we can create a practical guide for future travelers.

This is a very necessary discussion. As a guide based in Cairo, I have assisted many clients with their applications to Southern Europe.

My experience at the German consulate was strictly procedural but exhausting. I applied for a visa to attend a scientific conference.