BLS INTERNATIONAL - ITALY VISA APPLICATION CENTRE

Before coming i was a bit worried because of the reviews, but my experience applying for Italy visa is great. There was a bit of wait time but similar to how other visas application is like. The lady and gent tending the counters were helpful and patient. I got my ID photograph taken there.

Booking an appt is tedious and they still asked you to reconfirm the appt the day before and print out the appointment letter. I clicked to reconfirm the appt (which said successful) but the link to print out the appointment letter was broken. Emailed the agency but no reply. When I turn up for my appt, they insisted that they couldn’t find my appt. There was no other customer at that time, but they insisted that I either paid a $50 walk in fee or come back next time with another appt. No choice but to pay for it. They asked whether I wanted to pay extra $25 for flexi collection and sms fee which I declined (but in my past experiences in applying visa for other countries I have never been asked to pay for collection fee). I was supposed to track the appt via their website, but yesterday they called to say my visa is ready for collection. I double confirmed that I could collect it without paying for any collection fee. So maybe they r now trying to improve their service - but if I did pay for the collection fee earlier wouldn’t it be a waste.

This place is so horrible. If I could rate it 0 star, I would. I paid for my visa and I realized they charged $25 extra for sms service and out of office collection which I didn’t ask for, nor did they give me the receipt BEFORE I made the payment. I had assumed it was the standard fees and paid the lump sum. I should have checked but this is so so misleading!! This is not right at all, so I would caution to be very careful Also, I’m not sure if it’s this application centre or the Italian embassy but they were so so strict with the documents you submit to them. I’ve applied for Schengen visas multiple times but this is the worst. They require original copy from HR, original stamp and signature and they were so strict about your travel within the city and literally wants to know how you’re going to travel from one place to the other. Such a waste of time

One of the worst agencies. Let me list down a few common issues: 1) The people don't care. Very impersonal. 2) They accept only cash and don't mention it anywhere so take the required cash and go always. 3) Look at the bill carefully. They are cheaters and scammers and always charge extra for things like sms and flexi collection which you don't need. It's just for them to make money. 4) Their systems don't work and they don't have an answer to anything. 5) The phone number of their receipt routes to a royal IT services. Don't know what the hell that is. 6) No one picks up at their customer care. Please be very careful. Scam level people.

The reviews are honest and true - it is below 0 stars! They ask documents not in the official checklist with no rhyme or reason. My flight arrives at Rome and after two weeks, I will fly from Milan to Singapore. The staff asked me for proof of travel between Rome to Milan. I shared that I might take the train or taxi but will decide later. He said its not possible! He insisted I should have a train ticket. I asked where in the checklist this was stated (the checklist ask for proof of transportation if you are travelling from one schengen country to another)Rome and Milan are on the same country! I thought about how much i want to argue this but decided to buy a cheap train ticket (which i would not use). So ridiculous service and really no standard!

Worst experience with Schengen visa. 1. The staff is unprofessional. Asking for documents not listed in the checklist, not knowing any answers to my questions, charging for the extra service without asking, and talking so softly.. 2. On the next day following your appointment, you have to mae another trip down specially to record your fingerprints. You will be charged extra if you want to walk-in on another day, or you can make another appointment (but it is usually fully booked till the end of the month). What’s worse is that you need to wait for their call before going down. Do they think I just sit around all day waiting for the call?? And I was just speechless when I found out that the fingerprint can be done at the same counter, within 2 mins. Why can’t they just do it on the application/collection day?? 3. There is no queue number and people will gather around the counter to ask questions. The staff gets distracted by those people, and slows down. You can never get the things done within the stipulated time slot. The list just goes on and on. I’ll never come back again. Since this is the monopoly here, I would consider choosing another destination country the next time I visit Europe. Update: Only received my passport 3 days before departure despite applying > 1 month in advance. I was very worried nearer to the date of departure and the girl at the call center was of 0 help. If you are like me who likes to plan ahead and hates being last minute, please please seriously reconsider applying Schengen visa here.

If I can rate this place at 0 star, I would. The most horrible visa agency office ever. Their phone is busy/dead 90% of the time, and I had to call them for 3 days straight to finally hear a human voice, only to be lied to. The person on the phone told me to come down to the BLS office the next day to submit my documents as I am on an urgent business trip and received an invitation letter by the Italian Chamber of Commerce. I came down the next day only to be told that I would not be tended to unless I have an appointment. The BLS officer also asked for an email to show proof, but the funny thing is neither the Italian Chamber of Commerce nor BLS office responded to my emails and called instead. So now I've wasted a good 3 hrs of my life and money fluttering about Singapore for nothing.

I went for passport renewal. This office is hard to find. Its on the 30 th floor. The address on Google says 3. The wait time is min 1.5 hrs. So pls go prepared. There are extra charges for printing and photo. Otherwise my experience was ok.