Spain Visa Application Centre Edinburgh Government Office in Leith, Edinburgh

Reviews

1. Ebby Tekin ★★★★★

   Today I applied for my Schengen visa, and my experience at the visa center was very positive. From the moment I entered, Rahud was extremely kind, welcoming, and always smiling, which made me feel comfortable. Alex checked my documents and was also very patient, professional, and helpful. I had made a few mistakes in my application, but they guided me calmly and helped me correct everything without any stress. I’m not sure why there are so many negative reviews about this place, because my experience was excellent. If there were issues in the past, they have definitely improved their service. Thank you to everyone working there, and a special thank you to Alex and Rahud for their outstanding support.

   almost 8 months ago
2. BLACK ZEUS ★★★★☆

   I intentionally decided to write this review because of Hephzibah, the lady at the reception who attended to me and my wife yesterday, 27th August 2025. People like her are the reason organizations move forward, even though they may not always be in the spotlight. She was extremely professional despite the pressure at her desk, speaking with grace and kindness to every visa applicant who walked in. When it was our turn, the visa officer checked our documents and asked us to change our insurance since it only covered Spain and not Europe. While I was going through the challenges of applying for new insurance and the delay that came with it, Hephzibah showed genuine concern, checking on how far we had gone in the process. After we finally finished applying, she even helped us print out the correct insurance form for the application. By this time, I was already stressed, but she took our documents, arranged them properly, and supported us with so much patience after the delay caused by changing the insurance company. Hephzibah, this is me and my wife, appreciating your professionalism, patience, and kindness not only to us but to every other applicant. To everyone visiting the Spain Visa Office in Edinburgh, please appreciate her and the other hardworking, professional staff in that office. One small observation: the office does not currently have a toilet facility for applicants. It would be very helpful for an office that receives such a large number of walk-in visa applicants to provide this. — Simon & Precious

   1 year ago
3. Eileen Taylor ★★★★★

   Our experience at the BLS office was extremely positive. We were dealt with courteously, efficiently and professionally. The young man at reception was extremely patient and polite to the very large amount of overseas students wishing to holiday in Spain. There must have been 25-30 young students, none of whom had completed their paperwork properly nor owned a pen. I don't know how he remained so calm. I was getting frustrated just listening. I can only commend all the staff there for a quality service.

   1 year ago

1. J P ★★★★★

   This has been the most professional and efficient visa centre I’ve ever visited. I applied for a Spanish visa at the centre in Edinburgh, and the entire process was smooth and pleasant. The staff were polite, professional, and genuinely friendly. Most importantly, this visa application was handled very quickly — my appointment was at 12 noon, and everything was completed within just 30 minutes. Each step was clearly organised, and there was always someone on hand to assist. Everything was done promptly and properly. I was genuinely impressed by how efficient and well-managed the whole experience was. Highly recommended!

   1 year ago
2. Travel Nomad ★★☆☆☆

   No sign of the place outside of the building and difficult to locate. No normal appointment for three months but plenty of premium slots at a cost of 60 pounds. Asked for a multi entry and got only for one month. I had the same queue of normal even with premium appointments. Services are good. Kind and helpful staff, but a terrible system however.

   almost 2 years ago
3. obas Echanomi ★☆☆☆☆

   Terrible service! And rude staff!!!! We were told in London that myself and my partner can go to Edinburgh to apply. We applied using to the premium service, and booked a hotel, only to get to the centre and were told that we cannot apply here and have to go back to London. Wasted money and time. Such a terrible service

   almost 3 years ago

1. Benjamin Dalziel ★☆☆☆☆

   Scam artists … don’t allow you to book an appointment then charge you the “premium rate” to get an appointment. Tell you to check the website a few times a day (which we have done for a month) to find out that slots for this month opened this morning and are now fully booked by mid-day …. Designed to part you with your money.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Alet Meiring ★☆☆☆☆

   They prey on desperate people who are trying to get a visa. You have to book your flights and complete your application before you can book an appointment. All the visa appointment slots are fully booked for months and then they offer you a service for £835 to collect the documents from your home!

   almost 3 years ago
3. Orion “Orion_1993” Bonfig ★★★★☆

   Staff were friendly and quick. The waiting area is quite small compared to other centres I’ve been to and could benefit from a ticket system linked to your appointment time. I did note to one of the admin team that the online form should distinguish between the various kinds of Schengen visas as they have differing requirements and the current format asked for information that wasn’t required in my specific case. Overall, not a bad experience.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Louis Cartwright ★☆☆☆☆

   Terrible service. Where do I even begin? First of all, no appointments available for months no prompt phone/email responses to guide you either. I was told that I could apply at the Edinburgh offices via email after over a week of waiting for a response. I had reached out to them as I'd been working in Middlesborough and therefore was falling under their catchment area. I attend to only be told by the workers that because I don't permanently reside in their catchment area, they cannot help me and that I need to go to the Manchester offices. But they didn't just stop there by wasting my time, money, and energy, nope they also lie to your face. The workers, one called Lucas, proceeded to lie to me by claiming that Manchester office is open on a Saturday, and that I should attend there on the Saturday. I questioned this as online their opening hours were Monday-Friday - he and his colleague reassured me multiple times. Thank god I had a relative nearby to Manchester offices, who confirmed that they have never operated on a Saturday. Disgusting, appalling and inconsiderate are the first words that come to mind when I think of their "service" - this visa application system is broken, and a disgrace to Spain!

   almost 3 years ago

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