Elite Service Group -  Visa Terms
 

Terms & Conditions 

Elite Visa’s is a trading Product name of Schengen Office (London) Limited; hereafter referred to operationally as Elite Service Group.
These terms & Conditions govern all aspects of business carried out by Elite Service Group and the receipt of any order or instruction is deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
All terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

No agent of the Elite Service Group, its staff members, contractors, or partners are authorised to change or vary these terms and conditions unless given specific permission in writing by a director of the company.

 

Service & Information General

Elite Service Group provides carefully compiled visa and passport information in good faith on the express understanding that the said information is the interpretation of any or all information provided by respective embassies.

Elite Service Group shall not accept responsibility or liability for any errors, and/or omissions, ambiguities, and changes in the information or published processing times.

Elite Service Groups site contains links to other websites, to enable the applicants, to collate and scrutinise as much relevant information and up to date application forms, and the applications being made.

Elite Service Group is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of any such websites, as some closures and holidays are not notified, or published regularly.

Supporting information given by Elite Service Group its staff, and contractors is given in good faith; and is supplied on a best endeavour of current information at the embassy- advice given is given on an assumption of embassy willing basis.

General advice does not guarantee the granting of any application or return in time for travel and is often given on the understanding that it is based on the interpretation of current working practices of the consulate and the current policy to applications,

Final Visa permission is given on a personal basis based on the correct application procedures, and requirements or the embassy or its agents at that time, and may require attendance, interview and biometric submission.  

All information forms procedures are subject to ongoing change- upgrade, at any time. The Elite Service Group shall not accept any liability whatsoever for any errors, omissions or changes in the information, current form changes and decisions concerning applications, the delays and refusals therein.

Elite Service Group recommends that tickets for travel should not be purchased prior to the visa / passport being issued.

Certain embassies issue the requirement of asking for proof of travel booking, in such cases open tickets should be obtained, in good time from your chosen carrier, you will be advised by us when to purchase flights. 

 

Visa Processing

All times indicated in writing or electronically for any handling, and process planning purposes, processing times vary and are not guaranteed; delayed applications and referred applications are subject to waiting fees, revisit, and progress fees.

Cost due to embassy referral and delays in processing and closures and national holidays are not the responsibility of the Elite Service Group.

Published dates are based upon the opening days of the embassies, consulates, passport offices and Elite Service Group and should be construed as working days or weeks, embassies frequently work on their own calendar and their own national holidays.

Processing times for passports, visas and other documentation are approximations based on our experience with embassies, consulates and the passport office.

Elite Service Group will endeavour, wherever possible, to process the clients visa, passport and /or document requirement where possible, given timing, nationality, completeness of application and embassy restrictions allowing

Processing times issued by embassies are deemed reliable in most cases but are not guaranteed.

Elite Service Group will use its best endeavours to provide / relay accurate and reliable information at all times and to process applications as requested by the client as fast as is possible. 

LIMITATIONS 

Elite Service Group shall not be held responsible nor accept any liability for its own actions or those of any consulate, embassy, passport office or subcontracted couriers, servants or agents in delaying or not issuing such applications for any reason.
The refusal of any consulate to issue a visa against, incorrect misleading or false application information.

The refusal embassy or government office to accept documents presented;

The issue of incorrect visas, dates and terms by any consulate, embassy or government office.

Visas issued that are not the same Style /Type or duration as applied for by the applicant..

It is the client’s express responsibility to ensure that the validity of the application made; and that the visa / passport / documents obtained are fit for purpose for boarding travel and entry, and covers the period of time in which the client plans to enter and leave the country or countries that they have applied for;  

It is also the client’s responsibility to confirm the number of entries to that country and its full honest validity for the purpose of the intended visit.
Processing times are based on Elite Service Group receiving applications before 16.30 hours on the previous working day, to lodging. Applications received after this time may be subject to Special Lodge Fees if urgent next day lodging is required, and or possible additional same day emergency return fees. 

Elite Service Group, may in exceptional circumstances arrange same day service to and from the Embassy and immediate return from Issue to achieve emergency flight bookings. (Airport Meet and greet – and evening Home deliveries)  

Elite Service Group reserved the right to charge same day courier rates and out of hours for emergency return dependent on the vehicle used,and time of day. Additional charges may apply if the courier is required a statutory break for driving hours.

Elite Service Group is not liable for any loss, damage or delay caused by Royal Mail, Courier Services or Personal Subcontractors & staff in the transit / delivery of any timely documents, to Elite Service Group achieve a successful submission appointment and Issue of Visa and return delivery
 

When submitting an E-Visa booking the client warrants that all the information provided on electronic submission forms is correct at the time of submission. As Visa on arrival is often the method of issue of an E Visa into the passport; Any Issues on arrival may result in deportation Any consequences arising from incorrect information provided by the applicant will be wholly the responsibility of the applicant and any related costs, additional unforeseen costs incurred by Elite Visa Group will be recharged back to the applicant in full..

Onward Carriage

The Elite Service Group is the default return service is Royal Mail Special Delivery (Next working day before 13.00) all bookings not specifically notified otherwise, will return on this default service if not specifically notified or booked otherwise.

Return charges will be charged at the prevailing Royal Mail Special Delivery rate, plus an Elite Visa Group charge for packing and fulfilment.

​

Carriers /Transit

 

Elite (Same Day)  Bike Van return services, are available at the current variable rate depending on Milage, Weight, availability and time and duration of the job on the given day –

UK Overnight Services, and International Courier and are subject to their own specific conditions of carriage and variable transit times.

Elite Service Group accepts no liability for loss or delays or costs incurred when using third party delivery companies. Subcontractor’s will be required to sign for the collection the Passport - These related services are outside the control of Elite Service Group and are subject to change without prior notice, and entirely used at the clients own discretion.

 

Refusal of Service
Elite Service Group reserves the right to decline processing of documents for any reason whatsoever and at its total discretion, including, but not limited to, incomplete and damaged documentation, insufficient processing time, and degree of difficulty in obtaining such documents due to purpose of travel, transit and logistical delays. 

 

Loss Or Damage

Elite Service Group shall not responsible for items misplaced, damaged, delayed or destroyed by a consulate, embassy or passport office.
Any expense or cost incurred by the client due to any delay or non issuance, charges and additional costs shall not be the responsibility of, the Elite Service Group nor shall any replacement charges be levied upon, Elite Service Group

In exceptional circumstances, where the Elite Visa Group, is proven to be negligent, shall only be responsible for the basic replacement cost of the said item, of which the loss or damage in any one event will be limited to a maximum of £150 per passport or the replacement cost thereof.
 

Fees & Payment

Elite Service Group procurement fee is charged as a service fee and is not subject to the application and/or order being completed / granted.  The procurement fee is based upon the minimum required number of visits to any location to complete the requested application.  

Unless account facilities have been agreed in advance, Customers must pay for disbursements in advance or on completion of an application.

Elite Service Group may levy a charge not greater than 5% of the total invoice to cover all disbursement costs all monies advanced to Embassies to procure visa’s for its customers.

All accounts operating more than 30 days are subject to a 4% levy over the variable lending rate of Lloyds banking group.
The fee which shall be payable by the client in respect of services provided by Elite Service Group is exclusive of any consular or embassy charges whatsoever. Such consular or embassy charges as may be made will be the absolute liability of the client who must make repayment of these disbursements and charges, in respect of any application.

Payment of Elite Service Group fees are due together with any anticipated consular or embassy charges charged to the Schengen Office (London) limited   

 

Sort – 09 – 01 - 29

Account - 25116517

 

All disputes must be notified in writing to Elite Visa Group within 7 days of invoice date.

 

 

Account holders

 

Account holders will be granted a 14 day settlement period from date of invoice.

 

 

Non-account / Cash clients / Direct Passport holders

 

Payment of Elite Service Group fees are due together with any anticipated consular or embassy charges charged to the Schengen Office (London) limited   

 

Sort – 09 – 01 - 29

Account - 25116517

 

Passports will be actioned for service upon under specific instruction by the passport holder or their agent / travel agent, or by acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Elite Service Group in addition reserves the right to recourse for payment to the Passport holder

Applications are made in person and it is the Passport holder we represent The passport holder has been granted access, they have accrued the benefit of our service expertise and the Visa is issued into their personal document and therefore  will ultimately be responsible for all charges and disbursements made for services in relation to work carried out on their passport / travel arrangements.  

​

Additional Charges

 

Any expense or cost incurred by the client or a 3rd party supplier, resulting in non-issuances shall not be the responsibility of Elite Service Group.

 

Elite Service Group reserves the right to retain all passports and documents until full repayment of disbursements, and its service fees are received.

​

Elite Service Group -  Data Policy
 

1. Introduction

 

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas (Company Number 06802527) needs to collect and use certain types of information about individuals who come into contact and use Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas, in order to carry on our work. This personal information must be collected and dealt with appropriately whether it is collected on paper or by electronic means, and is stored in a secure cloud based computer database, or recorded on other material and there are safeguards to ensure this under the Data Protection Act 1998.

 

2. Data Controller

 

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas is the Data Controller under the Act, which means that it determines what purposes personal information held will be used for. It is also responsible for notifying the Information Commissioner of the data it holds or is likely to hold, and the general purposes that this data will be used for.

 

3. Disclosure

 

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas uses 123FormBuilder to supply a transit conduit for movement of data within its solutions, with particular reference to the visa application process. Both Elite Visas and 123FormBuilder are compliant to the eight principles that guide the Data Protection Act of 1998, amended in 2003 and part of the Directive 95/46/EC.

 

 

 

The 8 Principles are as follows:

 

First principle - Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully and, in particular, shall not be processed unless at least one of the conditions in Schedule 2 is met and in the case of sensitive personal data, at least one of the conditions set out in Schedule 3 or either of the two Statutory Instruments is met.

​

A. Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully.

​

As the ‘data processor‘ Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas ensures that its Data storage and transmission provider, 123FormBuilder, uses a secured 256-bit SSL connection while you are using 123FormBuilder applications on The Elite Consular Platform.

​

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas has ensured that customers / users are able to transmit personal data to Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas securely and safely using 123FormBuilder. Access to all user / customer and personal data held on the 123FormBuilder database is immediately accessible. Elite Visas can retrieve or remove specific data upon request.

​

​

Second principle - Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes.

​

B. Data is obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes.

​

To Legalise customers essential documentation apply for a passport or international travel visa, Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will only request data and information that is required to build your application. 123FormBuilder allows us to receive and confirm and store this essential information in data banks on the Amazon Web Services secure network. This data includes, but is not limited to, your email address, address, name and phone number. For certain applications we may require the following sensitive data;

 

• Racial or ethnic origin

 

• Political affiliations

 

• Religion or similar beliefs

 

• Trade union membership

 

• Physical or mental health

 

• Sex

 

• Criminal record or proceedings

​

​

Third principle - Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed.

​

C. Personal data shall be deemed to be adequate, relevant to the application being made and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are procured.

​

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will never ask or request for data or information which is not associated or applicable to the user’s visa application or to our ability for us to process the application.

 

​

Fourth principle - Personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.

​

D. Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas users have the right and ability to call Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas in order to update / remove their information. Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will also put a member of the team in contact with the user so that at any time both during and after the application process, data can be altered, updated or deleted.

​

​

Fifth principle - Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes.

​

E. As subject of the Data Protection Act 1998 and other international regulations, we keep data not longer than necessary. Data may be held by Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas for up to the date of the expiry of the passport to allow for reporting of visa activity within the passport. However should you wish for Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas to remove your information, you have the ability to do so at any time after the visa application process has finished. Once deleted by Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas, the date will sit in a back-up server for 30 days, to allow for the retrieval of accidentally deleted data.

 

​

Sixth principle - Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under this Act

​

F. All customers / users of Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group -Elite Visas, can request at any time, all data pertaining to them, held on record by Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group -Elite Visas.

​

​

Seventh principle - Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.

​

G. Where appropriate Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will take appropriate technical and organisational measures against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data.

​

123FormsBuilder hosts all data on Amazon Web Services. 123FormBuilder is highly protected against any threats that could endanger its customers (Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas) or their users. The security platform is carefully monitored on a 24/7 basis and benefits from all the latest security updates available.

​

The site and systems are protected by, 256-bit SSL connection; we are protected from spam, viruses and malware threats by McAfee Secure.

 

​

Eighth principle - Personal data shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area, unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data.

​

H. All our data is kept and encrypted within the in secured data centres at Amazon Web Services, spread across the United States. Even though there isn’t an equivalent in the US for the Data Protection Act 1998 of the UK and the EU’s directive, there is a bilateral agreement between the parts that permits the transfer and keeping the data safe.

​

​

​

The data provided will, under no circumstances, be given to any 3rd party outside Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas  apart from 123FormBuilder. The terms of service between Elite Visas and 123FormBuilder states that any data collected by Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas through 123FormBuilder is owned by Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group -Elite Visas.

 

123FormBuilder state that under no circumstances will they read or use any data collected by Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas. This also covers all data that might be collected that is deemed irrelevant or not important, and refers to all data that may be subject to privacy laws. Collecting data in an act of phishing is forbidden and Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas and 123Formbuilder are under regular review to ensure the 8 principles above are upheld.

 

 

​

General

​

All Listed - Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas and 123FormsBuilder do not use any kind of private data in ways that violate the Data Protection Act. Instead it is the policy of both companies, to work and strengthen the privacy and safety of the customers / users and their data.

​

All end user personal data is only accessible through a 2-step verification login, as well as Account user (Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group -Elite Visas) protection form; tailored to protect from external threats (such as spam, viruses, malware).

​

The Individual/Service User will be made aware in most circumstances how and with whom their information will be shared. It is Assumed that in accordance with the service performed disclosure of personal data is required to achieve the customers requirements -There are circumstances where the law allows Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas to disclose data to foreign embassies and governments (including sensitive data) without the data subject’s consent.

 

These are:

​

• Carrying out a legal duty or as authorised by the Secretary of State

​

• Protecting vital interests of a Individual/Service User or other person

​

• The Individual/Service User has already made the information public

​

• Conducting any legal proceedings, obtaining legal advice or defending any legal rights

​

• Monitoring for equal opportunities purposes – i.e. race, disability or religion

​

• Providing a confidential service where the Individual/Service User’s consent cannot be obtained or where it is reasonable to proceed without consent: e.g. where we would wish to avoid forcing stressed or ill Individuals/Service Users to provide consent signatures.

 

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas regards the lawful and correct treatment of personal information as very important to successful working, and to maintaining the confidence of those with whom we deal.

 

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas  intends to ensure that personal information is treated lawfully and correctly.

 

To this end, Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will adhere to the Principles of Data Protection, as detailed in the Data Protection Act 1998.

​

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas

​

• Observes fully, conditions regarding the fair collection and use of information

 

• Meets its legal obligations to specify the purposes for which information is used

 

• Collects and processes appropriate information, and only to the extent that it is needed to fulfil its operational needs or to comply with any legal requirements

 

• Ensures the quality of information used

 

• Ensures that the rights of people about whom information is held, can be fully exercised under the Act. These include:

 

• The right to be informed that processing is being undertaken,

 

• The right of access to one’s personal information

 

• The right to prevent processing in certain circumstances and

 

• The right to correct, rectify, block or erase information which is regarded as wrong information

 

• Takes appropriate technical and organisational security measures to safeguard personal information

 

• Ensures that personal information is not transferred abroad without suitable safeguards

 

• Treats people justly and fairly whatever their age, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity when dealing with requests for information

 

• Sets out clear procedures for responding to requests for information

 

 

​

4. Data collection

 

Informed consent is when

 

• An Individual/Service User clearly understands why their information is needed, who it will be shared with, the possible consequences of them agreeing or refusing the proposed use of the data

 

• And then gives their consent.

 

 

Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas  will ensure that data is collected within the boundaries defined in this policy. This applies to data that is collected in person, or by completing a form.

 

When collecting data, Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will ensure that the Individual/Service User:

 

• Clearly understands why the information is needed

​

• Understands what it will be used for and what the consequences are should the Individual/Service User decide not to give consent to processing

​

• As far as reasonably possible, grants explicit consent, either written or verbal for data to be processed

​

• Is, as far as reasonably practicable, competent enough to give consent and has given so freely without any duress

​

• Has received sufficient information on why their data is needed and how it will be used

 

 

 

5.. Data Storage

 

Information and records relating to service users will be stored securely and will only be accessible to authorised staff and volunteers.

 

Information will be stored for only as long as it is needed or required statute and will be disposed of appropriately.

 

It is Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas responsibility to ensure all personal and company data is non-recoverable from any computer system previously used within the organisation, which has been passed on/sold to a third party.

 

6. Data access and accuracy

 

All Individuals/Service Users have the right to access the information Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas holds about them.  Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will also take reasonable steps ensure that this information is kept up to date by asking data subjects whether there have been any changes.

 

In addition, Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas  will ensure that:

 

• It has a Data Protection Officer with specific responsibility for ensuring compliance with Data Protection

 

• Everyone processing personal information understands that they are contractually responsible for following good data protection practice

​

• Everyone processing personal information is appropriately trained to do so

 

• Everyone processing personal information is appropriately supervised

 

• Anybody wanting to make enquiries about handling personal information knows what to do

​

• It deals promptly and courteously with any enquiries about handling personal information

​

• It describes clearly how it handles personal information

​

• It will regularly review and audit the ways it holds, manages and uses personal information

 

• It regularly assesses and evaluates its methods and performance in relation to handling personal information

​

• All staff are aware that a breach of the rules and procedures identified in this policy may lead to disciplinary action being taken against them

 

This policy will be updated as necessary to reflect best practice in data management, security and control and to ensure compliance with any changes or amendments made to the Data Protection Act 1998.

 

In case of any queries or questions in relation to this policy please ask for Elite Visas Data Protection Officer, Edward Carnell.

 

​

Glossary of Terms

​

Data Controller – The person who (either alone or with others) decides what personal information Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas will hold and how it will be held or used.

​

Data Protection Act 1998 – The UK legislation that provides a framework for responsible behaviour by those using personal information.

​

Data Protection Officer – The person(s) responsible for ensuring that Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas

follows its data protection policy and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998.

​

Individual/Service User – The person whose personal information is being held or processed by Schengen Office (London) Ltd T/A Elite Service Group - Elite Visas for example: a client, an employee, or supporter.

​

Explicit consent – is a freely given, specific and informed agreement by an Individual/Service User in the processing of personal information about her/him. Explicit consent is needed for processing sensitive data.

​

Notification – Notifying the Information Commissioner about the data processing activities of Elite Visas as certain activities may be exempt from notification.

​

The link below will take to the ICO website where a self assessment guide will help you to decide if you are exempt from notification: http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/the_guide/exemptions.aspx

​

Information Commissioner – The UK Information Commissioner responsible for implementing and overseeing the Data Protection Act 1998.

 

Processing – means collecting, amending, handling, storing or disclosing personal information.

 

Personal Information – Information about living individuals that enables them to be identified – e.g. name and address. It does not apply to information about organisations, companies and agencies but applies to named persons, such as individual volunteers or employees within (GROUP).

 

Sensitive data – refers to data about:

 

• Racial or ethnic origin

 

• Political affiliations

 

• Religion or similar beliefs

 

• Trade union membership

 

• Physical or mental health

 

• Sexuality

 

• Criminal record or proceedings

 

This pack has been adapted with permission from Voluntary Action Leicester Model Data Protection Policy.

Elite Visas will ensure that:

 

• It has a Data Protection Officer with specific responsibility for ensuring compliance with Data Protection

 

• Everyone processing personal information understands that they are contractually responsible for following good data protection practice

​

• Everyone processing personal information is appropriately trained to do so

 

• Everyone processing personal information is appropriately supervised

 

• Anybody wanting to make enquiries about handling personal information knows what to do

​

• It deals promptly and courteously with any enquiries about handling personal information

​

• It describes clearly how it handles personal information

​

• It will regularly review and audit the ways it holds, manages and uses personal information

 

• It regularly assesses and evaluates its methods and performance in relation to handling personal information

​

• All staff are aware that a breach of the rules and procedures identified in this policy may lead to disciplinary action being taken against them

 

This policy will be updated as necessary to reflect best practice in data management, security and control and to ensure compliance with any changes or amendments made to the Data Protection Act 1998.

 

In case of any queries or questions in relation to this policy please ask for Elite Visas Data Protection Officer, Edward Carnell.

 

​

​

 

This pack has been adapted with permission from Voluntary Action Leicester Model Data Protection Policy.