Schengen Visa Appointments: Where to Apply and How Early to Book

Do you need a Schengen visa?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. The European Commission publishes the list of countries whose nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area. A short-stay Schengen visa covers visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and is generally valid for every Schengen country. Longer stays fall under each country’s national procedures.

Which consulate to apply to

Under the EU Visa Code, you apply to the consulate of:

1. the country you intend to visit; or
2. if you’ll visit several, your main destination — where you’ll spend the longest time or the main purpose of your trip; or
3. if the stays are equal, the country whose external border you’ll cross first.

Many consulates use an external service provider to take applications and run their appointment system. Reach it through the consulate’s official website, not through search ads.

When to book

According to EU rules, you should normally lodge the application at least 15 calendar days before your trip and you can lodge it up to six months before. Consulates may require an appointment to submit the application, and the Visa Code says the wait for an appointment should, as a rule, not exceed two weeks — but it is your responsibility to plan around appointment availability.

At the appointment

As a general rule, applicants appear in person so the consulate or service provider can take a digital photo and all ten fingerprints. The Commission says that if your fingerprints were collected within the previous 59 months, they normally don’t need to be taken again.

Bring what the consulate’s checklist asks for. This typically includes your passport, the completed application form, a photo, travel medical insurance, and documents about the purpose of your trip, accommodation and finances — but the exact list is set by each consulate.

After you apply

The Visa Code says a decision is generally taken within 15 calendar days, which can be extended in some cases. Plan your travel bookings with that in mind and check the consulate’s guidance on refundable reservations.