How Long Does a Schengen Visa Take to Get?
If you plan to visit the Schengen Area of European countries, you must first obtain a Schengen Visa. However, it can be difficult to tell how far in advance you need apply to allow for the processing time of your Schengen Visa. We’ve produced a timeline of the steps in the visa application process to assist you.
When should I apply for my Schengen Visa?
Because of rule changes, you now have six months before your trip to apply for a Visa.
However, you should apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your trip. If you are applying to a nation that receives a high volume of applications, such as France or Germany, you should apply slightly earlier to allow for additional processing time for your Schengen Visa.
Allowing for a longer processing time during busy seasons and the European summer vacation period (July to August) is also a good idea.
Fill out a Visa application form and schedule an appointment at a consulate, embassy, or visa application centre to apply for your Visa.
When should I apply for my Schengen Visa?
You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be completed, though this can vary depending on your specific circumstance. In exceptional instances, embassies can take up to 30 days to complete a visa, while the Visa processing period can be up to 60 days.
In general, if you believe your visa application is more complex, such as submitting a large number of supporting documents for officials to verify in relation to your work or study, you should allow for a longer processing time for your Visa.
This is also true if you are applying for numerous visas as a family or group of friends. There is a greater possibility that one of your visa applications will be significantly delayed if you submit a larger number of visa applications.
How much does a visa cost?
A Schengen Visa application costs €80 for adults and €40 for youngsters aged six to twelve. Children under six are admitted free of charge. Visa fees may also be waived in exceptional cases, such as for charitable work or special events.
How can I expedite the processing of visa?
Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up the process beyond the Schengen Visa processing time of 15 days. However, you may be able to minimize delays by ensuring that your visa application, together with your supporting documentation, is completely filled out, brief, and simply explainable. This will assist to avoid any unnecessary delays.
You will be required to produce the following documentation:
- a completely filled out and signed visa application,
- two recently taken passport photographs,
- a valid passport with more than three months remaining until it expires,
- If you have previous passports with expired visas, you must present them,
- and an itinerary of your trip - including dates, flight numbers, hotel reservations, or proof of accommodation.
You will also need to show documentation that you have paid the €80 visa application fee and that you have travel and medical insurance that covers medical expenditures up to €30,000.
Which country is the simplest to obtain a Schengen visa for?
With a rejection rate of less than one percent, Lithuania has the highest approval rate for Visa applications, followed by Estonia, Finland, and Iceland. Applications to nations with a low volume of applications may also be processed more quickly.
Schengen Visa Application Tracking
It would be beneficial if you kept track of the status of your Schengen visa application to ensure that you have enough time to make alternate plans in the event of a delay. Here are some reasons for, and techniques for, keeping track of the status of your visa application:
It is critical to monitor the status of a Visa application since it;
- Provides you with comfort: Tracking the status of your visa application might minimize your anxiety by providing you with a status report on the status of your application.
- Allows for alternative travel plans: Monitoring the status of your visa application can provide you with enough time to make alternate travel plans in the event of any delays or complications.
Ways to Track Visa Application Status
Here are several methods for tracking the status of your Schengen visa application:
- Atlys: If you filed for a Schengen visa through Atlys, you will be notified of the status of your application.
- Websites of embassies and consulates: Most embassies and consulates offer websites where you may check the status of your Schengen visa application. To view the information, you will need your application reference number.
How can QUICK VISA SOLUTIONS help me obtain my Schengen Visa?
QUICK VISA SOLUTIONS offers multiple travel and medical insurance policies that satisfy the Schengen Visa application requirements. All fees are refundable if your visa application is denied and come with an instantly available insurance certificate to include in your Schengen Visa application, shortening the time it takes to complete your application.
We offer affordable Visa travel insurance that satisfies the €30,000 minimum coverage need for obtaining your visa. We also offer our more comprehensive Europe Travel insurance, which covers medical expenditures up to €100,000 for as little as €33 per week of your vacation.
