Schengen Visa Processing Times in 2026: How Long Does a Schengen Visa Really Take?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, one of the first practical questions is very simple: how long will my Schengen visa take? On paper, most consulates talk about a 15-day decision time. In reality, travelers report everything from 3–5 days for straightforward off-season files to several weeks during busy months, with big differences between countries, consulates and visa centres. Add fully booked appointments and rising visa fees on top of that, and every extra day of waiting suddenly matters.
Processing time also becomes a strategic issue if you plan to come back regularly or aim for a multiple-entry visa later. A clean travel history, applying early enough before each trip, keeping your documents consistent and protecting your bookings with Schengen-compliant insurance all help you avoid last-minute cancellations and make renewals much smoother. With more than 11.7 million short-stay visa applications filed in 2024, and refusal rates still hovering around 15%, planning your timing is no longer optional – it’s part of your travel strategy.
- ⏱️ Official rule vs reality: By EU law, Schengen short-stay visas should be decided within 15 calendar days, but this can legally extend to 30–45 days when extra checks are needed. In peak season, real-life timelines often reach 3–8 weeks.
- 📆 When you can apply: You may submit your Schengen application up to 6 months before your trip (9 months for seafarers) and no later than 15 days before departure — although applying that late is very risky in practice.
- 🗓️ Average timing in practice: Off-peak applications are often processed within 5–15 days, while summer and Christmas peaks commonly push decisions to 3–6+ weeks, depending on the consulate.
- 🌍 Big differences by consulate & nationality: Applicants in high-demand regions (e.g., South Asia, Africa, Middle East) or at busy consulates often face longer queues and higher scrutiny, which increases waiting time.
- 📑 Appointment delay vs processing delay: In many countries, 2–6 weeks may pass before you even get an appointment, so the total journey (booking + biometrics + decision + passport return) can easily span 4–10 weeks.
- 🔁 If your visa is refused: You may reapply immediately or appeal (where applicable), but both processes can take several weeks to months — meaning your original travel dates are often no longer feasible.
What Are the Official Schengen Visa Processing Times and Application Deadlines in 2025?
What does EU law say about Schengen visa processing time (15–30–45 days)?
Under the EU Visa Code, short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) applications follow a clear legal framework. Once your file is considered complete and admissible, the consulate should normally issue a decision within 15 calendar days. However, this period may be lawfully extended when additional checks or consultations are needed — sometimes up to 45 days in total for exceptional cases.
So while “15 days” is the reference figure, it is not a guaranteed upper limit. This is why travelers sometimes experience longer timelines, especially when workload or verification requirements increase.
Here’s the official structure in simple terms 👇
🕒 Stage | ✅ Standard rule | ⚠️ Extended cases |
|---|---|---|
Time to decide | Up to 15 calendar days after a complete file is lodged | Up to 30 days if extra checks are needed |
Maximum delay | – | Up to 45 days in exceptional circumstances |
Application window | From 6 months before the trip (9 months for seafarers) | No later than 15 days before departure |
Note: these timelines apply after your application is formally registered. Waiting time to get an appointment is separate.
When can you apply for a Schengen visa before your trip?
Many travelers ask: “How early should I apply for a Schengen visa?”
Officially, you can apply:
- from 6 months before your trip (9 months for seafarers)
- up until 15 days before departure
However, applying only 15 days before travel is legally allowed but risky — especially during summer or Christmas peaks. In real life, appointment availability, mail delays and extended checks can easily stretch timelines.
A safe planning rule used by frequent travelers is:
- Off-peak season → apply 4–6 weeks before travel
- Peak season (June–September / Dec–Jan) → apply 8–12 weeks before travel
This gives enough buffer for both appointment scheduling + processing — and reduces the stress of refreshing the tracking page every hour.
Which documents or situations can extend Schengen visa processing times?
Even if your file is complete, some cases require additional verification, which can legally extend the processing time toward 30–45 days. Common triggers include:
- Complex travel plans (multi-country itineraries, unclear accommodation or funding)
- Sponsorship or third-party financial support
- Security or background checks
- Past refusals, overstays or irregularities
- Consultation with other Schengen Member States
- Request for additional documents after submission
- Nationality profiles with higher scrutiny
- High-volume periods at the consulate
None of these automatically mean refusal — but they often explain why one traveler receives a decision in 5 days, while another waits 5 weeks.
Practical tip: keep your documents consistent, easy to verify, and ensure your insurance is clearly Schengen-compliant. While you wait, you can compare Schengen travel insurance online with HelloSafe to protect your bookings against unexpected changes.
Get your Schengen travel insurance certificate in 2 minutes
How Long Does a Schengen Visa Really Take to Process in Practice?
📊 Average Schengen visa processing times based on recent years
Although the official Schengen framework refers to a 15-day processing period, the real picture is shaped by application volume. Since borders reopened, applications have surged, which naturally increases pressure on consular teams — especially in peak travel months.
Here’s the recent global trend 👇
📆 Year | 📨 Applications (short-stay) | 🪪 Visas issued | ❌ Approx. refusal rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 | ≈ 7.5 million | – | 17.9% |
2023 | ≈ 10.3 million | ≈ 8.5 million | 16.0% |
2024 | ≈ 11.7 million | > 9.7 million | ≈ 14.8% |
What this means in real terms:
- applications increased by over 50% between 2022 and 2024
- refusal rates remain around 14–16%
- many consulates operate close to capacity
- summer & Christmas peaks create processing bottlenecks
So, even if some travelers receive a visa in under a week, others may wait several weeks — often due to workload rather than any issue with their file.
⏱️ Official processing times vs real-life experience
There is a big difference between the legal framework and practical timelines:
- Official ruledecision in ≤ 15 calendar daysup to 30–45 days in complex cases
- decision in ≤ 15 calendar days
- up to 30–45 days in complex cases
- Real-life trend3–10 days for straightforward files off-season3–8 weeks during peak demand or at busy consulates
- 3–10 days for straightforward files off-season
- 3–8 weeks during peak demand or at busy consulates
And a key nuance many overlook: Appointment waiting time is separate from processing time
Your real journey usually looks like this:
1️⃣ time to secure an appointment
2️⃣ time from biometrics to decision
3️⃣ passport return/courier time
In some regions, step 1 alone can take 2–6 weeks in peak periods — which explains why applying “just” 3–4 weeks before departure is risky.
📌 Are processing times the same for other Schengen visas?
No — the timelines described above apply only to Schengen short-stay visas (Type C, up to 90 days).
Other categories follow different rules and are often processed directly by national authorities, not under the EU Visa Code.
Visa type | Example purpose | Who processes it? | Typical processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
Schengen short-stay (Type C) | Tourism, business, visiting family (≤90 days) | Consulate under EU Visa Code | 15 days → up to 45 days |
National long-stay (Type D) | Study, work, family reunion (>90 days) | National immigration authorities | Often 6–12+ weeks (sometimes longer) |
Airport transit visa (Type A) | Connecting through a Schengen airport | Consulate under EU framework | Usually similar to Type C, but varies by country |
Key differences to highlight
- Type D visas are not Schengen visas in the legal sense : They follow each country’s immigration law, not the EU Visa Code.
- Processing is often much longer : Background checks, employer or university verification and residence permit procedures can push timelines to several weeks or months.
- Appeals and reapplications also differ : Deadlines and routes for appeal are national, not harmonised across the Schengen Area.
So, if a reader is applying for:
✔️ tourism / business / visiting family short-stay → Type C → timelines in this guide apply
✔️ study / work / moving to Europe → Type D → expect longer & country-specific processing
🔁 First-time vs repeat travelers: how timelines differ in practice
Legally, all applicants fall under the same processing rules. However, in practice:
- Repeat travelerswith previous compliant Schengen travel
stable financial documentation
clear itineraries→ often report faster and smoother turnaround
- with previous compliant Schengen travel
- stable financial documentation
- clear itineraries→ often report faster and smoother turnaround
- First-time applicantsor travelers with more complex profiles→ more frequently experience additional verification steps
- or travelers with more complex profiles→ more frequently experience additional verification steps
This doesn’t mean repeat travelers are prioritised — simply that well-documented profiles are quicker to verify, so results often arrive closer to the 15-day mark.
Whichever category you fall into, the safest approach remains:
✔️ apply early
✔️ keep documents clear & consistent
✔️ protect bookings with Schengen-compliant travel insurance while you wait — easily compared online via HelloSafe before committing to non-refundable costs.
When Should You Apply for a Schengen Visa to Avoid Delays and Missed Trips?
📅 Recommended booking timeframes for your Schengen visa appointment
There are two timelines you need to manage:
1️⃣ Appointment waiting time – how long it takes to find a free slot with VFS/TLS/BLS or the consulate
2️⃣ Processing time – how long the consulate takes to decide after biometrics
Most delays happen before step 2 even starts — simply because appointment calendars are full during peak months. That’s why frequent travelers plan weeks ahead, even for short trips.
Here are realistic planning benchmarks 👇
🌤️ Season | ⏲️ Recommended time before departure | 💬 Why this works |
|---|---|---|
Low season (Oct–Apr) | 4–6 weeks | Usually enough to secure an appointment + allow processing time |
Peak season (May–Sep & Christmas)** | 8–12 weeks | Appointment availability drops fast and decisions may take longer |
Tip: don’t wait to book your appointment until your itinerary is “perfect”. Secure the slot first — you can finalise documents while waiting.
⚠️ Applying only 15 days before travel: legal but risky
By law, you may apply up to 15 days before departure.
In practice, this is high-risk travel planning.
Here’s why:
- some consulates take 15–30+ days to decide in busy months
- additional checks can legally extend timelines to 45 days
- passports may take several days to return via courier
- appointment slots may be unavailable before your trip date
Real-world examples often reported by travelers
- simple off-peak file → visa in 5–10 days
- summer period at busy consulate → 3–6 weeks
- additional verification → 30–45 days
So yes — applying only 15 days before travel can work, but the margin for error is almost zero. Any small delay (appointment backlog, document check, courier issue) may already mean missed flights or last-minute rebooking — with non-refundable costs on top.
This is why many travelers protect themselves with Schengen-compliant travel insurance while waiting for approval — it reduces the financial stress if plans change. You can easily compare policies online through HelloSafe before confirming bookings.
🔁 Planning ahead if you apply for a Schengen visa every year
If you travel to Europe regularly, visa strategy becomes part of your routine. Many repeat travelers adopt habits that make renewals smoother and timelines shorter.
Best practices that genuinely help:
- Build and keep a clean travel history : keep boarding passes, passport stamps and hotel invoices
- Apply early, every time : many frequent travelers file 2–3 months before departure
- Standardise your documents : use the same clear structure for bank statements, employer letters and itinerary
- Avoid unnecessary last-minute booking risks : especially during peak months
- Keep insurance consistent and Schengen-compliant : this saves time and prevents back-and-forth with the consulate
In reality, well-documented repeat travelers often experience smoother processing — not because of preferential treatment, but because their profiles are quick to verify.
A calm, low-stress rhythm looks like this:
✔️ trip planned →
✔️ appointment booked early →
✔️ documents ready & consistent →
✔️ insurance already in place →
✔️ decision arrives with time to spare
Why Do Schengen Visa Processing Times Differ by Country, Consulate and Nationality?
Even though all Schengen States follow the same EU Visa Code, real-life processing times vary significantly. Two key factors shape your timeline:
1️⃣ your nationality / country of residence
2️⃣ the Schengen country (and consulate) you apply to
High-demand consulates handle much larger volumes and sometimes apply more verification steps — which naturally slows things down, especially in peak season.
🏛️ Variation in processing times between consulates (by Schengen country requested)
Some Schengen countries receive far more applications than others (tourism, students, business travel, family visits). This means backlogs can appear regularly — and decisions drift toward the upper legal range (30–45 days) during busy periods.
🇪🇺 Schengen country requested | 📨 Demand level | ⏱️ Typical real-life trend | 💬 What applicants often report |
|---|---|---|---|
France | Very high | 3–8 weeks in peak months | Heavy tourism + family visit demand |
Germany | Very high | 3–6+ weeks peak | Strong student & work flows |
Spain | Very high | 3–6 weeks | Seasonal surges (summer especially) |
Italy | High | 3–6 weeks | Tourist-heavy demand |
Netherlands | Moderate–high | Often warns of up to 45 days | Known for strict document checks |
Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark) | Lower volume but smaller staff | 15–45 days | Fewer resources per mission |
Austria / Portugal / Czech Republic | Moderate | 2–4 weeks off-peak | Faster outside peak season |
The more popular the destination + the heavier the local demand, the slower the processing tends to be.
Visa centres (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International) also warn that certain periods consistently slow things down:
📆 Period | 🔺 Impact on processing |
|---|---|
June–September (summer) | Longer queues + slower decisions |
Christmas & New Year | Holiday backlogs |
Student intake months | Extra pressure on embassies |
Result:
Two similar travelers may see 4–7 days in Toronto… or 4–8 weeks in Delhi or Lagos — purely because of consulate workload.
🌍 Processing time differences by nationality & country of residence
Processing time is also influenced — indirectly — by your passport and where you apply from. In some regions, refusal rates and migration-risk assessments are higher, which leads to closer verification and longer review cycles.
🛂 Applicant region | 📨 Demand level | ❌ Refusal exposure | ⏱️ Typical real-life processing |
|---|---|---|---|
South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) | Extremely high | Moderate–high | 3–8 weeks common in peak season |
North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) | Very high | Often 30–40%+ | 3–8 weeks |
Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, etc.) | High | Frequently 40–50%+ | 4–8+ weeks |
Middle East (Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, etc.) | High | Above global average | 3–6+ weeks |
UK / Canada | High | Generally low (<10–15%) | 5–20 days typical |
OECD Asia-Pacific (Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ) | Moderate | Very low | 5–12 days common off-peak |
Common applicant feedback includes:
- extended checks on finances & purpose of stay
- requests for additional documents
- passports kept until close to departure
There is no official rule saying certain nationalities “must wait longer”.
These delays reflect risk-based screening + very high demand — not discrimination.
🧩 Do VFS, TLScontact or BLS affect processing time?
Many applicants think paying extra through a visa centre speeds up the decision.
It doesn’t — because only the consulate decides the visa.
🔌 Who does what? | 🧾 Appointment & biometrics | ⏱️ Decision & processing time |
|---|---|---|
VFS / TLS / BLS | Yes ✅ | No ❌ (they just transmit the file & return the passport) |
Consulate / Embassy | No ❌ (except direct submissions) | Yes ✅ |
Premium or lounge services = comfort & logistics, not faster approval.
✅ Key message for readers
- ✔️ Your nationality and residence country matter
- ✔️ The Schengen country you apply to also matters
- ✔️ Peak seasons amplify delays
- ✔️ Appointment waiting time adds extra weeks
- ✔️ Real-life timelines vary widely — even with similar files
This is why many travelers:
- apply 6–10 weeks ahead
- keep documents clear & complete
- and secure Schengen-compliant travel insurance early, to avoid last-minute stress.Insurance can be compared online in minutes via HelloSafe, wherever you apply from.
A clean, consistent file — including Schengen-compliant travel insurance — reduces the risk of document requests and delays. Many travelers now compare compliant insurance online via HelloSafe before submitting their application, to keep timelines as smooth as possible.
Get your instant, compliant Schengen visa certificateHow Do Peak Seasons and Appointment Availability Affect Schengen Visa Processing Times?
☀️ Peak seasons and the summer & Christmas slowdown
Every year, Schengen visa demand spikes sharply during summer (June–September) and Christmas/New Year. Consulates, external visa centres and courier services all handle far more applications than usual — which naturally slows everything down.
That’s why many travelers searching for “Schengen visa processing time summer” or “Schengen visa processing time peak season” report:
- longer queues for appointments
- more document verification
- processing times stretching to 4–8 weeks
- passports returned very close to departure
In contrast, off-season files (October–April) are often processed faster, especially for simple tourist trips with clear documentation.
📆 Period | ⏱️ Typical real-life timelines | 💬 Examples often reported by applicants |
|---|---|---|
Off-season (Oct–Apr) | 5–15 days for many files | Decisions in under 2 weeks in cities such as London, Toronto or Dubai |
Summer (Jun–Sep) | 3–8 weeks common | Applicants in India, Nigeria, Morocco or the Philippines frequently report waits of 4–6+ weeks for France, Germany or Spain |
Christmas & New Year | 3–6 weeks | Many consulates operate reduced hours and renewal demand rises |
So even though the legal rule still says 15–45 days, peak-season reality can be close to the top of that range — especially in high-demand countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy or the Netherlands, and in busy regions like South Asia, North Africa and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
You’ll often see patterns like:
- tourist visas for France from Mumbai or Manila → 3–6 weeks in June–August
- student & family reunion flows into Germany from Lagos or Accra → 4–8 weeks
- Spain & Italy from Morocco or Tunisia → 3–6 weeks in summer
- Netherlands from India or Pakistan → warnings of up to 45 days
Again, these are typical reports — not guarantees.
Two similar files can still move at very different speeds depending on local workload.
📅 Appointment scarcity and its impact on your real timeline
A hidden cause of delay is not the processing time itself — but the time it takes to get an appointment.
In some cities, during peak months:
- the next available slot may be 2–6 weeks away
- nearby centres may fill at different speeds
- cancellations appear and disappear quickly
That means your true visa timeline is often:
1️⃣ Waiting for an appointment
2️⃣ Processing time after biometrics
3️⃣ Passport return/courier delay
…and step 1️⃣ alone can already consume your entire buffer if you apply late.
🧩 Factor | ⏳ Possible delay | 📝 Comment |
|---|---|---|
Appointment availability | 2–6 weeks | Biggest unknown variable |
Consular processing | 3–45 days | Depends on workload & checks |
Passport return | 2–7 days | Varies by courier & location |
Smart strategies used by frequent travelers:
- 🔔 monitor available slots regularly
- 🌍 stay flexible with your chosen VFS/TLS/BLS centre
- 🗓️ apply earlier than you think necessary, especially for summer trips
This removes most of the stress — and saves you from refreshing the booking page every hour.
💼 Premium & priority services: comfort vs real speed
Many applicants assume:
“If I pay for Premium or Priority, my visa will be processed faster.”
In reality:
- <b>Premium lounge & add-on services = comfort & logistics
</b>shorter in-centre waiting timehelp with paperworkcourier passport delivery
- shorter in-centre waiting time
- help with paperwork
- courier passport delivery
- <b>They do NOT guarantee a faster decision
</b>because only the consulate decides the visaand the legal processing timeline remains the same
- because only the consulate decides the visa
- and the legal processing timeline remains the same
💳 Service type | 🎯 What it improves | ⏱️ What it does NOT change |
|---|---|---|
Premium lounge | Comfort & assistance | Decision time ❌ |
Courier / SMS updates | Convenience | Consular review speed ❌ |
Fast appointment slot (sometimes) | Earlier biometrics | Risk-based checks ❌ |
So premium ≠ fast-track visa — a crucial misunderstanding to correct.
What does help is:
✔️ a clear, consistent file
✔️ early appointment booking
✔️ Schengen-compliant insurance already in place to avoid back-and-forth requests
Many travelers compare suitable policies online through HelloSafe before submitting their application — which keeps the administrative process smoother and protects non-refundable bookings while they wait.
How Can You Track Your Schengen Visa Application Status and Understand the Updates?
🧐 Understanding common VFS/TLS/BLS status messages
After biometrics, most applicants follow their case through the tracking page of VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS International. The wording can feel cryptic — and it rarely reveals the actual decision until your passport is returned.
Here’s what the main messages usually mean 👇
🔍 Status on tracking page | 🧠 Typical meaning | 🚦 What you can (or can’t) do |
|---|---|---|
“Application under process” | Your file is with the consulate and the decision is pending | Wait — no extra info is available 😶 |
“Application processed / ready for dispatch” | A decision has been taken and your passport is being returned to the visa centre or courier | Prepare to collect / receive your passport 📬 |
“Passport in transit / dispatched” | The passport is travelling back to the centre or to your address | Track courier updates and keep your ID ready |
“No record found” | The system hasn’t updated yet or there may be a typo in your details | Double-check your reference number and try again later ⏳ |
Important note:
👉 none of these messages confirm approval or refusal — you only know once you open the passport.
📞 When is it reasonable to contact the consulate or visa centre?
Most applications are processed without needing any follow-up. That said, a polite enquiry can make sense in certain situations:
⏳ Situation | 👍 Reasonable to follow up |
|---|---|
More than 30 calendar days with no update | Yes — especially if your case is straightforward |
Travel date is approaching (≤ 2 weeks) | Yes — provide your itinerary and proof of urgency |
Status error or lost tracking reference | Yes — ask the centre to verify the file |
Request for extra documents not acknowledged | Yes — resend and confirm receipt |
When you contact them, keep your message neutral and factual:
- include your full name & passport number
- application reference
- date of biometrics
- expected travel date
- short, polite question (not a demand)
“Dear Sir/Madam, I submitted my Schengen visa application on (date). As of today, the status remains ‘under process’. As my intended travel date is (date), I would be grateful if you could confirm whether any additional information is required from my side.”
Calm, concise communication always works better than repeated urgent messages.
🗂️ Keeping records for future applications and renewals
Good document hygiene makes future Schengen applications — and multiple-entry renewals — much easier. It also helps if a consulate asks about your travel history later.
Create a simple folder (digital + physical) and keep:
- ✔️ copies of your application forms & appointment confirmations
- ✔️ decision letters or refusal explanations (if any)
- ✔️ past Schengen visas & entry/exit stamps
- ✔️ boarding passes & hotel confirmations
- ✔️ proof of insurance used for each trip
- ✔️ a short timeline (submitted → processed → passport returned)
This personal archive becomes extremely useful when:
- applying again within 12–24 months
- requesting a multiple-entry (MULT) visa
- proving your consistent travel history
- clarifying any past decisions
And because Schengen-compliant travel insurance is required each time, many frequent travelers prefer to compare and buy online via HelloSafe, keeping the policy certificate neatly archived for renewals — simple, consistent and stress-free.
FAQ
Legally, most Schengen applications should be decided within 15 calendar days after submission. However, this is a typical standard — not a guarantee. In busy consulates or complex cases, timelines commonly extend to 30–45 days. Off-peak, many travelers still receive decisions in 5–15 days, but summer and Christmas peaks often stretch things toward the higher end of the legal window.
Yes — it happens, but it’s not the norm. Very straightforward files (repeat travelers, strong documents, low-risk profiles, off-season submissions) sometimes receive decisions within 3–10 days. Treat this as a best-case scenario, not something you should rely on when planning flights.
There is no official rule that certain passports take longer.
In practice, however, applications from regions with higher refusal or migration-risk patterns may undergo additional verification, which can push processing toward 30–45 days. Conversely, applicants with stable residence and strong travel records often see faster outcomes — especially off-season.
Once biometrics are submitted, the decision clock officially starts. Typical timelines:
- ⏱️ Off-peak: 5–15 days
- 📈 Peak season: 3–8 weeks
- 🔎 Extra checks requested: up to 45 days
Remember: appointment waiting time is separate and can already consume several weeks in busy regions.
The legal framework allows:
- 15 days → standard
- 30 days → if additional review is needed
- 45 days → in exceptional or complex cases
Anything beyond 45 days usually means your case required extended verification or consultation.
For June–September travel, the safest approach is:
- Book your appointment 8–12 weeks ahead
- Submit biometrics at least 4–8 weeks before travel
This avoids last-minute stress caused by appointment scarcity and seasonal backlogs.
Yes — very.
While legally allowed, real-world experience shows that:
- peak-season files often take 3–8 weeks
- courier return adds 2–7 days
- any additional document request resets expectations
Applying only 15 days before your flight means zero buffer.
No.
Premium services improve comfort & logistics (lounge access, courier, assistance), but they do not influence the consulate’s decision speed. Only embassies process applications — and they follow the same legal timelines for all files.
Yes — in practice. High-demand countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands often see seasonal surges. Some consulates even state “up to 45 days” as a standard advisory. Meanwhile, missions in lower-volume regions may process faster off-season.
Not necessarily. Many approved visas take 4–6 weeks simply due to workload or security checks. A long wait does not predict the outcome. You only know once you receive your passport back.
You may contact the visa centre or consulate if:
- ⏳ over 30 days have passed, or
- ✈️ your trip is less than 2 weeks away
Provide your reference number, biometrics date and travel date. Stay polite and factual — it helps.
Yes — Schengen-compliant travel insurance is mandatory for the application itself. Many travelers also choose policies that help reduce financial stress if plans change. You can easily compare Schengen insurance online via HelloSafe before booking non-refundable flights or hotels.
Because each file is assessed individually. Factors include:
- workload at the consulate
- nationality & residence country
- travel history
- financial documents
- verification checks
- peak vs off-peak submission
So differences of days or even weeks between applicants are normal.
Simple:
✔️ Apply early
✔️ Expect 2–8 weeks total timeline (appointment + processing)
✔️ Avoid non-refundable bookings until you’re comfortable with risk
✔️ Keep documents clean, consistent and easy to verify
And if you travel often, save each file & policy certificate — it helps with smooth renewals and future multiple-entry visas.
