The Schengen area is one of the most visited zones in the world. You’ll find students moving in droves to Germany, Spain, and Sweden.
Tourists, on the other hand, can never get enough of France, Italy, and Greece. There’s also Belgium, Cyprus, and many more captivating destinations within this European paradise.
Considering that a single entry Schengen visa allows you to travel to all the 27 Schengen countries is more than enough motivation for most people. And contrary to what a lot of people believe, getting a Schengen visa is not rocket science.
While it’s true that there are some visa applications that are rejected, you can get your visa approved if you know what to do. And we are here to show you how.
In this article, we will explore how to decide which country to apply for a Schengen visa so you can make the most of your trip.
What is a Schengen Visa?
First things first, let’s understand what exactly a Schengen visa is. Essentially, it’s a visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area for a specified period, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This Schengen area contains 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa?
Anyone who is not a member of the EU countries can apply for a Schengen visa. If you wish to visit one or more of the Schengen countries for tourism, business, or other purposes, can apply for a Schengen visa.
Note that the eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the purpose of your visit. But generally, you need to have a valid passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means to cover your stay.
And yes, you can apply to any of the 27 counties in the Schengen area. The only catch is that if will be easier to get your visa approved by some countries rather than others.
For instance, it’s easier to get a Schengen visa into tourist countries like France. Other countries with a relatively easy visa approval are Finland, Iceland, Latvia, and Lithuania.Â
Also Read: How to Choose Which Country to Study Abroad for Masters Degree
How to Decide Which Country to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Here are some ways to decide which country to apply to:
1. Purpose of Travel
Your main purpose of traveling will to a large extent influence the country you will apply to.
If, for instance, you’re going to Belgium for a business meeting, you may need to apply for your visa there.
For instance, if you’re visiting a friend or relative who lives in Germany, it makes sense to apply for the visa from Germany, as you’ll need an invitation letter from them.
2. Main Destination
A very important decision you need to make before applying is to pinpoint your main destination. This is especially if you are looking at passing through two or more Schengen countries.
Assuming you want to go to both France and Italy, you need to decide which of these countries you will be spending the most time in during your trip.
This will be your main destination and the country you should apply for the Schengen visa from.
3. Length of Stay
The rule of thumb is, if you plan to spend an equal amount of time in multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for the visa from the country where you will be entering the Schengen area.
However, if you will be spending more time in one country compared to others, it’s advisable to apply from that country.
Also, evaluate the duration of your intended stay. Some countries may be more suitable for short-term visits, while others cater better to long-term stays or multiple entries.
4. Port of Entry
The country you will be entering the Schengen area from is equally important to consider.
So determine which country you want to enter from. This is important because you will have to go through immigration at your first port of entry.
So, if you’re flying into France, for example, it might make sense to apply for your visa from France.
5. Ease of Application/Approval
Some Schengen countries have more lenient visa application processes than others.
There are countries that you can apply to and get your visa within 15 days. While others take as much as 45 to 60 days. And this may often come with the request for so many documents.
So, research the requirements and processing times for each country to find out which one ties in best with your schedule and circumstances.
6. Availability of Appointment Slots
Sometimes, the availability of appointment slots at the embassy or consulate of a particular Schengen country can influence your decision.
If you need to travel on short notice and find that the embassy or consulate of one country has earlier appointment slots than others, it may be practical to apply to that country.
Try as much as you can to find consular offices that grant early interview dates. Because the earlier you get the appointment, the more likely your visa will be processed faster.
7. Itinerary
Your travel itinerary plays a significant role in determining which country to apply for the visa from.
A itinerary is a well documented list of all the places and activities you will emback on during the course of your travel.
Make sure your itinerary is well-planned and organized before applying. If you have a clear plan of where you’ll be going and for how long, it will be easier to decide where you should apply from.
What Factors Affect Schengen Visa Approval?
Now that you have an idea of how to decide which country to apply for a Schengen visa, let’s delve into the factors that influence the approval process:
1. Purpose of Visit
Your reason for visiting the Schengen area is a significant factor in visa approval. Your visa can be approved regardless of whether you are traveling for tourism or business.
But this is as long as you provide supporting documents that demonstrate the purpose of your visit and your intention to return to your home country.
2. Financial Stability
Embassies and consulates want assurance that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen area.
So provide bank statements, sponsorship letters, and any other relevant financial documents to prove that you can support yourself financially during your trip.
3. Ties to Home Country
Authorities want to ensure that you will return to your home country after your visit to the Schengen area.
Strong ties to your home country, such as a stable job, property ownership, family obligations, etc., can increase your chances of visa approval.
4. Travel History
Your past travel history, especially to Schengen countries, can influence visa approval.
If you have a history of complying with visa regulations and returning to your home country on time, it can work in your favor.
5. Accommodation and Itinerary
If you can provide a comprehensive proof of accommodation bookings, it can help impress the authorities.
In this sense, a detailed itinerary of your trip to shows that you have a clear plan and will not overstay your visa.
6. Health Insurance
It’s mandatory to have travel health insurance when applying for a Schengen visa.
Usually, this travel insurance should cover medical expenses up to a minimum of €30,000 for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
Also Read: 20 Popular U.S. Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Wrapping Up
Generally, your personal preference and travel purpose will most likely decide which country you should apply to apply for a Schengen visa.
However, you need to carefully consider other factors, such as your main destination, length of stay and others.
So before you begin that applications, understand these factors and plan accordingly. This way, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application that will early you a fast visa approval.
