Schengen Visa Processing Time for All Types of Applications
The application process of Schengen visa is very easy and straightforward. In fact, Schengen visa processing time is generally quick, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on applying.
Make sure you have all necessary documents at-hand, which include two (2) passport-sized photos, visa application form, and other supporting documentation like a proof of funds.’
As a matter of fact, you can get the best chance of being approved by submitting your application early. It is without doubt that Schengen visa processing time is a topic of much debate and concern.
Many people are anxious to know how long it will take to get their visa from the embassy or consulate. Schengen embassies are the only authorities in charge of processing visa applications for persons who want to travel to any of Schengen Area countries.
Read on to explore more about Schengen visa processing time.
Schengen Visa Meaning
A Schengen visa is a visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area countries. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have put an end to passport and immigration controls at their borders.
Types of Schengen Visa
It is without doubt that there are many different types of Schengen visa, as indicated below.
- Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)
- Single-entry visa
- Double-entry visa
- Multiple-entry visa (1 year, 3-year multiple-entry visa, as well as 5-year multiple-entry visas)
- National Visas
- Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) Visas
#1. Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)
Uniform Schengen Visas is a type of visa that enables travelers to enter a country in Schengen Area for a specified period of time, which cannot exceed 90 days per 180-days intervals.
By getting a USV, you can travel to any of the countries in Schengen Area until its validity period.
There are two (2) categories of Uniform Schengen Visas, which are applicable based on your motive of traveling to the country. These categories include “A category and C category”.
- “A” Category Uniform Schengen Visas represents for Airport Transit Visa. This visa creates possibilities for its holders to pass through an international zone of an airport in Schengen country.
You’re surely required a Schengen Airport Transit Visa if you need change flights in a Schengen country airport when traveling from one non-Schengen state to another.
- “C” Category Short-Term Visa is an endorsement made on passports to permit travelers to live in a Schengen Area country.
Schengen Short-Term Visa is obtainable in three (3) different forms, namely single-entry visa, double-entry visa, as well as multiple-entry visa.
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Single-entry visa:
This visa comes in form of a sticker attached to passport in order to permit travelers to enter any of the countries in Schengen Area on one occasion.
When you enter a Schengen Area country using this type of visa, you can’t return with the same visa as it’ll become void. Hence, you have to apply for a new visa to gain another entry to the country.
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Double-entry visa:
This type of visa is similar to Schengen single-entry visa. Double-entry visa is distinct due to the fact that it permit you to gain re-entry into a Schengen Area country after initially leaving the country.
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Multiple-entry visa:
This Schengen visa is issued to travelers who have gotten double-entry visa on several occasions to enter any of Schengen Area countries.
#2. National Visas
This type of Schengen visa is widely known as “D” Category visa that are working, studying, or permanently staying in any of the Schengen Area countries.
Schengen national visas come in form of a single entry or multiple-entry visa. The single entry visa is usable once while the multiple-entry visa allows its holder to entry and exit any country in the Schengen Area based on their will.
Eligibility criteria for multi-entry national visas in Schengen Area countries
You are eligible for Schengen multi-entry national visas if you;
- are a foreign student on the verge to commencing a full-time study in an institution in one of the Schengen Area countries
- possess enrollment in an international student program for a period that doesn’t exceed one (1) year
- are in an emergency situation such as health-related, which requires you to extend your stay in a Schengen Area country
- work as a professional, and need to travel to one of the countries in Schengen Area in order to carry out your job
- work as an instructor at a college, university or research center in any of the countries in Schengen Area
#3. Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) Visas
This type of Schengen visa has certain restrictions on its usage. It authorizes you to travel only within the Schengen Area country that granted your visa.
Moreover, Limited Territorial Validity Visas can permit you to enter specified Schengen Area countries that were pointed out during the visa application process. They are often issued for humanitarian reasons.
Schengen Visa Processing Time
Generally speaking, all types of Schengen visas require a processing time that doesn’t exceed fifteen (15) days.
However, some factors can determine its processing times, such as the embassy or consulate where you submitted your visa application.
Countries whose Citizens may face Extended Schengen Visa Processing Times
Citizens of a number of countries are very likely to experience prolonged processing times when applying for a Schengen visa.
These countries include:-
- Bangladesh
- Algeria
- Iran
- Mauritania
- Belarus (only applicable to diplomatic and service passport holders)
- The Republic of Congo
- Lebanon
- Eritrea
- Sri Lanka
- Ethiopia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Azerbaijan
- Kenya
- Tajikistan
- North Korea
- Vietnam
- Libya
- Kirgizstan
- Niger
- Pakistan
- Mali
- Egypt (inapplicable to diplomatic and service passports holders)
- Russian Federation (only applicable to diplomatic and service passport holders)
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- Morocco
- Turkmenistan
- Nigeria
- Syria
- Yemen
- Tunisia
- South Sudan
- Uzbekistan
- Saudi Arabia (inapplicable to diplomatic and service passports holders)
- Palestine
- Afghanistan
- Sudan
Purpose of Travel to Indicate on your Application Form for Schengen Visa
While filling your Schengen visa application form, you must indicate your reason for requesting a visa to enter any of the countries in Schengen Area.
Below are some of the purposes of travel you can indicate on your Schengen visa application form.
#1. Airport transit purpose
You’re definitely required to indicate “airport transit” as your purpose of transit if you intend traveling via the international zone of an airport in a Schengen country.
#2. Business purpose
Of course, many people travel regularly to Schengen Area countries in order to conduct business activities.
If you wish to travel to one of the countries in Schengen Area for business, you need to include it as your purpose of travel in your visa application form.
#3. Transit purpose
You need to tick “Transit” as your purpose of travel if it is necessary for you to stop for very short time at the seaport of any Schengen Area country.
#4. Tourism purpose
Tourism is one of the major reasons why people travel to countries in the Schengen Area. Travelers choose Schengen Area countries because of its ethical diversity, wide-ranging foods, etc.
#5. Official visit
In your visa application form, you’re expected to tick “Official Visit” as your purpose of travel if you have an official duty to perform in any of the countries in Schengen Area.
#6. Study purposes
As an international student, you’re surely required to tick “Study purposes“ on your Schengen visa application form. Indeed, this will enable you to travel for study in a Schengen Area country for a maximum period of 90 days.
#7. Medical reasons
If you intend traveling to a country in the Schengen Area for medical attention, you need to tick “Medical reasons” on the visa application form.
#8. Visiting family or friends
If your purpose of travel is to visit a family or friend in a Schengen Area country, you need to tick “Visiting Family or Friends” on your visa application form. Besides, he or she must be a legal resident of a country in Schengen Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Schengen visa to be approved?
It takes a maximum of 15 days to get approval from the embassy on your Schengen visa application.
Can I get Schengen visa in a week?
No, it is impossible to get a visa to travel to a country in Schengen Area in one week. This is because the visa often takes up to 15 days.
Does Schengen visa get rejected?
Yes, the embassy authorities may refuse your application for a Schengen visa if you have an insufficient amount of money to cover for all your expenses upon arrival. It is thereby necessary for you to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your travel and living expenses.
How much does a 5 year Schengen visa cost?
The cost of applying and processing a Schengen visa is €80. However, the embassy will not process your visa application if you don’t pay this fee.
Is it difficult to get Schengen visa?
No, it is very easy to obtain a Schengen visa. In fact, it will take only fifteen (15) days to get the visa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Schengen visa processing time takes only a few days that usually does not exceed 15 days. This creates an opportunity for you to explore your choice of European countries in no time. To avoid any extension in Schengen visa processing time, be sure to gather all of the required documentation and submit your application as early as possible.
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