When can an application for a Schengen visa be filed?
As a rule, a visa application should be filed at least 15 calendar days before the intended travel date and up to six months before the start of travel. In case of justified urgency, Consulates may accept applications filed later than the deadline. Applications submitted less than 15 days before travel may be accepted without a justified reason, but the visa decision might come after the intended departure date.
What is the Schengen visa processing time?
From the time an application is considered admissible, it may take up to 15 calendar days for the Consulate to make a decision.
An application is considered admissible when both the submission deadlines have been met—at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit and up to six months before departure—and all basic elements have been provided: a completed and signed application form, a valid travel document, a photograph, the paid visa fee, and, where applicable, biometric data.
Importantly, only the consulate can verify application admissibility, and the processing time begins only after this confirmation—not at the moment of submission.
As a general rule, decisions on visa applications should be taken as soon as possible. However, this should not come at the expense of thoroughly assessing whether the applicant meets entry conditions or poses an immigration risk.
To speed up processing, Consulates should provide clear visa requirements so applicants can submit complete, accurate documentation from the beginning. In certain cases, where a more in-depth review is needed, the decision-making deadline may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days.
