How to Choose the Right Schengen Country to Apply From

When someone plans his or her vacation in Europe, it can be exciting: the Eiffel tower, the Amsterdam canals or the Swiss Alps beckon you. However, you have to seek Schengen visa in India before you pack. This is a confusing process particularly in choosing the Schengen country of application. The visa applies to 29 European countries although the right one varies according to itinerary, duration of stay and purpose of travel. This guide will show you how you can select the right country in order to have a hassle free, efficient and stress free visa process.

The Schengen Area Understanding.

The Schengen Area is a union comprising of 29 European nations that have eliminated internal boundaries. You can move freely within destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, etc with one Schengen visa. Nevertheless, your choice of country to apply depends on the country that you intend to travel to since the embassy or consulate has to correspond to your travel schedule.

Main Destination Principle Golden Rule.

What matters is your prime destination.  

• In case you travel to multiple countries, you can apply to the country you stay the longest.  

• In case your stays are equal, apply to the country in which you have entered first.  

Example: 4days in France, 3 days in Italy, 2 days in Switzerland, then Main destination is France, and so apply in France. This will aid the embassies in knowing your reason and increases approval ratings.

In the Country of First Entry When to Apply.

In case you visit several countries of the Schengen area and spend the same period of time in each country, apply to the embassy of the first country visited.  E.g. 3 days in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, beginning in Germany → Apply at the German Embassy or VFS Global Germany.

Never Apply to a Country that You Do Not Visit.

Do not apply by an embassy when you will never see that country.  

E.g. Do not apply via Spanish Embassy in case you are visiting only Italy and France.  This can raise suspicious eyebrows at the immigration point since the country of issuance of the visa will not be similar to the itinerary. The right application also guarantees you that on first arrival you are able to do so with regards to entry requirements.

Country-Wide Processing and ease of Approval.

The policies of Visas, processing time and acceptance rates differ across Schengen states.  

General trend of the applicants of Indian origin:  

• Faster and Easier Approvals: France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Hungary.  

• Moderate-Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic.  

• Stiffer still: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland.  

In case you have a flexible itinerary, you can begin by visiting a country which has been known to have a smooth processing to make the visa process easier.

Bearing Investigation and Proof of Residence.

Applications required to make any Schengen application:  

• Original letter of admission (minimum 3 months of your stay)  

• Visa application form duly filled.  

• Schengen size (Passport size) photos.  

• Flight itinerary of the departure and arrival points.  

• Evidence of accommodation (hotel reservations, Airbnb or invitation letter)  

• Travel insurance which includes minimum of 30 thousand Euro.  

• Bank statements and the evidence of money.  

• Letter of coverage of your trip details.  

Keep all your papers with your schedule; employees will verify the similarity of booking and mentioned intentions.

Travel First-Time Guide.

In case it is the first visa application, remember these fast points:  

• 4-6 weeks pre-departure.  

• Select the embassy or VFS that is closest to your house in India.  

• Be honest during your cover letters and interviews.  

• Reserve refundable flight and hotel services before receiving your visa.

Schengen Visas in Multi Entry.

Often traveling individuals may demand a multiple-entry visa that will enable them to visit on more occasions before the expulsion period. In most embassies, there are multiple-entry visas of 1 year or three years are issued to individuals who have a good travel history. Apply even on multiple entries through the country that you are going to spend most of your time during your upcoming trip.

Conclusion

The main destination rule will make it easier to choose the right country to submit your Schengen visa. Apply to the country you will be staying the longest or by which country you would be entering first and make sure that your itinerary supports your application. In case you have decided to have your dream European holiday, then, consider which country is the most suitable in your travel plan and begin your application of Schengen tourist visa in India today. It is just a visa away to explore your European vacation, be that at the Eiffel tower or the fjords of Norway.