Schengen visa appointment
Which Country to Choose for Your First Schengen Visa Application:Easiest Schengen Countries to Get a Visa
contents
What is a Schengen visa?
Countries suitable for first-time Schengen visa applications
France
Italy
The Netherlands
Spain
Schengen countries not recommended for first-time application
Greece, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland
Germany
Portugal and Belgium
Basic principles for Schengen visa application
Experience sharing for Schengen visa appointment
Conclusion
FAQs
The Schengen visa is the primary pass for many people's European travels. Especially when applying for the first time, choosing which country is particularly crucial. The visa policies and review standards of different countries vary. Some countries are more friendly to first-time applicants, and the chance of visa issuance is also higher. Next, we will introduce in detail the countries suitable for first-time Schengen visa applications and analyze which countries are more suitable for novice applicants.
What is a Schengen visa？
The Schengen visa is a visa that allows holders to travel freely among the 29 Schengen member states. There are no border checks between these countries, and visa holders can "travel across Europe with one visa." However, the visa policies and review standards of each country are different. When applying for the first time, choosing a country with loose review and high pass rate is essential.
Countries suitable for first-time Schengen visa applications:
1.France: Longer visa issuance period and relatively loose review.
France is the first choice for many people to apply for a Schengen visa. The French embassy is relatively lenient in reviewing first-time applicants, and generally gives a longer visa validity period. As the number of applications increases, the validity period of the visa will gradually be extended. If you hope to obtain a long-term visa, France is a good choice. Especially for applicants in the UK, they can easily start the application process through "apply Schengen visa from UK".
2.Italy: Loose review and suitable for short-term multiple entries.
Italy is also a very popular Schengen visa application country. Usually, first-time applicants can obtain a multiple-entry visa for about a month. However, it is relatively difficult to get a visa appointment slot at the Italian embassy. It is recommended to plan the application time in advance. If you need to process it quickly, you can also try the "fast track Schengen visa" service.
3.The Netherlands: Suitable for applying for a long-term multiple-entry visa.
The visa policy of the Netherlands is very friendly to applicants with good economic conditions. First-time applicants can usually obtain a multiple-entry visa for 30 to 90 days, and applicants with particularly good conditions may even get a visa for three or five years. If you plan to travel to Europe for a long time and multiple times, the Netherlands is a good choice.
4.Spain: High pass rate and suitable for applying for a half-year or long-term multiple-entry visa.
The Spanish embassy is known for its high pass rate and is especially suitable for those who hope to obtain a multiple-entry visa for more than half a year. First-time applicants can usually get a multiple-entry visa for 1 to 3 months, and applicants with better economic conditions have the opportunity to obtain a visa for more than half a year. Therefore, Spain has become the first choice for many people.
Schengen countries not recommended for first-time application:
1.Greece, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland: Although the pass rate is high, it is not suitable for beginners.
These countries have a high visa pass rate and a fast review speed. Generally, you can get a visa in just 1-2 weeks. However, for first-time applicants, especially those without Schengen travel records, the risk of visa refusal is relatively large. These countries are more suitable for applicants with Schengen visa records.
2.Germany: Strict review. It is recommended to apply after having Schengen travel experience.
Germany's visa review is relatively strict. First-time applicants need to provide detailed financial status and work certificates and other materials. If they cannot fully prove that they will return to their home country on time after the trip, the German embassy usually will not issue a visa easily.
3.Smaller countries such as Portugal and Belgium: Low cost-effectiveness and high visa refusal rate.
Although Portugal and Belgium are also Schengen countries, their visa refusal rates are relatively high. Even if the visa is approved, usually only a short-term visa for 1-2 months can be obtained. Therefore, for first-time applicants, choosing these countries is not cost-effective and is not recommended as the first choice.
Basic principles for Schengen visa application:
When applying for a Schengen visa, there are two important principles to follow:
1.Choose the country where you will stay the longest as the application country.
1. If you plan to travel in multiple Schengen countries, you should choose the country where you will stay the longest as the application country for the Schengen visa.
2.Choose the first entry country as the application country.
1. If you stay in multiple countries for the same amount of time, you should choose your first entry country as the application country. For example, if you stay in France, Italy, and the Netherlands for 5 days each, but your first stop is France, then you should apply for a Schengen visa from France.
Experience sharing for Schengen visa appointment:
1.Hope to obtain a long-term visa? It is recommended to continuously apply to the same country.
1. If you hope to obtain a long-term multiple-entry Schengen visa, it is recommended to apply to the same country multiple times. As the number of applications increases, the embassy will have more trust in the applicant, and the validity period of the visa will gradually be extended.
2.Provide sufficient financial proof.
The review of Schengen visas focuses on two aspects:
• Sufficient travel funds:
Applicants need to provide proof that they have sufficient funds to pay for all expenses during the entire trip.
• Strong willingness to return to the country:
Through materials such as work certificates, marriage certificates,, prove that you have reasons to return to your home country on time after the trip.
3.Passport about to expire? It is recommended to replace it with a new passport in advance.
If your passport is about to expire, it is best to replace it with a new passport before applying for a Schengen visa. If you apply for a visa with an expiring passport, the validity period of the visa may be limited.
Conclusion:
When applying for a first-time Schengen visa, choosing the right country can significantly increase the pass rate. France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain are all countries very suitable for first-time applicants. During the application process, providing sufficient financial proof and a detailed return plan is crucial. I hope this guide can help you successfully obtain a Schengen visa and start your European journey!
FAQs
1.Is it difficult to apply for a Schengen visa?
Applying for a Schengen visa for the first time is not too difficult, but detailed personal information and travel plans need to be prepared. Choosing a country with relatively loose review can greatly increase the pass rate.
2.Can I apply for visas from multiple Schengen countries at the same time?
No. You can only apply for a visa from one Schengen country at a time, but after obtaining a visa, you can freely enter other Schengen countries.
3.Will the visa duration affect subsequent applications?
Yes. If the validity period of the visa obtained for the first time is short, the visa duration of subsequent applications may not be too long. Having a record of a long-term visa will make future applications easier.
4.Can Schengen visas be freely traveled back and forth between countries?
Yes, as long as the visa is within the validity period, you can freely travel between all Schengen countries.
5.When is the most appropriate time to apply for a Schengen visa?
It is recommended to apply 1-6 months in advance to ensure sufficient time for review and interview.
6.Can I reapply if I am refused?
You can reapply. However, it is recommended to find out the reason for the refusal first and resubmit after improving the materials.
Skytravel Global was established in 2020 and is based at 1 Jordan Street, Manchester, United Kingdom. We provide Schengen visa consultancy and assistance in the UK. Since our establishment, we have served over 10,000 clients.
