How long does it take to get a Schengen visa approved?
A standard Schengen visa takes 15 calendar days to process, up to 45 days for complex cases. Learn when to apply, which consulate to use, and what fees to expect.
Updated
Quick answer: A standard Schengen visa takes 15 calendar days to process. Complex cases can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Standard processing time
Under EU rules, consulates must decide on a Schengen visa application within 15 calendar days of receiving a complete application. In practice, most applications are processed in 5-10 working days. However, during peak travel seasons (May to September and the December holidays), processing can take longer.
For applications that require additional security checks or are missing documents, consulates can extend the review period to 45 days. If you are asked for more documents, respond as quickly as possible - delays in your response extend the clock further.
When to apply
You can submit a Schengen visa application up to 6 months before your travel date. The absolute minimum is 15 days before your departure, but consulates recommend applying at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. The earlier the better, especially if you are traveling in summer.
Which consulate to apply to
Apply to the consulate of the Schengen country where you will spend the most days. If you visit multiple countries for equal time, apply to the consulate of your first point of entry. If you are only transiting, apply to the consulate of the transit country.
Key fees and requirements
| Applicant | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | 90 euros |
| Children (6-11) | 45 euros |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Max stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
What to do if processing is delayed
If your visa has not arrived and your travel date is approaching, contact the consulate or visa application center (VFS Global or TLS Contact) with your application reference number. Do not book non-refundable flights until you hold a confirmed visa.
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Consulates normally decide within 15 calendar days of receiving a complete application. If your case needs a closer look or more documents, they can extend this to a maximum of 45 days. Busy seasons, such as summer and the December holidays, can slow things down, so do not book non-refundable flights until you hold the visa.
Sometimes, but you cannot count on it. EU rules give consulates 15 days for a standard decision, and some decide faster, but there is no official express service that guarantees a week. You must also apply at least 15 days before your trip, and getting an appointment can take longer than the decision.
The standard fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11. Children under 6 pay nothing. If you apply through a visa centre such as VFS Global or TLScontact, it adds its own service charge on top. Citizens of a few countries, such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, pay a reduced fee.
You can apply up to six months before your trip, and no later than 15 days before departure. Applying four to six weeks ahead is a safer minimum, and earlier still for summer travel, because both appointment slots and decisions slow down in peak season. Keep your hotel bookings flexible until the visa is approved.
Apply to the consulate of the Schengen country where you will spend the most days. If you will spend equal time in several countries, apply to the country you will enter first. If you are only transiting through a Schengen airport and need a transit visa, apply to the consulate of that transit country.