Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

VisaGuide / Schengen Visa / Where to Apply

A Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 29 European countries that are currently members of the Schengen Zone. In order to apply for a Schengen visa, you must first schedule an appointment to submit your application. This can be done through embassies or consulate offices of the Member States, online, and/or via visa application centers. Next, you will need to visit the embassy, consulate, or VAC to submit your application in person.

It is always good to review the visa requirements and application procedures for the country or countries you wish to visit and contact the appropriate consulate or embassy if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

The embassies and consulates of Schengen countries or appointed visa application centers are responsible for Schengen visa applications. You can apply for a Schengen visa:

  • At an embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the destination country.
  • Through authorized third-party service provider listed on embassy/consulate website.
  • At embassy/consulate of representing Schengen country if destination country has no embassy/consulate in home country.
  • At embassy/consulate of destination country in neighboring country if no other options are available.

Applying at the Embassy or Consulate of the Destination Country

If you are planning to enter the Schengen Zone, you must initially find out if the country you plan to visit has an embassy, consulate or visa application center (VAC) in your home country. If yes, you should apply for your Schengen visa at that location.

Applying through an Authorized Third-Party Service Provider (Visa Application Center)

Many Schengen countries have authorized different third-party service providers to accept visa applications on their behalf, known as Visa Application Centers. Some of the most common are VFS Global and TLSContact. These centres do not make a decision of your visa application; they simply collect your documents and payment, and send them to the embassy or consulate, which makes the decision on whether you are granted a visa.

These service providers may also offer other services, such as assistance with completing your visa application form, assistance with the necessary documents, etc.

To apply through an authorized third-party service provider, you must check the website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit. This way, you can find out if they have an authorized service provider in your home country.

Applying at the Embassy or Consulate of a Representing Country

If there is no embassy or consulate in your home country of the country you plan to visit, you can apply at the embassy or consulate of a Schengen country that represents the destination country. This is called a ‘representation agreement’ and it means that some Schengen countries have agreed to represent each other in visa matters. For example, if you are traveling to Austria and there is no embassy or consulate in your home country, you may be able to apply for your visa at the embassy or consulate of another Schengen country, such as Germany or Italy, which has a representation agreement with Austria.

Applying in a Neighboring Country

If the Schengen country that you plan to visit does not have an embassy, consulate or visa application center in your home country, and there is no authorized third-party service provider available, you may be able to apply for your Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of that country in a neighboring country. If yes, you will need to travel to the neighboring country to submit your application and attend an interview, if required.

This option may require additional time and expenses. This is because you need to travel to the neighboring country a few times.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa Depending on Your Travel Plans?

Where you should apply for a Schengen visa also depends on your travel plans:

  • If you intend to enter only one Schengen Member State, you should apply for single entry visa at the embassy/consulate of the country you intend to visit.
  • If you intend to enter more than one Schengen Member State, you should apply for double entry visa at the embassy/consulate of the country where you will spend most of your time.
  • If you intend to enter several Schengen Member States, you should apply for multiple entry visa at the embassy/consulate of the country whose external borders you will cross first, which is known as a first point of entry. The first point of entry for a Schengen visa is the country that you will be entering first. If you come from a non-Schengen country, the first Schengen country you enter is your first port of entry.

How Do I Find the Nearest Consulate/Embassy to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

To find the embassy or consulate where you can apply for a Schengen visa, visit the immigration website of the country you plan to visit. Each country has its own website with a list of consular services where you can find the location and contact details of the nearest embassy or consulate:

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