Which country should you apply to for a Schengen visa if your trip includes several countries

In short: if your itinerary includes several Schengen countries, you should apply for a visa at the consulate of the country where you plan to spend the most time. If the length of stay is the same, you should apply to the consulate of the first country you will visit.

The main rule: they look at the main destination of the trip

A Schengen visa application is submitted to the consulate of the country you intend to visit. If your itinerary includes several countries, the key factor is the country where you will spend the most time.

Important: for general guidance and specific details, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the country that is the main purpose of your trip.

If there are several countries: how to choose the consulate

1. If you spend more days in one country, that is where you should apply.
2. If the number of days is the same in two or more countries, you should apply to the consulate of the first country you will visit.

Example 1

Itinerary: Italy for 4 days, Austria for 7 days, Hungary for 3 days. In this case, you should apply to the Austrian consulate because that is where the longest stay will be.

Example 2

Itinerary: Greece for 5 days and Italy for 5 days. If Greece is the first country of the trip, you should apply to the Greek consulate.

Where to apply if you live in Cyprus

As a general rule, the application is submitted to the consulate that has territorial responsibility for the country of your legal residence. If you legally live in Cyprus, this rule is important when choosing where to apply.

At the same time, Cyprus is not yet a full member of the Schengen Area and at this stage does not issue Schengen visas.

When to submit your documents

You must submit your application no earlier than 6 months before the trip and no later than 15 days before it. An appointment may be required before submission.

The standard processing time is 15 days. If a more detailed review or additional documents are required, it may be extended to 45 days.

What else is important not to confuse

• A Schengen visa is intended for short stays: up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• A single-entry visa allows one entry into the Schengen Area.
• A multiple-entry visa allows several visits while the visa is valid.

If you are applying from Cyprus

We book visa appointments at consulates in Nicosia: Italy, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland.

If you are applying from Cyprus, we can help with the appointment booking, as well as advise on the documents and provide a document list. Visa centre and consular fees are paid separately from the search and booking service and are also charged when booking independently.

Bottom line: if your trip includes several countries, first look at the country where you will stay the longest, and if the number of days is the same, look at the first country you will visit. Then check the rules with the consulate of your main destination country.