Which Schengen visa is the quickest to get?

Obtaining a Schengen Visa: Assessing the Fastest Approval Times

When planning a trip to Europe, travelers must consider the varying approval times for Schengen visas depending on the embassy or consulate they apply through. While some countries offer relatively quick processing, others may take longer to issue visas.

Countries with the Quickest Visa Approval Times

• Iceland: Iceland consistently ranks as one of the countries with the fastest Schengen visa approval times, with most applications processed within a matter of weeks.
• Switzerland: Switzerland also has a good reputation for processing Schengen visas quickly, with around 80% of applications approved within two to three weeks.
• Italy: Italy offers another relatively swift visa processing service, with most applications processed within three to four weeks.
• Luxembourg: Luxembourg typically takes around two to three weeks to process Schengen visa applications.

Countries with Longer Visa Approval Times

• Malta: Malta has a reputation for being one of the countries with the longest Schengen visa approval times. Applications can take up to two months or more to be processed.
• Greece: Greece also has a relatively lengthy visa processing time, with applications often taking three to four weeks or more to be approved.
• Spain: Spain can also have longer visa processing times, which may vary depending on the time of year and the workload of the embassy or consulate.

Factors Affecting Visa Approval Times

In addition to the country of application, several other factors can impact Schengen visa approval times:

• Type of visa: Short-term tourist visas are typically processed more quickly than long-term visas.
• Completeness and accuracy of application: Submitting a complete and error-free application can significantly reduce processing time.
• Time of year: Visa applications tend to take longer to process during peak travel seasons.
• Nationality of applicant: Citizens of certain countries may require additional documentation or undergo more stringent checks.

Tips for Expediting Visa Approval

• Apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
• Gather all the necessary documents and submit them with your application.
• Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
• If possible, apply through a country with a reputation for fast processing times.
• Consider using a visa expediting service, but be aware of potential additional fees.

Remember that visa approval times can vary significantly and are subject to change. It is always recommended to check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and processing times.