As the travel season approaches, experts are advising individuals planning to visit the Schengen Area to apply for their visas well in advance.
The Schengen visa allows free movement within 27 European countries, including popular destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, for up to three months within a 180-day period for tourism and other purposes.
The best time
According to visa processing experts, the ideal time to submit your Schengen visa application is at least three to four weeks before your planned departure.
This allows enough time for the processing of the visa, ensuring that travelers are not caught in a last-minute rush. However, if the destination country has a higher volume of visa applications, such as Germany or France, applicants are advised to submit their documents earlier to account for potential delays.
Travelers should also be mindful of peak periods, such as summer holidays and major international events, when the number of applications typically increases. During these busy times, it is recommended to submit applications well in advance, as the processing time can be longer.
Visa processing generally takes a minimum of 15 days, but in some cases, it may take up to 60 days, depending on the complexity of the application and other unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, early submission is essential to avoid any travel disruptions.
In terms of fees, the latest updates from January 2024 indicate that the cost for a Type C Schengen visa for adult applicants in Pakistan is set at 90 euros. For minors aged between 6 and 12 years, the fee is reduced to 45 euros.
The Schengen visa allows travelers to visit up to 27 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and others, providing seamless travel within the region for short stays.
For those interested in applying, experts recommend visiting the consulate, embassy, or visa application centers of the respective Schengen country, filling out the necessary application forms, and scheduling an appointment in advance.
