Schengen Visa: Which Country Should You Apply To? Processing Times Guide

Which Country Should You Apply For a Schengen Visa?

Planning a trip across Europe and confused about which embassy to apply to? You're not alone. The Schengen visa covers 29 European countries, but you can only apply to one. Here's how to choose correctly.

The Golden Rule: Main Destination

This is the primary rule. Your first point of entry is NOT always where you should apply.

Example Scenarios

Itinerary	Apply To	Why
Enter Denmark → Stay 3 days → Budapest 10 days	🇭🇺 Hungary	Longest stay
Paris 5 days → Rome 5 days → Barcelona 5 days	Any of the three	Equal duration — choose any
Amsterdam 2 days → Berlin 7 days	🇩🇪 Germany	Longest stay
Vienna only, 10 days	🇦🇹 Austria	Single destination

What If I Enter Through a Different Country?

That's completely fine! Your point of entry does NOT need to match where you applied.

The Myth of "First Entry Country"

Many people believe you must apply to the country you'll enter first. This is incorrect. The rules are:

1. Main destination (longest stay) — apply here
2. If equal time in multiple countries — apply to your first entry point
3. If single destination — apply to that country

Your Scenario: Denmark Entry, Hungary Stay

Even though you're entering through Denmark, you should apply to Hungary because that's your main destination. Denmark border officers will see your Hungarian-issued Schengen visa and let you through — that's how Schengen works!

Schengen Visa Processing Times by Country

Processing times vary significantly between countries. Here's a general guide:

Processing Time Comparison

Country	Average Processing	Notes
🇭🇺 Hungary	10-15 days	Generally efficient
🇩🇪 Germany	10-15 days	Can be longer in peak season
🇫🇷 France	15-20 days	High volume, variable
🇮🇹 Italy	10-15 days	Reasonably fast
🇪🇸 Spain	15-20 days	Popular destination, can be slow
🇳🇱 Netherlands	10-15 days	Generally efficient
🇦🇹 Austria	10-15 days	Consistent processing
🇬🇷 Greece	10-15 days	Summer peak can delay
🇵🇹 Portugal	15-20 days	Growing in popularity
🇨🇿 Czech Republic	10-15 days	Generally fast

Note: These are averages. Peak seasons (summer, Christmas) can extend processing times significantly.

Hungary Specifically

Hungary is known for relatively efficient processing:

• ⏱️ Standard processing: 10-15 calendar days
• 📅 Legal maximum: 15 days (can extend to 45 in complex cases)
• 🏢 Embassy/VFS centres: Generally well-organized

When Should You Apply?

The Timeline

When	Status
6 months before travel	✅ Earliest you can apply
3-4 weeks before travel	✅ Ideal sweet spot
15 days before travel	⚠️ Minimum recommended
Less than 15 days	❌ Risky — may not receive in time

Your Timeline: Apply Next Week for March 18 Trip

If today is late January and your trip is March 18:

• 📅 Time until trip: ~7-8 weeks
• ✅ This is good timing! You have plenty of buffer
• Apply next week → ~6 weeks before travel
• Even if processing takes 15+ days, you'll have your visa well before March 18

Documents Required for Schengen Visa

Standard Requirements

• ☐ Completed application form
• ☐ Passport (valid 3+ months beyond trip, 2 blank pages)
• ☐ 2 passport photos (recent, white background)
• ☐ Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage)
• ☐ Flight itinerary/reservation
• ☐ Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
• ☐ Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• ☐ Employment letter or proof of income
• ☐ Cover letter explaining trip purpose
• ☐ Previous travel history evidence (if applicable)

For Hungary Specifically

Hungary generally follows standard Schengen requirements. Additional tips:

• ✅ Include detailed day-by-day itinerary
• ✅ Show strong ties to home country
• ✅ Proof of accommodation in Budapest
• ✅ Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements)

Tips for Faster Processing

1. Complete Application = Faster Decision

• ✅ All documents present and correct
• ✅ Photos meet specifications
• ✅ Application form fully completed
• ✅ Fees paid correctly

2. Avoid Peak Seasons

• ⏱️ Summer (June-August) = slower processing
• ⏱️ Christmas/New Year period = slower
• ✅ Spring applications often faster

3. Book Appointment Early

VFS/Embassy appointments can fill up weeks in advance. Book as soon as you decide to travel.

4. Use VFS or Embassy Directly?

• VFS Global: Usually easier to get appointments, handles document collection
• Direct Embassy: Sometimes faster processing, but fewer slots

What Happens at the Border?

When you enter Denmark with a Hungarian-issued Schengen visa:

1. Show your passport with visa
2. Border officer checks visa validity
3. They may ask about your travel plans
4. Entry stamp in passport
5. Welcome to Schengen!

They won't refuse you just because you're entering through a different country than where your visa was issued. That's the whole point of Schengen!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Applying to wrong country: Apply to main destination, not first entry
• ❌ Applying too late: Give yourself at least 3-4 weeks
• ❌ Insufficient funds: Show healthy bank balance
• ❌ No travel insurance: Mandatory €30,000 coverage
• ❌ Weak ties to home: Show why you'll return (job, property, family)
• ❌ Inconsistent itinerary: Dates should match flights and hotels

Schengen Countries (2026)

Your Schengen visa works in all 29 member countries:

🇦🇹 Austria · 🇧🇪 Belgium · 🇧🇬 Bulgaria · 🇭🇷 Croatia · 🇨🇿 Czech Republic · 🇩🇰 Denmark · 🇪🇪 Estonia · 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇫🇷 France · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇬🇷 Greece · 🇭🇺 Hungary · 🇮🇸 Iceland · 🇮🇹 Italy · 🇱🇻 Latvia · 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein · 🇱🇹 Lithuania · 🇱🇺 Luxembourg · 🇲🇹 Malta · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇳🇴 Norway · 🇵🇱 Poland · 🇵🇹 Portugal · 🇷🇴 Romania · 🇸🇰 Slovakia · 🇸🇮 Slovenia · 🇪🇸 Spain · 🇸🇪 Sweden · 🇨🇭 Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be refused entry at Denmark if my visa is from Hungary?

No, as long as your visa is valid. Schengen visas allow entry through any member country.

What if I stay longer in Denmark than Hungary?

If your actual stay differs significantly from your application, it could cause issues on future applications. Try to follow your stated itinerary.

Can I apply to a "easier" country?

You should apply to your main destination. Applying elsewhere ("visa shopping") is frowned upon and could result in refusal.

How early can I apply?

6 months before your trip is the maximum. 3-4 weeks minimum is recommended.

What if my visa is refused?

You can appeal or reapply with stronger documentation. Refusals are recorded, so address the reasons before reapplying.

Do I need separate visas for each country?

No! One Schengen visa covers all 29 countries. You can freely move between them during your authorized stay.

Key Takeaways

• 🎯 Apply to main destination (longest stay), NOT first entry
• ✅ Hungary via Denmark entry = OK if Hungary is your longest stay
• ⏱️ Hungary processing: 10-15 days typically
• 📅 Apply 3-4 weeks before travel minimum
• 📋 Complete documentation = faster processing
• 🌍 One visa, 29 countries — travel freely within Schengen

Related Guides

• UK ETA: What You Need to Know
• UK Transit Visa Requirements
• Visa Application Mistakes: How to Fix

Official Resources

• 🔗 EU Schengen Visa Policy — European Commission
• 🔗 Schengen Visa Info — Requirements by country
• 🔗 Hungary Consular Services — Official embassy info

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