Planning an itinerary to Europe, the first step in organizing that itinerary. It is determining which country is suitable for your application. If you are planning to visit multiple locations during your travels, it may not be easy to pick between France and Germany. It is in terms of where there will be the fastest processing time for your application. Due to factors such as the speed with which the application is processed, the ability to obtain necessary documentation, and the appointment time for your application to be processed. This blog is intended to assist you in determining whether your Schengen visa travel application can be processed faster in France or Germany, via an analysis of the two options.
Understanding the Basic Rule Prior to Going Forward
Before looking into how long it will take to process your Schengen travel visa application in either France or Germany, it’s crucial that you first understand some points. What the “primary destination rule” is, and how to conform to it. You must apply for your Schengen visa at the embassy/consulate of the country in which you will be spending the most time during your travels. If you will be spending equal amounts of time in several different countries, you must apply at the first port of entry into the Schengen zone.
Choosing a country solely based on speed, without following the primary destination rule, could result in your application being denied.
Processing Times: France versus Germany
France
France is a major tourist destination in Europe. Therefore, because of its high demand (especially during peak tourist seasons of April-August and therefore November-December), appointment slots fill very quickly. Standard processing will take approximately 15 calendar days; however, during peak tourist seasons, processing could take much longer than 15 calendar days.
Germany
Germany receives numerous applications for visas. Particularly from business visitors and students requiring a visa for studying. Generally, it takes around 15 calendar days for a visa application to be processed. Although the processing time can vary depending on specific areas within Germany and the volume of applications received; however, generally speaking both countries comply with the Schengen rules regarding visa processing as it relates to processing applications within 15 days unless additional supporting documentation is required or if there are any background checks required.
The Importance Of Appointment Availability Outweighs The Need For Speed
In most cases, the main difference between the two countries is the differentiation of the length of time required for processing vs. the availability of appointments. There may be earlier available appointment times in France or longer wait times in Germany, or vice versa.
Prior to making a decision, check the websites of the respective visa processing centers to determine available dates. Quick availability of appointments can dramatically affect your overall schedule.
Required Documents & Approval Rates
Both Germany and France require similar supporting documentation to be submitted with your visa application:
- Valid Passport
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Travel Insurance
- Airline E-Tickets and hotel reservations
- Bank Statements (saved over a 3-6 month period) Travel itinerary including any intended stops during your trip
The main basis for determining whether or not your visa application will be approved is your ability to provide proof that you are financially stable, your history of travelling internationally. Whether or not the documentation submitted meets all of the requirements associated with the visa application process. The country of origin does not determine whether or not the applicant meets the criteria necessary for approval.
A properly submitted Schengen visa application has an excellent possibility of being granted no matter which country you will be traveling to.
High Volume vs Low Volume
You should expect there to be an increase in the number of people applying for Schengen visas from both France and Germany. This is if you plan on travelling during high volume times such as summer months or during the holidays. During the summer months there may be increased demand from tourists to Paris and the French Riviera. On the other hand Germany typically receives a constant level of applications all year long due to business travel.
By applying during the lower volume months (January – March, September – October) you may have a better chance of your application being processed quickly by either of the two countries.
Traveller vs Business Visa Applications
Germany is well known for processing a large number of business visas successfully. Because of this business visa staff for Germany can provide a more organized and consistent processing than tourist applications for France.
France annually receives a tremendous amount of tourist traffic therefore France is used to processing a high volume of tourists. That being said, while high demand for vacationing tourists during holiday times will not necessarily affect processing time (there are times when it can). Experience suggests that processing times are affected by the amount of tourist demand.
So which one is faster?
Neither France nor Germany has guaranteed faster processing times. However, most of the time the processing times are consistent with Schengen rules. So they have an overall equal amount of time to process an application.
Typical factors for determining how fast an application will be processed include:
- The number of appointments in your city of application
- The volume of applications per season
- The accuracy of the information in your application.
- Your history of travel and financial background
If your schedule permits adjustments, review the available appointment times initially. Should a country provide earlier submission deadlines, it could significantly speed up your process.
Last Suggestions for Quicker Processing
- Submit your application 4–6 weeks prior to your trip.
- Confirm that all paperwork is thorough and uniform.
- Steer clear of bookings at the last moment
Ultimately, the speed of your schengen travel visa approval depends more on preparation than destination. Choose the correct country based on your itinerary, apply early, and submit a strong application to ensure a smooth experience.
With proper planning, both France and Germany offer efficient processing systems that can help you start your European journey on time.