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The EU Visa Code Article 23 requires consulates to decide within 15 calendar days of receiving a complete application. In practice, processing takes longer — especially during peak summer season. France can take up to 90 days in summer. Based on reported processing time data, countries such as Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Finland have shown shorter processing durations (5-10 working days) compared to France, Spain or Germany. Note: processing speed is separate from visa approval rates — for approval rate data by country, see our Country Comparator. You can apply up to 6 months before travel and must apply at least 15 working days before departure.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days per EU Visa Code Article 23. In practice: France 15-21 days standard, up to 90 days peak (June-September). Spain 10-15 days, up to 60 days peak. Countries including Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Finland have reported shorter processing durations of 5-10 days. These are processing time figures only — they do not reflect visa approval rates, which are separate statistics.
Recommended: 3 months before for summer travel (June-September), 6-8 weeks before for other periods. Absolute minimum: 3 weeks before departure. The EU Visa Code allows submitting up to 6 months before travel.
For summer travel (June-September) from Morocco or Algeria, apply 3 months before. TLScontact appointment waiting time alone can be 3-6 weeks during peak season, plus 15-60 days processing. For non-summer travel, 6-8 weeks is usually sufficient.
Yes. EU Visa Code Article 23 allows extension to 30 days for complex cases, and up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances. Consulates routinely extend processing during peak season. This is legal and does not indicate your application will be refused.
You can submit up to 6 months (180 days) before your travel date. This is the maximum advance submission window per EU Visa Code Article 9.
Source: EU Visa Code Article 23 — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 | TLScontact, VFS Global official advisories
Processing times are estimates based on historical data and official advisories. Actual times may vary. Always check with your specific consulate or visa center. MonVisaSchengen is not affiliated with any embassy, consulate or EU institution.