How long does Czech Schengen visa take? Persons applying for Schengen visas in the Czech Republic may have to wait a few weeks before the visa is ready. This is down to a few factors, some of which are outside the applicant's control. In this article, we want to review the Czech Schengen visa, the application process, and how long it takes to get it.
Czech Republic in The Schengen Zone
The Czech Republic is one of the 37 countries in the Schengen Zone. This country was once a single entity comprising Czech and Slovakia, but they were split after the end of the second world war. The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in central Europe that shares common borders with multiple countries. Its capital is Prague which is the sixth most visited city in Europe. Prague has amazing castles and architecture, and it is rich in history and culture.
Being a member of the Schengen zone, the country can issue Schengen visas to travelers through its embassies, and it also accepts visitors into its borders who have visas issued by other Schengen states.
Czech Schengen Visa
The Czech Schengen visa is valid for 180 days and allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days. This visa is issued for non economical purposes, so holders are not allowed to work during their stay. The 90 day rule is mandatory for visitors who choose to remain in the Czech Republic or visit any other country in the region.
How Long Does Czech Schengen Visa Take?
Visa applicants will have to wait 30-45 days before getting their visas. This is because of the visa interview phase involved; in some cases, the time may extend for up to 60 days. Normally, visa processing starts once the embassy receives the application, which takes up to 15 calendar days, but several factors may extend the waiting time before the embassy receives your application.
Let us review some of the reasons why your visa may take some time.
Visa Interview: Most Schengen visa applicants are required to attend visa interviews as part of the process before they are issued visas. The embassy schedules interviews after the applicant books an appointment. If many applicants are waiting in line for interviews, you may need to wait much longer before it is your turn, which can delay your visa by a few weeks.
Visa Application Centers: Some Czech embassies only accept applications directly from applicants through visa application centers. If that is the case in your country, remember that the processing phases will commence once your application gets to the embassy.
Application Backlog: Another thing to take note of is the backlog of unprocessed applications, which can be high at certain times of the year.
These are a few factors that may extend the waiting time before your visa is ready.
Who Needs A Czech Schengen Visa?
This visa is only meant for travelers who are citizens of visa free countries. The committee of Schengen nations has a list of countries whose citizens can visit the zone without visas, and this list is updated often, and there are currently 63 countries on it. If your country is not on the list, you need a Schengen visa, but if it is, you don't need one; you need a European Travel Information and Authorization System waiver, also called an ETIAS waiver.
What Should I Do If I Want To Visit More Than One Country?
If you wish to visit more than one country, you must choose Czech as your first or primary destination when filling out the application form. Travelers are advised to visit their primary destination before moving to other countries in the zone.
How To Apply For A Czech Schengen Visa?
Applying for a Schengen visa will require you to submit your application and documents to the Czech embassy directly or indirectly, depending on the procedure in your country. You must book an appointment with the embassy at some point to get an interview date unless an interview is optional.
On the interview date, you must appear before the visa officer and present your documents for review. Questions will be asked regarding your trip, such as why you want to visit the Czech Republic, your arrival and departure date, how long you want to stay, and the places of interest, etc. All questions should be answered truthfully.
Czech Schengen Visa Documents
Find below the required documents
Visa application form
Valid passport
Two recent passport photographs
Cover letter
Proof of funds
Civil status certificate
Proof of accommodation
Round trip itinerary
Invitation letter where necessary
Travel health insurance
Visa fee receipt
Copies of previous visas
How long does Czech Schengen Visa take? The visa takes between 30-45 days to get.