Processing a Schengen visa application belongs, in the following order:
to the Consulate of the country in whose territory the sole or main destination of the intended visit is situated;
or, when the country of main destination cannot be determined, to the Consulate of the country of first entry in the Schengen area.
The Consulate with which the visa application is lodged shall decide which is the country of main destination, bearing in mind the purpose of the visit, the route and duration of the visit(s). When assessing these factors, the Consulate will focus on the supporting documents submitted by the applicant.
If the Schengen State of main destination cannot be determined, the processing of the application will come within the competence of the Consulate of the country first entry, being the State whose external border the applicant crosses in order to enter the Schengen area after having had his or her documents checked.
If the responsible State has no diplomatic representation in a particular country, the visa may be issued by representation by the Consulate which represents the interests of the responsible State in this very country. The Schengen visa is then issued on behalf of the State that is being represented, subject to its prior authorisation.
Representation shall apply solely to the issue of visas. Travellers who are unable to obtain a visa because they cannot furnish sufficient proof that they fulfil the relevant conditions must be informed that they can apply for a visa at the Consulate of the Schengen State of their sole or main destination, located, should the case arise, in a neighbouring country.
For more information on Schengen States which are represented and the States representing them, view the table of representation for issuing uniform visas.
When a Schengen visa application is lodged with a State which is not the applicant's State of residence and there are doubts concerning the person's intentions, the visa shall be issued only after consultation with the diplomatic mission or consular post of the applicant's State of residence or its central authority.
