Should Your First Trip Be to the Country That Issued Your Schengen Visa?

When planning your journey to Europe with a Schengen Visa, one of the most common concerns is whether you must first travel to the country that issued the visa. The good news is, you don’t necessarily have to. Let's dive into the rules to clear up any confusion.

Understanding the Country of First Entry

The first country of entry refers to the country where you initially enter the Schengen Area from outside Europe. It's not required that this country be the one that issued your Schengen Visa. However, the visa must have been obtained from the nation where you intend to spend the majority of your stay within the Schengen zone.

For example, if your visa was issued by France but your itinerary starts in Italy, you can enter Italy first, as long as your primary destination remains France.

What Happens When You Enter Europe?

Upon entering the Schengen Area for the first time, your passport and Schengen Visa will be inspected at the port of entry to ensure all documents are valid. This is your first port of entry, and it’s important to ensure you follow your filed itinerary to avoid any potential issues at border control.

Which Country Should You Apply to for Your Schengen Visa?

To minimize complications, you should apply for a visa with the country where you plan to stay the longest. The visa application should be submitted to that country’s consulate or visa application center in your home country. Here’s a quick guide:

• If you’re visiting one country: Apply to the consulate of that country.
• If visiting multiple countries: Apply to the consulate of the country where you'll spend the most time.
• If you’re visiting multiple countries for equal time: Apply at the consulate of the country where you'll first enter the Schengen Area.

What About Your Schengen Visa Itinerary?

During your Schengen Visa application process, you will need to submit an itinerary detailing your travel plans. This should include your first country of entry, any connecting flights, and bookings for accommodations. Having a booked flight itinerary is often essential to proving your travel plans, especially at the consulate or embassy where you apply.

While some airlines offer dummy tickets or short-term flight reservations, allowing you to avoid purchasing a non-refundable ticket before your visa is approved, it's critical to provide a valid itinerary that aligns with your planned journey.

Tips for Managing Your Schengen Travel

• Stick to Your Itinerary: Though you're allowed to enter any Schengen country regardless of which nation issued your visa, it’s advisable to stick to your submitted travel plans as closely as possible.
• Provide Proof of Travel: Be prepared to provide evidence, such as flight tickets, of your travel itinerary when applying for a Schengen Visa. Officials may ask for these documents to ensure your plans are legitimate and you do not overstay.

How AXA Can Assist with Your Schengen Visa Application

To apply for a Schengen Visa, you must also present proof of travel and medical insurance. AXA offers Schengen travel insurance that meet the visa requirements, offering United States (U.S.) residents and Green Card holders reliable coverage for their trip to Europe.

AXA Schengen travel insurance offers :

• Up to $100,000 in medical expense coverage.
• Up to $500 for dental expenses.
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
• 24/7 Assistance throughout your journey.

Additionally, AXA travel insurance certificates are available for instant download, so you can quickly finalize your visa application.

Flexible Coverage, Even If Plans Change

Whether you're embarking on a single trip or planning multiple visits throughout the year, AXA has flexible travel insurance plans to suit your travel needs. Ready to travel? Let AXA Schengen travel insurance ensure your trip starts on the right foot—no matter which Schengen country you visit first.