Sticker Visa
Denmark
Starts AED 775
Appointment
Appointment help
Schengen visa appointments: how they work and how to book
Almost every Schengen application needs an in-person appointment to submit documents and give biometrics. This page explains what happens at that appointment, how to book a slot, and how to get an earlier date — then points you to the destination page you actually plan to apply for.
Why Schengen visas need an appointment
The appointment is where you hand over your documents in person and provide biometric data — your fingerprints and a digital photo. Biometrics are required for most applicants and are stored for reuse for up to 59 months, so if you gave them recently for another Schengen visa you may not need to repeat them. Appointments take place at the destination country's embassy or consulate, or at an authorised visa application centre such as VFS Global, BLS International, or TLScontact in your city.
What happens at a Schengen appointment
1. Complete your application
Choose the destination you're actually travelling to, fill in the application, and prepare your document set before you look for a slot.
2. Book the appointment
Reserve the next available slot at the destination's embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre in your city.
3. Attend and give biometrics
At the appointment, staff check your documents and capture your fingerprints and a digital photo. First-time applicants must attend in person.
4. Wait for the decision
Your application is processed after the appointment and your passport is returned once a decision is made.
Book early
Slots fill fastest in peak travel season. You can usually apply up to six months before travel, so start as soon as your plans are firm.
Stay flexible on location
If your visa application centre offers more than one city, a nearby location may have earlier availability.
Have documents ready first
A complete document set means you can grab a slot the moment one opens instead of losing it while you gather paperwork.
Schengen destinations with appointment-led flows
Pick the destination you plan to apply for to review its live documents, price, and stay conditions alongside appointment guidance for your traveller profile.
Sticker Visa
Hungary
Starts AED 375
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Iceland
Starts AED 375
Appointment
E-Visa
Japan
Starts AED 450
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Norway
Starts AED 775
Appointment
Sticker Visa
South Africa
Starts AED 595
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Sweden
Starts AED 375
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Switzerland
Starts AED 375
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Turkey
Starts AED 650
Appointment
Schengen appointments: frequently asked questions
Why do Schengen visas need an appointment?
The appointment is where you submit your documents in person and provide biometric data — fingerprints and a digital photo — which is required for most applicants and stored for reuse for up to 59 months.
Where do Schengen appointments take place?
At the destination country's embassy or consulate, or an authorised visa application centre such as VFS Global, BLS International, or TLScontact in your city.
How do I get a Schengen appointment?
Complete your application for your main destination first, then book the next available slot. Appointment demand is highest in peak travel season, so booking early gives you more choice of dates.
Do I need to give biometrics every time?
Biometrics are reused for up to 59 months. If you provided them within that period for a previous Schengen visa, you may not need to repeat them for a new application.
What happens at the appointment?
Staff check your documents, capture your fingerprints and photo, and collect your application. Your passport is returned once a decision has been made.
How long does a Schengen visa take after the appointment?
Processing time varies by destination, season, and your traveller profile. Check the destination page you plan to apply for to see the guidance that applies to your application.