European UnionI applied for a Schengen visa but haven't heard back in 6 weeks. Is there a time limit?
Yes, Schengen visa applications must normally be decided within 15 calendar days, extendable to 30 or 60 days only in exceptional cases.
What the Law Says
The legal time limits for Schengen visa decisions are set out in EU Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 — the Visa Code.
Under the Visa Code, consulates must decide on a Schengen visa application within 15 calendar days after submission. This period starts the day after the application is lodged.
In justified cases of complexity or need for further scrutiny, the deadline may be extended to a maximum of 30 calendar days.
Only in exceptional circumstances — such as serious threats to public policy, internal security, or international relations — may the decision period be extended up to 60 calendar days.
Applicants must be informed in writing of any extension, including the reasons and the new expected decision date.
Statutory TextThe visa authority shall take its decision on an application no later than 15 calendar days after the date of the lodging of the application.
— Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Art. 23(1) — Examination of applications
Statutory TextThat period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, in particular when further scrutiny of the application is needed.
— Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Art. 23(2) — Examination of applications
Statutory TextIn exceptional cases, the examination period may be extended up to 60 calendar days, where justified by serious grounds relating to public policy or national security.
— Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Art. 23(3) — Examination of applications
What to Do
Check your application receipt or online tracking portal for confirmation that your application was registered and the date it was lodged.
Contact the consulate or visa application centre (VAC) in writing — ask for confirmation of receipt, current status, and whether an extension under Article 23(2) or (3) applies.
If no response within 10 days of your inquiry, or if the delay exceeds 60 days without justification, submit a formal complaint to the national ombudsman or diplomatic authority.
You have the right to appeal a delayed or refused decision free of charge — file within 10 calendar days of notification (or presumed notification).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.