Visa optimization is when applicants choose to apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy of a country where they believe it will be faster and easier to get an appointment. This is often because different countries have different processing times and appointment availability.
However, visa optimization is illegal, and applicants risk being denied entry into the Schengen Area if they are caught.
Despite the risks, many applicants are still choosing to use visa optimization. Some applicants have admitted to using visa optimization in the past, and they say they would do it again if it meant getting an appointment faster.
One applicant, B.R., said that he and his family applied for a Poland Schengen visa and then traveled to other Schengen Area countries because it was faster and easier to get an appointment at the Polish Embassy. B.R. said that he knew the risks of visa optimization, but he and his family would have had to change their entire travel plans if they had followed the rules.
Visa optimization is a complex issue, and there is no easy solution. However, applicants should be aware of the risks involved before choosing to use this method.
Schengen Visa Applicants, Long Wait Times, Visa Application Process, Schengen Visa Delays, Avoiding Wait Times