Which consulate, which documents, how long, and how to avoid a refusal: our advisors’ step-by-step method.
The short-stay Schengen visa lets you travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the 29 Schengen countries: France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland… Every year we help hundreds of Ivorian travellers. Here is what makes the difference between approval and refusal.
1. Apply at the right consulate
The rule is simple: apply to the country where you will spend the most nights. If time is equal across several countries, your country of entry applies. An application filed in the wrong place is refused without review.
2. Essential documents
- Passport valid at least 3 months after return, with 2 blank pages
- Completed, signed application form and 2 recent biometric photos
- Return flight reservation (a reservation is enough, no need to buy the ticket)
- Accommodation: hotel booking or certified invitation letter
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 of medical costs for the whole stay
- Bank statements for the last 3 months, with regular activity
- Proof of occupation: employment and leave certificate, business registration, student card…
3. The right timeline
- 6 months before: check your passport validity
- 2 months before: book your appointment, especially for July-August and the holidays
- 3 to 6 weeks before: submit your file (no more than 6 months before departure)
- 15 working days: average processing time, sometimes longer in high season
4. Mistakes that lead to refusal
- A hotel booking cancelled before the appointment (consulates check)
- Insurance that does not cover the entire stay
- Large unexplained deposits just before applying
- Different dates on the form, the ticket and the hotel booking
5. What if you are refused?
Read the reason on the refusal letter carefully. You can file an appeal within the stated deadline, or reapply after fixing the issue. Our advisors review your refusal letter free of charge.
Visit our Plateau agency or send your documents on WhatsApp: we check your file before you submit it.
