Applying for a Schengen Visa even though there's still an existing unused visa
I am a Philippines passport holder who is currently living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A few weeks ago, I applied for a Schengen visa and was approved (from Hungary). I previously intended to travel this coming September (out of panic). The reason for choosing September is because according to the documents required (for legal UAE residents), the residence permit should be valid for at least 3 months from the day of departure from the Schengen area. Since my residence visa would expire on December, I decided and rushed to apply for a visa instead.
However, just recently, I found a "loophole" in the Schengen visa application (for another country -- specifically Germany; although there could be others too) which didn't emphasize this 3-month residence visa rule.
My question is, can I apply for another Schengen visa (say, for October or November since this is my preference and not September) before my "supposed" September trip? Or say, while my visa is still valid (not expired, but haven't been used yet)? - My visa is from August 30 to September 20. - If I apply this week, I could get the visa in around 2 weeks, say August 29.
Or, should I wait for my visa to expire (September 20) and just apply for another visa instead?
I have had 2 previous Schengen visas that I've used last year and in 2010. It's only now that I am considering to not use and instead apply for a new one (if it is okay/possible to do so).
Best Answer
You should not wait nor apply for a new visa while you have a valid one.
You are allowed to have only one valid Schengen visa at any given time even if they are from different EU countries. The proper solution for your case is simple, Cancel your current Schengen visa in the Hungarian embassy and apply for a new one. Cancellation is simple and they will stamp the visa with a special stamp (you do not have to worry, it is not stamp type that will cause any kind of trouble). Once cancelled you can apply for another Schengen visa with no problems.
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Can I apply for 2 Schengen visas?
Schengen visas may allow for a single-entry or multiple entries. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "01". With a visa allowing for two or multiple entries you may enter twice or several times during the validity of the visa.Can I apply for two visas for different countries at the same time?
Yes you can. No 2 countries share data with each other. Neither are they bothered about you applying visa at the same time. You can apply visa to N number of countries at the same time.Can I apply for multiple entry Schengen visa for the first time?
The first time you apply for a Schengen visa, you will only be granted a \u201csingle entry\u201d visa. If you are able to obey the rules of this Schengen visa, in subsequent Schengen visa applications you may be able to apply for a \u201cmultiple entry\u201d visa.How many times can I apply for a Schengen visa in a year?
The 1-year MEV visa gives you the right to enter in the Schengen Zone as many times as you want, as long as you do not remain more than 90 days within this period.REASONS WHY SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATIONS GET REJECTED (Highly requested)
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Answer 2
I believe it would be best for you to get your visa cancelled (from the Hungarian Embassy) as you don't intend to use it for your "supposed" trip dates. Unused Visa may not be looked upon kindly (as mentioned by Ankur).
It is recommended you apply for the Schengen visa from the correct Schengen Country embassy to which you are actually going to travel with right travel dates and not just a Schengen country which you think has a loophole in your case. Also why not get your UAE residence permit renewed 3-4 months in advance of its expiry? I know in KSA, they allow it to be renewed in advance of 3-4 months validity starting from the date of current expiry.
However, don't think there should be a problem if you apply for another Schengen visa with travel dates after the expiry of your current valid Schengen visa. So you apply to German embassy for Schengen visa for travel dates say in November (as long as you can justify that).
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