Is it possible to get a Schengen visa and travel one month later from the date of issue?

I'm in Indian National living in Ireland on a student visa which expires in October, 2016. I wanted to travel to Greece to meet my girlfriend who is Greek, so I booked tickets for August, 2016.

I didn't know back then that my Irish visa needs to be valid for at least 3 months on the date when I get the Schengen visa, so I can't get a visa starting from August since it's less than 3 months and now I stand to lose all my plane ticket money since the flight is non refundable.

If I book a refundable ticket to Greece for July, and use that for the visa application, then finally cancel it once I get the visa, and travel in August, will this be possible? Or will I be stopped at the immigration in Greece because I would be traveling a month later?

And if I do this, would I need two invitation letters from my girlfriend, inviting me to stay over, one for the visa application and one which I'll carry with me for August?

Best Answer

If your visa would still be valid by August, it's perfectly fine to go to Greece then.

However the Greek consulate will likely issue a limited-validity visa that would only be valid for July, unless it's not your first Schengen visa.

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Can I change my travel date after getting Schengen Visa?

You cannot change your itinerary so completely that the information you gave in the visa application is no longer true. If you planned a trip lasting 10 days, and you now have 15 days "duration of stay", you can extend your trip by up to 5 days (including a visit to another country if you want).

Can I get a Schengen Visa after 90 days?

The short-stay visa is a Schengen visa. It allows you to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Your visa will be valid for a specific period. This period may be shorter than 90 days.

How long in advance can I apply Schengen Visa?

Applying six months in advance of a trip is now possible While so far Schengen visa applicants could file an application ad early as three months in advance of their trip to the borderless Schengen area, now this rule has changed. The updated code makes it possible for travelers to apply six months before their trip.

Can I come back to Europe after 90 days?

Most visitors (including Americans) are allowed to spend 90 days in the Schengen Area in every 180-day period. The easiest way to think of it is that you can visit for 3 months and then you have to leave for 3 months before you can return.

REASONS WHY SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATIONS GET REJECTED (Highly requested)

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