Schengen visa main country for a mix of tourism/family visits

My family (me, wife and kids) reside in Switzerland where my mother visits us regularly. Usually she applies for a visa through Swiss embassy and gets a 6-month multiple entry visa with "Visite familiale" remark.

Now she wants to do a 3 day trip to France and there is currently no existing plans to visit us in Switzerland, but most probably she will spend much more time in Switzerland than in France in next 6 month.

My question is: if she applies for a tourist visa to France and gets a multiple entry visa (let's say for example a 5-year one) can she then visit us in Switzerland for the duration of the visa? And in general does the "main destination" rule applies for the first trip to Schengen zone? For example, if one plans to go to France for 3 days, then exit the Schengen zone and then visit Spain for 2 weeks, should he apply through French or Spanish embassy?

Thanks in advance!

schengen-visas

Best Answer

The main stay rule counts just for the first visit. As she plans to only travel to France this time that is the visa she has to apply for.

She can mention relatives in Switzerland as a reason to apply for a multiple entry visa. But France does not have to give a multiple entry visa.

As mentioned in a comment, the visa officials will see previous visa and are more likely to give a multiple entry visa.

With a multiple entry visa the first travel should be what was mentioned in the application, small changes are allowed.

Later travels can be to any of the Schengen countries as long as time restrictions are met.

Pictures about "Schengen visa main country for a mix of tourism/family visits"

Schengen visa main country for a mix of tourism/family visits - Breathtaking view of rural house located on tranquil river streaming between colorful bright red and yellow trees on autumn day

Schengen visa main country for a mix of tourism/family visits - Low angle thick mixed trees growing on grassy ground in abundant woodland on sunny summer weather

Schengen visa main country for a mix of tourism/family visits - Golden Retriever sitting on ground in green lush forest

How do I show strong ties to home country for Schengen Visa?

6 Ways To Prove \u201cRootedness\u201d or Strong Family and Social Ties to Home Country for Visa Application

1 Include a detailed visa application cover letter.

2 Show enough evidence for your personal and economic circumstances.

3 Attach documents to prove ownership of assets.

4 Submit proof of steady source of income.

Which Schengen country provide tourist visa easily?

In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications.

Can tourists get a multiple entry Schengen Visa?

A multiple-entry Schengen visa permits its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as many times as he or she wants, as soon as they do not violate the 90/180 rule. Which means they do not remain in the Schengen zone longer than 90 days, within 180 days.

Can I apply Schengen Visa as a family?

Those who need a Schengen Visa for a family visit will in most cases need to apply for a short-stay visa allowing you to travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. This visa will allow you to travel freely within all the 26 Schengen countries.

SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION TO FRANCE for tourism and private/family visit

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Kelly L, Skyler Ewing, Sharon Snider, Sharon Snider