If your travel plans include landing in France, staying in Italy for a week, and then flying home from Germany, you might wonder: Which embassy should I submit my insurance and other documents to? This is governed by the "Main Destination" Rule (Article 5 of the Schengen Visa Code). Getting it wrong means your application will be rejected for lack of jurisdiction.
1. The Priority Hierarchy
Embassies follow a strict hierarchy to determine if they have the "jurisdiction" to handle your case:
- Main Purpose: If you are going for a business meeting in Italy and then vacation in France, Italy is your main destination regardless of the number of days.
- Duration of Stay: If the purpose is the same (e.g., tourism), you must apply to the embassy of the country where you will spend the longest number of nights.
- First Entry: If you are spending an equal amount of time in two countries (e.g., 5 days in Spain and 5 days in Portugal), you must apply to the country of First Entry.
The "Visa Shopping" Warning
Do not apply to an embassy just because you heard they "issue visas faster." If your travel plan shows you are spending more time in another country, the visa officer will reject the application for "Visa Shopping."
Which Embassy is Correct for You?
| Your Itinerary | Correct Embassy |
|---|---|
| 3 Days France, 7 Days Italy | Italy (Longest Stay) |
| 5 Days Spain, 5 Days Portugal (Landing in Spain) | Spain (First Entry) |
| 1 Day Business (Germany), 10 Days Tourism (Austria) | Germany (Main Purpose) |
How Your Insurance Must Align
Once you identify the correct embassy, your travel insurance document must be valid for all countries on your itinerary. Here’s what to check:
- Geographical coverage: Ensure your insurance explicitly states it covers "Schengen Area" or "Worldwide" so that it is valid for every border you cross.
- Coverage dates: The policy must cover your entire trip, from first entry to final departure.
- Medical minimums: For Schengen trips, €30,000 medical coverage and repatriation are mandatory.
Our $5 insurance certificate is Schengen‑compliant and valid across all member states – perfect for multi‑country trips.
3 Steps to a Safe Multi‑Country Application
- Count your nights: Literally count the nights in each destination. Being off by one day can change the "Main Destination."
- Get the right insurance: Ensure your policy has no limitations on movement between the countries you plan to visit.
- Write a clear cover letter: Explicitly list the dates for each country to justify why you chose that embassy.
Get the Right Insurance for Multi‑Country Trips
Don't let a "Main Destination" error cause a rejection. Secure your verifiable, Schengen‑wide insurance certificate today for $5.
Get Insurance – $5 →