When to Apply for a Visa Before You Travel

Applying too early may not be possible, and applying too late can mean missing your trip. The right timing depends on the country, the travel season and the appointment slots available.

In this guide, from Almorad, a visa office in Riyadh, we set out when to apply for each destination according to official pages, and the best order between your visa and your bookings. Rules change, and we checked the official pages in October 2026, so contact us to confirm the latest updates before you apply.

Schengen: From Six Months to 15 Days Before Travel

The European Commission says to apply at least 15 days before your journey and no earlier than six months beforehand. The German Federal Foreign Office also says you may apply up to six months before the start of the visit.

The EU page says processing normally takes 15 days and can extend to 45 days if further examination or documents are needed. Because a fingerprint appointment may not be available immediately, it is better not to wait until the last two weeks.

The same page requires a passport that expires at least three months after your departure date. For details, see Schengen visa documents and how to choose which country to apply to.

United States: Start Early and Watch Interview Wait Times

The US State Department says interview wait times vary by location, season and visa category, so you should apply early. Its wait times page adds that the estimate can change from week to week and advises checking the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Before that you need to complete the form; see the US tourist visa from DS-160 to the interview and common DS-160 mistakes.

China, Thailand and Brazil

These countries publish their rules and timelines on official pages, and we do not state durations here that we have not verified.

• China: the embassy states that it has not accepted ordinary passport applications directly since 29 August 2024, and applications go through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Riyadh. See China tourist visa for Saudis and the Canton Fair invitation.
• Thailand: entry and visa requirements are published on the Thai e-Visa portal and they change. See do you need a visa for Thailand.
• Brazil: information is published on the Brazilian Foreign Ministry visa page. See Brazil visa for residents of Saudi Arabia.

Peak Seasons and Passport Validity

Official sources, such as the US page, warn that appointments are affected by season. In Saudi Arabia demand usually rises before holidays and travel seasons, so book your appointment earlier in those periods.

Also check your passport validity before any other step. Schengen requires three months beyond departure, and in Almorad's practice we may ask for more depending on the destination, so check the requirement of the country you apply to.

Visa First, Then Non-Refundable Bookings

This is practical advice, not an official rule: do not pay for non-refundable tickets or hotels before the visa decision. The embassy decides, and a refusal or delay can cancel the trip. For Schengen booking and insurance requirements, see travel insurance, hotel booking and itinerary.

Suggested Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply for a Schengen visa?

No earlier than six months before the trip and at least 15 days before it, according to the European Commission. It is better to leave extra time for appointment availability.

How long does Schengen processing take?

The EU page says normally 15 days, and up to 45 days in some cases.

Should I book tickets before the visa?

Our advice is not to pay for non-refundable bookings before the decision, and the decision remains with the embassy.

How early should I apply for a US visa?

The State Department sets no fixed period; it says to apply early and check wait times for the location where you will apply.

Does timing differ if I am a resident?

The official application timing is the same, but residents need, in our practice, extra documents such as the residence permit and Absher report, so start early to prepare them. See also the difference between visa types.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

Plan your trip with our team through our Schengen, United States, China, Brazil or Thailand services, browse visa services, or message us on WhatsApp. You may also want to read bank statement and employment letter for visas.