Is it hard to get Spain visa multiple entries?

Question

I have never applied for a Schengen visa before and have been staying in the UK for 5 years. I'm from Vietnam.

I am applying for one and plan to go to Spain for 4 days on 17th September. I would also like to go to France 2 weeks after the trip to Spain. And to Italy 2 weeks after France.

A multiple entries Schengen visa would be ideal since it would take me 6 weeks in total to apply for any Schengen visa (book appointment, wait for 4 weeks processing time) . But they ask for the 'duration for stay, visa is requested for ___ days'. Should I write 4 days or 90 days?

Also should I buy tickets and book hotels before applying for the visa?

Should my travel insurance only cover the trip to Spain or for France and Italy as well?

I'm very confused and don't know what to do. Help would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advace ^^

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You have to buy a ticket but only refoundable because if you visa denied you can ask for a refound.

Answer 2

Book your trip and hotels in advance ONLY if they are refundable should your application for a Schengen Visa be denied.

Furthermore there is no real determined time for the application so it could take from 2 to 9 weeks or even more.

Also you will have to write the dates for the entire trip: if you only write for four dates you will not be allowed to remain in the Schengen space after those four dates and you might risk losing rights to go back to the UK; especially since you only have a residence permit for the UK.
Then I suggest that you write 90 days.

Get a travel insurance which will cover you for your entire journey: from Spain to Italy.

For more information contact the Spanish Embassy.