A common question among travelers holding a Schengen visa is whether they're required to first enter the Schengen Area through the country that issued their visa. Understanding the rules and potential consequences is crucial for hassle-free travel.
What Does the Schengen Visa Regulation Say?
According to Schengen rules, you're generally expected to apply for a visa from the country you'll be spending the most time in. If you'll spend equal time in multiple countries, apply through your first port of entry country.
However, you're not strictly obligated to enter the Schengen Area through the issuing country. Technically, you can enter through any Schengen member state, provided you clearly demonstrate at border control that your primary destination aligns with your visa application.
Practical Recommendations:

• Always try to enter via the country issuing your visa to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.
• If entering another Schengen country first, ensure you have documentation clearly supporting your primary destination and travel itinerary, such as hotel bookings, event tickets, or official invitations.

Possible Consequences if Rules are Ignored:

• Additional questioning and extended waiting at border checkpoints.
• Potential denial of entry if border officers suspect discrepancies in your stated travel intentions.
• Negative impact on future visa applications if officers suspect misuse of visa rules.

Real-Life Scenarios:
Travelers frequently encounter stricter questioning when entering a Schengen country different from the issuing one. For example, having a visa issued by France but entering through Germany might prompt German border officials to request proof (hotel reservations, flight tickets, etc.) demonstrating France as your main destination.
How to Avoid Issues:

• Ensure you have documented proof (hotel reservations, itinerary, return flights, invitations) to support your stated travel plan.
• Clearly articulate travel intentions to border officials if asked.
• Ensure your documents match your original application (travel itinerary, proof of accommodation).

Conclusion:
While not strictly mandatory to enter the Schengen Area through your issuing country, it's highly recommended for a smoother experience. Adequate preparation and clear documentation of your itinerary significantly reduce the risk of issues at border control.