If you need a Schengen visa to visit Europe, understanding how to navigate the application process is key.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the necessary steps to apply for a Schengen visa, from determining your eligibility and identifying the right type of visa for your needs to preparing for your visa interview and understanding the associated fees.
To apply for a Schengen visa, follow these steps:
Not everyone needs a visa to travel to the Schengen Area. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality.
You have to apply for a Schengen visa when travelling to any member of the Schengen zone if:
According to Article 3(5) of the Visa Code, some categories of individuals are exempt from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa.
If in doubt, you can also use our visa wizard, crafted by SchengenVisaInfo experts, to determine if you require a Schengen visa. Additionally, it helps you find the correct embassy, consulate, or visa application centre where you can submit your Schengen visa application.
I am a citizen of:
I am travelling to:
I am travelling from:
Have you ever been denied entry into the Schengen Area?
Do you hold a valid residence permit of ?
According to the Visa Code, you have to file your Schengen visa application at one of the following:
You can find the contact details (address, working hours) of each consulate and embassy of the Schengen country on their official website.
In such an instance, you will most likely need to submit your application at another Schengen country’s embassy or consulate, which handles visa applications on behalf of the Schengen country you wish to visit.
Yes, you can apply for a Schengen visa in a country where you are not a resident, but it’s typically harder and requires strong reasons to do so.
One reason could be that there is no representation of the Schengen State you want to visit in your residence country, so you have to travel to a neighbouring country. However, if this is not the case, you must prove your legal status in that country and explain why you’re applying there instead of your home country.
Currently, you cannot apply for a Schengen visa entirely online. In most cases, you can fill out the application form and schedule an interview appointment online.
Sometimes, you can even attach electronic copies of the documents online. However, in accordance with Articles 35 and 36 of the Visa Code, on the date of your visa interview, you still have to show up in person at an embassy/consulate or visa application centre to submit
The rules may differ depending on the specific Schengen embassy or consulate abroad. Always make sure to check in with the relevant authority in charge of your visa application.
Once you’ve figured out where to apply for the Schengen visa, the next step is booking an appointment. Usually, you can do this online through the embassy, consulate, or visa application centre’s website. Some embassies will not accept an appointment unless it is done on their official website.
Available slots depend on the EU/Schengen embassy/consulate, as well as the time of year (e.g., ahead of the summer or holidays, there will be more demand).
Based on our experience, we strongly suggest that you inquire about appointments at least one month before you plan to travel.
No, you typically cannot apply for a Schengen visa online. However, many Schengen countries have a designated online platform where you can fill out the application form for a Schengen visa as well as schedule your visa appointment.
This online application process may vary, so check the specific consulate or embassy website of the Schengen country you plan to visit for instructions.
Once you complete the online application, you are still required to submit the printed application form together with the required documents to the respective embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you want to visit.
You can typically fill out your visa application form online.
The Schengen visa application form has the same format, no matter which country’s visa you are applying for, although the method of completing it may differ. You may have to:
To avoid any irregularities during the processing, make sure you read the instructions on how to fill out the Schengen visa application form. This way, you will be able to complete the application form correctly.
If you are a minor, your parents have to submit a written consent and sign it in the corresponding column of the application form.
You must gather the list of documents required for a Schengen visa and submit them together with the visa application form. Applications with missing documents will not be accepted.
They typically fall into two categories:
Keep in mind that certain countries might request additional documents. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the embassy of the respective Schengen Member country to ask for instructions.
Yes. When applying for the visa, you should bear in mind that you have to personally hand in the required documents once you have made an appointment at the embassy/consulate.
Tourists and visitors from countries with visa-free access to Europe are not mandated, but it is strongly recommended to obtain travel insurance for their trip to Europe.
The insurance policy must cover medical emergencies up to at least €30,000 and cover you for the entire period of stay in the Schengen area.
Although the application form can be filled out online, you still have to submit your application in person because you also have to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints). So, on the day of your scheduled appointment, show up on time and bring all the required documents.
There may be a short interview, where you will be asked questions about the intended trip and other travel details, as well as personal questions (such as about your work, family, etc). Make sure your answers are firm and correct and that they comply with the information in the application form and the other documents.
The interview may last around 10-15 minutes.
While it is possible to bring someone with you to your Schengen visa appointment, it’s important to understand that typically, only the visa applicant is allowed to enter the visa application area. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Minors (aged 17 or younger) are permitted to have one parent accompany them.
Additionally, adult visa applicants with special needs or disabilities are allowed to have one person accompany them, and elderly visa applicants aged 80 or older can also be accompanied by one person during their appointment.
You have to pay a non-refundable administration fee when applying for a Schengen visa. The payment method depends on the specific embassy or visa application centre.
The application fee for a Schengen visa is 90 EUR, but certain categories may qualify for reduced fees or exemption from payment, depending on their circumstances. For example, children between the ages of six and twelve will need to pay 40 EUR, whereas children under six are entirely exempt from payment.
The visa fees are consistent across all member countries.
Wait until you get a response on your visa application. Although, in most cases, it takes no more than 15 days to process a visa, there are times when this process takes quite much longer. That period can be extended from 15 to 45 days, depending on different circumstances.
If approved, you will receive a Schengen visa with a type and validity as determined by the consular officer (no more than 90 days).
The process for applying for a Schengen visa is the same, regardless of what your travel purpose is. While you are completing the visa application form, you just have to specify the reason why you are requesting the Schengen visa:
What might differ between countries is the document checklist that you must present together with your Schengen visa application form.
In instances where the specific Schengen country you wish to visit does not have an embassy or consulate in your country, there is no cause for concern. Such situations are often managed by representatives from another country’s embassy or consulate who handle visa applications on behalf of the Schengen country in question—in addition to their own duties—ensuring that applicants can still obtain the necessary visa.
Yes, you can apply for a Schengen visa in a country where you are not a resident, but it’s typically harder and requires strong reasons for doing so. One reason could be that there is no representation of the Schengen State you want to visit in your residence country, so you have to travel to a neighbouring country.
However, if this is not the case, you must prove your legal status in that country and explain why you’re applying there instead of your home country. Each consulate has its own rules, so it’s important to check their specific requirements.
No, you typically cannot apply for a Schengen visa online. However, many Schengen countries have a designated online platform where you can fill out the application form for a Schengen visa as well as schedule your visa appointment. This online application process may vary, so check the specific consulate or embassy website of the Schengen country you plan to visit for instructions.
Once you complete the online application, you are still required to submit the printed application form together with the required documents to the respective embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you want to visit. You must do this in person because you will be required to submit your biometric information as well (visa photo and fingerprints) on the day of your appointment.
While it is possible to bring someone with you to your Schengen visa appointment, it’s important to understand that typically, only the visa applicant is allowed to enter the visa application area. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Minors (aged 17 or younger) are permitted to have one parent accompany them.
Additionally, adult visa applicants with special needs or disabilities are allowed to have one person accompany them, and elderly visa applicants aged 80 or older can also be accompanied by one person during their appointment.
As a general rule, it’s not possible. Your passport should have an expiration date that is at least 3 months after your planned return from the Schengen State. However, the Consulate may make exceptions to this requirement in specific emergency situations.
Yes. When applying for the visa, you should bear in mind that you have to personally hand in the required documents once you have made an appointment at the embassy/consulate.