How to Apply for a Schengen Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows travelers to enter and move freely within the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. With a Schengen visa, you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

Here are some key points about the Schengen visa:

1. Countries Included: The Schengen Area includes these 29 countries:
   1. Austria
   2. Belgium
   3. Bulgaria
   4. Czech Republic
   5. Croatia
   6. Denmark
   7. Estonia
   8. Finland
   9. France
   10. Germany
   11. Greece
   12. Hungary
   13. Iceland
   14. Italy
   15. Latvia
   16. Liechtenstein
   17. Lithuania
   18. Luxembourg
   19. Malta
   20. Netherlands
   21. Norway
   22. Poland
   23. Portugal
   24. Romania
   25. Slovakia
   26. Slovenia
   27. Spain
   28. Sweden
   29. Switzerland

    

2. Types of Visa: There are different types of Schengen visas, including:
   • single-entry visa – allowing you to enter the Schengen area once;
   • multiple-entry visa – allowing several visits to the Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid;
   • airport transit visa – allows you to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights. It does not allow you to leave the international transit area.
3. Application Process: Applicants must submit their visa application to the consulate or embassy of the Schengen country they plan to visit first or stay the longest. For example:
   • Visiting more than 1 Schengen country: apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time.
   • Visiting several Schengen countries (for stays of equal length): apply at the consulate of the first country you will visit.

   As a general rule, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate with territorial responsibility for the country where you are legally resident.

4. Requirements: Generally, you will need a valid passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, and sometimes an itinerary. See details below:
   • A valid passport. The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, the expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited.
   • A visa application form.
   • A photo in compliance with ICAO standards.
   • Medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in the event of death).
   • Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means and accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
     • Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).
     • Details of how to provide Proof of accommodation: Proof of Accommodation for Visa Application

     The consulates may also request additional documents.

5. Processing Time: The standard processing time for a visa application is 15 days. However, this period can be extended to as much as 45 days if there is a need for a more thorough review of the application and supplementary documents.

If you’re planning a trip to the Schengen Area, be sure to check the specific requirements and regulations for the country you intend to visit!

6. How much does a visa cost?