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Schengen visa

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen area, per stay for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe. It allows its holder to enter, move freely inside and leave the Schengen area from any of the Schengen member countries. There are no border controls in the Schengen area.

However, if you plan to study, work or live in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa from that European country and not a Schengen visa.

List of Schengen Countries

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

Is The UK Part of The Schengen Area?

No. The UK is not part of the Schengen zone and therefore you are not allowed to enter the UK with a Schengen visa. UK residents may need to apply for a Schengen visa if they wish to travel from the UK to other EU countries.

Types of Schengen Visas

  • Tourist Visa: For tourism and leisure purposes.
  • Business Visa: For business-related activities.
  • Family Visit Visa: For visiting family or friends residing in the Schengen Area.
  • Student Visa: For short-term study programs, courses, or internships.
  • Transit Visa: For travelers passing through the Schengen Area en route to another destination.
  • Medical Visa: For receiving short-term medical treatment in the Schengen Area.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Valid Passport: Passport with at least two blank pages and validity of at least three months beyond your intended stay.
  • Purpose of Visit: Clear and justifiable purpose such as tourism, business, or family visit.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
  • Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing enough funds to cover the trip (typically €50-100 per day depending on the country).
  • Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid across the Schengen Area.
  • Return Ticket: Proof of return or onward travel within the visa’s validity.
  • Clean Criminal Record: Some countries may require a police clearance certificate.

Documents Required for a Schengen Visa

  1. Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the visa application form available on the official website of the embassy or consulate.
  2. Passport:
    • Valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.
    • Must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
    • Issued within the last 10 years.
  3. Two Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
    • Photos must be in color, with a white background, and taken within the last six months.
    • Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
    • Neutral facial expression, without glasses or headgear (unless for religious purposes).
  4. Proof of Accommodation:
    • Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host (if staying with friends or family).
    • Include full address and contact details of the accommodation.
  5. Flight Itinerary or Travel Reservations: Proof of round-trip flights or travel bookings, including dates and details of entry and exit from the Schengen Area.
  6. Travel Medical Insurance:
    • Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
    • Valid throughout the entire Schengen Area and for the full duration of the stay.
  7. Proof of Financial Means:
    • Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen Area.
    • A general guideline is around €50–€100 per day, depending on the country.
    • If sponsored by someone, provide a sponsorship letter along with the sponsor’s bank statements and proof of employment.
  8. Proof of Employment/Student Status:
    • For employed applicants: A letter from your employer stating your role, salary, and approval of leave.
    • For self-employed applicants: Business registration documents and a recent tax return.
    • For students: Proof of enrollment from the educational institution, along with a no-objection letter if applying during the academic year.
  9. Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): A letter detailing the purpose of your trip, your itinerary, and how you plan to support yourself financially during your stay.
  10. Proof of Civil Status: Marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, or other relevant civil documents.
  11. Previous Schengen Visas (if applicable): If you have previously been granted Schengen visas, include copies of these visas.
  12. Police Clearance Certificate (if required): Some embassies may request a criminal record check or police clearance for certain applicants.
  13. Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types:
    • Business Visa: Invitation letter from the company in the Schengen Area, stating the purpose of the visit.
    • Student Visa: Acceptance letter from the educational institution and proof of tuition fee payment.
    • Medical Visa: A medical report from a doctor and confirmation of treatment from the receiving medical institution in the Schengen Area.
The specific documents required, depending on the employment status of the visa applicant, are:

For employees

  • Employment contract
  • Current bank statement for the last 6 months
  • Leave the authorization of the employer
  • Income tax declaration form (ITR) or income tax certificate deducted at source from salary

For independents

  • A copy of your business license
  • Bank statement of the company for the last 6 months
  • Declaration of income (ITR)

For students

  • Proof of registration
  • No objection letter from school or university

For retirees

  • Pension statement for the last 6 months

unemployed and married to an EU citizen

  • Letter of confirmation of employment, dated less than three months, from their spouse’s employer indicating the position held within the company as well as the start date
  • Valid passport of the spouse
  • An official marriage certificate

Schengen visa for minors

Parents/legal guardians of minors applying for a Schengen visa must submit some additional documents for the minor applicant:

  • The birth certificate of the minor
  • Application form signed by both parents
  • Family Court Order – in cases where only one parent has full custody of the child
  • Certified copies of identity card/passport of both parents
  • A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/guardians if the minor is traveling alone
  • Specific documents required depending on the type of Schengen visa
  • In addition to all the above documents, depending on the type of Schengen visa you are applying for, several additional documents must also be submitted

Where to Apply?

You should apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where:

  • You will spend the most time, or
  • The first point of entry into the Schengen Area, if your visit is equally divided between multiple countries.

Application Process

  1. Determine Visa Type: Based on your purpose of visit.
  2. Gather Required Documents: Passport, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial proof, etc.
  3. Fill out the Visa Application Form: Available on the embassy’s official website.
  4. Book an Appointment: At the embassy/consulate or a visa application center.
  5. Attend Interview and Submit Biometrics: You will need to give fingerprints and a facial photo.
  6. Pay the Visa Fee: Fees vary depending on the visa type and applicant’s age.
  7. Wait for Visa Processing: Average processing time is around 15 days.

Visa Cost

Category Schengen Visa Fee (USD/€)
Adults (12 years +) €80 (approx. $85)
Children (6–11 years) €40 (approx. $42)
Children under 6 Free
Students May be reduced or free
Diplomats/Researchers Free

Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the consulate

Processing Time

  • Normal Processing Time: 10 to 15 calendar days.
  • Extended Processing Time: Up to 30 days if additional documentation is required.
  • Special Circumstances: In rare cases, processing can take up to 60 days.

Note: Processing times may vary based on individual circumstances and consulate

When Should I Apply for a Schengen Visa?

It is recommended to apply at least 15 days before your intended trip. You can apply as early as six months in advance for a Schengen visa and at least 3 weeks before your planned departure.

Top 10 Easiest Schengen Countries to Apply for Visa

Country Visa Approval Rate 
Lithuania 98.7%
Estonia 98.4%
Finland 98.3%
Iceland 98.2%
Latvia 98.1%
Slovakia 98.0%
Luxembourg 97.9%
Poland 97.8%
Czech Republic 97.6%
Switzerland 97.4%

Success Tips for Schengen Visa

  • Submit a Complete Application: Ensure all required documents are submitted and meet the consulate’s guidelines.
  • Provide Clear Travel Itinerary: Include details of flights, accommodation, and places to visit.
  • Strong Financial Proof: Submit recent bank statements showing enough funds to cover your trip.
  • Valid Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance meets the Schengen Area’s coverage requirements.
  • Early Application: Apply well in advance to allow time for any additional documents or clarifications.
  • Consistency: Ensure that all information in your application matches your supporting documents (e.g., travel dates, hotel bookings).

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