Welcome to SchengenVisaInfo – The most comprehensive and up-to-date guide about Schengen Visas. Since 2013, we have guided more than 280 million individuals in understanding the EU travel entry requirements and visa application process in a very simple way.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a travel permit issued by Schengen Area members to third-country nationals listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 for short-term purposes, such as tourism or business trips. The Schengen visa holder can visit all 29 Schengen countries and stay for up to 90 days.
Which European Countries Issue Schengen Visas?
All European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement can issue a Schengen visa.
You can click on the relevant country for more information:
Apply for a Visa to Bulgaria
Bulgaria became a partial member of the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
Apply for a Visa to Liechtenstein
Currently, we do not have detailed information about Liechtenstein.
Apply for a Visa to Romania
Romania became a partial member of the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
To apply for a Schengen visa, follow these steps:
- Check if You Need a Schengen Visa.
- Find Out Where to Submit Your Application.
- Schedule an Appointment.
- Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application Form.
- Gather the Required Documents.
- Attend the Visa Interview.
- Pay the Visa Fee.
- Wait For an Answer.
Check if You Need a Schengen Visa
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:
- You are a passport holder of a country that has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.
- A citizen of a non-EU country that has reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, but you were rejected from entering the Schengen area visa-free.
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.
Visa Wizard
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Quick fact: In 2022, over 5.9 million people used their Schengen visas to travel to Europe.
>> Over 7.5 Million Schengen Visa Applications in 2022, Still 55% Fewer Than Pre-COVID
Find Out Where to Submit Your Application
According to the Visa Code, you have to file your Schengen visa application at one of the following:
- An embassy or consulate of the destination country.
- A designated visa centre authorised by the embassy of your destination country to handle visa submissions.
- The embassy or consulate of another Schengen state to which your destination country has delegated the responsibility for visa submissions.
You can find the contact details (address, working hours) of each consulate and embassy of the Schengen country on their official website.
- See in detail where you can submit your Schengen visa application
- Use our visa wizard to determine where to submit your application
What do I do if there is no embassy or consulate of a specific Schengen country in the country where I live?
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.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa in a country where I am not a resident?
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.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa online instead of showing up at the Application Center?
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
- your passport (where your visa will be attached if the application is successful),
- other supporting documents, and
- provide your biometric information (fingerprints).
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.
Schedule an Appointment
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.
Can I make the Schengen visa appointment online?
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.
Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application Form
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:
- Download the application form as a PDF file, fill it out, and print it.
- Complete the application form through a designated portal provided by the embassy.
- Complete the application form through a visa application centre.
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.
Gather the Required Documents
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:
- standard required documents and
- specific documents based on the purpose of your travel.
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.
Do I have to hand the documentation personally to the embassy/consulate?
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.
If I don't require a Schengen visa, do I still have to buy travel insurance for my Europe trip?
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.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for My Schengen Visa?
Yes, everyone who applies for a Schengen visa has to purchase a travel insurance policy—this is an essential part of the Schengen visa requirements.
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.
Attend the Visa Interview
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.
How long is the interview?
The interview may last around 10-15 minutes.
Can I bring someone with me to my Schengen visa 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.
Pay the Visa Fee
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 80 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 For an Answer
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).
How Long Can You Stay in Europe With a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen allows you to stay in Europe’s Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The exact number of days you can spend in the Schengen Area is stated on your visa sticker. The consular officer handling your visa application decides on the validity of your visa.
Depending on duration and validity, Schengen visas are categorised as follows:
- Single-entry visa. Allows you to enter the Schengen Area once, and remain there for the number of days permitted. Once you leave, you cannot re-enter.
- Double-entry visa. Allows you to enter the Schengen Area two times. In both entries, the number of days cannot exceed that stated on the sticker.
- Multiple-entry visa. Allows you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity. The total number of days on all combined entries cannot exceed the days stated on the visa sticker.
Double and multiple-entry visas follow the 90/180 rule, where the combined number of days you spend in the Schengen Area in all entries cannot exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
Calculating the 90/180 Rule
If you are unsure about the 90/180 rule and about how long you can stay in Schengen with a visa, you can use our handy Schengen Visa Calculator. Just enter the entry and exit dates of all your trips to the Schengen Area since you got your visa, and see how many days you have left.
Is It Possible to Extend a Schengen Visa?
It’s possible to extend a Schengen visa only in exceptional circumstances. For example, for
- humanitarian reasons (e.g., you’re undergoing medical treatment in Schengen or there is a family emergency which prohibits you from leaving),
- due to a force majeure (e.g., natural disaster, war, civil unrest),
- or other compelling personal reasons.
You cannot extend a Schengen visa past its validity simply because you want to stay longer in Europe. If you have a valid reason for staying in a Schengen state for longer than your Schengen visa’s validity, then you should apply for the appropriate national (long stay) visa, such as a work visa, study visa, etc.
For What Travel Purpose Are Schengen Visas Issued?
Schengen visas are issued for the following travel purposes:
- Tourism and holidays.
- Business trip.
- Visiting friends and family.
- Attending cultural, religious, or sports events.
- To transit in a Schengen airport (A type visa).
- Official visits.
- Medical treatment.
- To attend a short-term study course or for research purposes.
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.
Can I transit through a Schengen airport without a visa?
Transit rules differ between countries. Some nationalities can transit without a visa, while others always require one, even for a short layover. Always check the rules for the specific airport you’ll be using.
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) vs. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)
- The Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) is the commonly-issued type of Schengen visa—it allows the holder to enter all Schengen States during the visa’s validity period.
- The Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) on the other hand, is typically issued in specific cases, such as for humanitarian reasons, for reasons of national interest or due to international obligations. It allows the holder to visit only the Schengen State which issued the visa, or only the specific Schengen States mentioned in the visa sticker.
Can I travel to multiple Schengen countries with one Schengen visa?
Yes, if you have a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) you can travel to any of the Schengen Area countries as long as you don’t exceed the maximum stay.
Travelling to the Schengen Area
After you obtain your visa, you can travel to the Schengen Area within the dates specified in your visa sticker.
You should keep in mind the rules about entering the Schengen Area, as well as a set of required documents you may need to present to be allowed to enter. For more detailed information, read the following articles:
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to book an appointment for my Schengen visa application?
The earliest you can file a Schengen visa application is six months before you start your planned trip. The latest you can file a Schengen visa application is at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
The recommended time to file a Schengen visa application is at least one month before your trip.
My passport will expire within 6 months of my planned trip. Can I still apply for a Schengen visa?
According to the Schengen visa code, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa if my passport expires in two months?
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.
What happens if I lose my passport while in the EU/Schengen Area?
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately for assistance in obtaining a replacement travel document.
I have a Schengen visa but will be arriving a couple of days later than my stated entry date. Is that a problem?
Minor delays are usually okay. However, extremely late entry or significant changes to your plans might raise questions at border control.
Latest Updates & Insights
Data Protection
Your personal data during the visa application process is protected and stored in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation).
Legal Base
- Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 amending Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).