A Schengen visa allows you to visit all 27 countries within the Schengen area. Initially, the necessity of obtaining the visa may vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. However, after crossing the border into your initial destination country, you likely won’t need to present your paperwork again throughout your travels.
The process of applying for and, particularly, acquiring a Schengen Visa can be somewhat laborious. Furthermore, depending on your precise point of departure and destination, the likelihood of approval can vary significantly.
For this reason, we will guide you through the essential steps to apply for a Schengen visa, aiming to reduce the reliance of your Schengen visa application process on mere luck.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is an entry permit for a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days within any 180 days. It can be acquired as a single-entry visa, permitting entry to the Schengen area once, or as a multiple-entry visa, allowing several visits to the Schengen area for the duration of its validity.
There are four primary categories or types of Schengen Visas: A, B, C, and D. The most common type is the Uniform Schengen Visa, which includes categories A, B, and C. It grants you an airport transit visa and permits you to stay in any Schengen Zone country for up to 90 days within six months. This visa is suitable for short vacations or trips to Europe.
The category D visa, on the other hand, is for individuals wishing to study, work, or reside in a Schengen country for longer than 90 days (up to 1 year). Holders of such visas are permitted to travel to and stay in the Schengen area outside of the initially chosen Schengen country for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days and throughout the entire validity period of their visa.
Who needs a Schengen Visa?
You need a Schengen visa if you’re travelling to multiple Schengen zone countries. Furthermore, the visa is necessary for citizens of countries without a visa waiver agreement with the EU. If you meet specific conditions, you’re exempt from needing a Schengen Visa.
Application process
The application process for a Schengen visa includes the following steps:
- Determine where to submit your application.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Complete the Schengen visa application form.
- Gather all the necessary documents.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Make the visa payment.
- Await a response.
Determine where to submit your application
You are required to submit your Schengen visa application to one of the following locations:
- The embassy or consulate of the destination country.
- A designated visa centre is authorised by the embassy of your destination country to process visa applications.
- The embassy or consulate of another Schengen state delegated by your destination country to handle visa submissions.
Schedule an appointment
Upon determining the submission location, you need to schedule an appointment. In most cases, appointment booking is conducted online, as many embassies, consulates, or visa application centres provide a dedicated website or portal for this purpose. It is important to note that certain embassies require appointments to be made exclusively through their official website.
Appointment availability is contingent upon the embassy/consulate and the time of year (for instance, demand tends to increase before summer or holidays). You should inquire about appointments at least two months before your intended travel date.
Complete the Schengen visa application form
Typically, you can complete your visa application form online. Regardless of the country’s visa you’re applying for, the Schengen visa application form maintains a consistent format, although the method of completion may vary. Options include:
- Downloading the application form as a PDF file, filling it out, and printing it.
- Completing the application form through a designated portal provided by the embassy.
- Completing the application form through a visa application centre.
To ensure smooth processing and avoid any irregularities, be sure to carefully read the instructions on how to fill out the Schengen visa application form. This will enable you to complete the form accurately.
Gather all the necessary documents
You must collect all the documents necessary for a Schengen visa and submit them along with the visa application form.
The exact documents required may vary depending on the type of trip and the processing method of your application. Nevertheless, the requirements are generally similar, regardless of the purpose of your travel. Below are the documents you’ll need to apply for your visa:
- A visa application form
- A valid passport is required, and it must remain valid for at least three months after you leave the Schengen area, including in cases of multiple-entry visas.
- A photograph that meets International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
- Proof of your financial capacity for your stay, along with documents supporting the purpose of your visit, evidence of accommodation, and an indication of your intent to return to your home country following your stay.
- Medical insurance covering emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
- Additional documents required by the consulates.
Attend the visa interview
When you submit your application online, you will need to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints) by scheduling an appointment. On the day of your scheduled appointment, you should show up on time and bring all the required documents.
There may be a short interview during which you will be asked questions about the intended trip, travel details, and personal matters such as your work and family. Ensure your answers are clear, accurate, and consistent with the information provided in the application form and other documents. The interview typically lasts around 10–15 minutes.
Make the visa payment
There is a non-refundable administration fee, and the payment method varies depending on the specific embassy or visa application centre. The standard fee for a Schengen visa application is 80€, but certain groups may be eligible for reduced fees or exemption from payment based on their circumstances.
For example, applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus will be charged 35€, while those from Cabo Verde will pay 60€. Additionally, children aged six to twelve are required to pay 40€, while those under six are completely exempt from fees. It’s important to note that visa fees are consistent across all member countries.
Await a response
While the visa application is typically processed within 15 days, there are instances where this duration can be significantly extended, up to 45 days, depending on various factors. If your application is approved, you will receive a Schengen visa with the type and validity determined by the consular officer, allowing for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Takeaway
A Schengen visa allows unrestricted travel within the Schengen area, encompassing 27 European countries. Non-EU citizens, whether exempt from or requiring a visa, can stay in the Schengen zone for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.
Schengen visas are classified as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas. Initially, these visas have limited validity, but subsequent visas can be valid for durations ranging from 90 days to 5 years.
Understanding how to navigate the application process is essential to avoiding visa refusals. If you are unsure how to begin your application or need advice on the right type of Schengen visa to apply for, consider consulting an immigration expert.