Schengen Visa Application Form: A Step-by-Step Guide
NAME: Bogdan Kamuta
DATE: 01/10/2024
Filling out a form is rarely fun. And when being granted a travel visa depends on that form — it can be downright nerve-racking. Nevertheless, if you’re applying for a Schengen visa any time soon — then filling out and submitting the proper paperwork is essential. That’s why AXA has compiled the comprehensive, step-by-step guide to filling out a Schengen visa application form below!
- What is the Schengen Visa (and why do I need one)?
- Introduction to the Schengen Visa Application Form
- 10-Step Guide to Filling out the Schengen Visa Application Form
- More Tips and FAQs about the Schengen Visa Application Form
- How to apply for a Schengen visa from abroad
- How else can AXA help with my Schengen Visa application?
What is the Schengen Visa (and why do I need one)?
Let’s start by understanding why you might need to fill in that form in the first place. The majority of Europe today comprises what’s known as Schengen countries and non-Schengen countries. And citizens of Schengen countries (and/or the European Union) can travel to, from, and throughout all Schengen countries visa-free.
However, most travelers who are not citizens of the Schengen Area (and/or the EU) do need a visa* to enter and/or cross any of its many borders. That visa is none other than a Schengen visa.
*PRO-TIPS: If you’re filling out a Schengen visa application form, then chances are you probably already know the basics.
Nevertheless, AXA can also gladly tell you all you need to know about
- who needs a Schengen visa
- who doesn’t need a Schengen visa
- the different types of Schengen visas,
and more (below).
Introduction to the Schengen Visa Application Form
A properly filled out and submitted Schengen visa application form is the very first crucial step in your overall Schengen visa requirements. But although a bit tedious, it is usually a relatively simple, standardized document.
The form typically consists of around 32-40 questions* in total. These cover personal details like passport information, travel plans, financial means, and so on.
And to begin the visa application process, applicants must complete, sign (attaching all necessary documents — such as passport copies, travel insurance certificates, and itinerary), and submit it to the relevant authorities
PRO-TIP: You can find an official version of the Schengen visa application form for free on the European Union’s official visa page (and/or on the official websites of Schengen countries' embassies or consulates — but more on that below too). Make sure you use one form per applicant!
*IMPORTANT NOTE: The European Union provides one standardized version of the form on its website. However, other forms may be found through various other entities (such as official Schengen country embassies, consulates, websites, and/or accredited visa application centers). And while most of these cover more or less the same information, the formatting — such as the actual number of corresponding questions, etc. — may vary slightly.
10-Step Guide to filling out the Schengen Visa Application Form
Filling out a Schengen visa application form is actually fairly straightforward. However, it does require accuracy and attention to detail. So follow our easy step-by-step guide below — with all 32 corresponding questions (as presented by the EU’s official version) — to make sure you don’t miss anything!
Step 1: Gather your docs and get the Application Form
Get out your passport, itinerary, and all other relevant info (contacts, etc.) and documents (more on those below). Then access, download, and/or print the Schengen visa application form. Make sure it’s the latest version, and for the country you want (if applicable). And then start checking those boxes!
Step 2: Fill in your personal information (Questions 1-10*)
Provide your current surname (question 1), birth surname(s) (question 2), and first name(s) (question 3) as they appear on your travel document.
Add your date, place, and country of birth (questions 4, 5, and 6).
Indicate all nationalities you currently hold (question 7).
Select your sex (question 8) and civil (aka marital) status (question 9).
*Question 10 (when filing on behalf of minors): provide the info above for the parental authority/legal guardian of the applicant — i.e., surname, first name, address (if different from applicant’s), telephone no., e-mail address, and nationality.
Step 2: Provide travel document* details (Questions 11-18)
Provide your National Identity Number if applicable (question 11).
Fill in your passport type (question 12) and number (question 13), as well as its date of issue (question 14), date of expiry (question 15), and issuing authority (question 16).
*If not a passport, you’ll need to specify the travel document type.
Questions 17 and 18: If applicable, you’ll also need to fill in the personal data and your relationship to the family members who are citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland (aka CH) that invited you.
Step 4: Enter your contact information (Question 19-20)
Include your home address*, email address, and telephone number (question 19).
*If residing in a country other than your nationality, provide details of your residence permit or visa (question 20).
Step 5: Specify your Job and/or School (Questions 21-22)
Indicate your current occupation (question 21), your employer, and your employer’s address and telephone number. For students, fill in the name and address of your educational establishment (question 22).
Step 6: Purpose and duration of your trip (Questions 23-27)
Next, indicate the purpose of your journey — e.g., tourism, business, etc. (question 23), as well as any additional info, if necessary (question 24).
Then list the Schengen country/countries you wish to visit (question 25) and your first point of entry (question 26), followed by the number of entries you are requesting, and your arrival/departure dates (question 27).
PRO-TIPS: AXA can also help you understand the Schengen visa first point of entry rules, as well as learn more about the multiple entry Schengen visa and Schengen visa validity.
Step 7: Previous Schengen Visa application info (Questions 28-29)
Indicate whether you’ve had your fingerprints collected before and, if so — when, as well as your previous Visa Sticker Number (question 28).
Enter the relevant entry permit info if applicable (question 29).
Step 8: Inviting person/organization details (Questions 30-31)
If applicable, include the personal info of the person(s) inviting you to the Schengen Member State (question 30) and/or the relevant inviting company/organization info (question 31).
Step 9: Financial means (Question 32)
And, finally, specify your intended financial means of support when in the Schengen — i.e., cash, traveler’s cheques, credit card, etc. (question 32).
Step 10: Date and sign the Form
Double-check that all the info above is accurate, make sure you read the subsequent fine print — and you’re good to go! Then simply sign* and date your application form, and it’s ready for submission.
*IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: Make sure your signature matches the one in your passport!
What other documents do I need for my Schengen Visa?
And speaking of which, here’s a quick checklist of what other documents* you’re going to need — aside from your passport and the application form itself, that is — to ensure you’re as ready as can be for your Schengen visa application. And don’t worry, we’ve compiled detailed, comprehensive guides to understanding each one too:
- Your Itinerary
- An invitation letter to the Schengen area
- Proof of means of subsistence
- A no-objection letter
- Proof of accommodation
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Since no two Schengen visa applications are ever the same, the actual amount (and type) of paperwork you’ll need may vary slightly depending on your particular situation. So always double-check with the proper channels (i.e., the European Commission and the official websites/consulates/embassies of both your home and Schengen destination countries).
FAQs and tips about the Schengen Visa Application Form
And now here are a few common questions (and general tips) about the form in question:
When should I apply?
You can apply up to six months before and no later than two weeks before your planned travel date.
PRO-TIP: However, keep in mind that it’s best to get the ball rolling as early as possible — to make sure you have all your documents and contacts in order and up to date.
Can I fill out the Schengen Visa Application form online?
Yes, most embassies and consulates offer online application forms that you can fill out (and/or download and print).
PRO-TIP: However, keep in mind that you will need to come in for an in-person interview (and biometric collection) at some point to complete your Schengen visa application process.
How many photos do I need to submit with my application?
You will need to submit two identical photos.
PRO-TIP: And AXA can also tell you more about the Schengen visa photo requirements too.
What is the validity of the passport I need to submit with my application? ?
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen area.
Do I need to submit proof of my return ticket with my application?
Yes, you will need to provide proof of your return ticket (or onward travel).
Do I need to provide proof of travel insurance?
Yes, you will need to provide proof that you have the proper Schengen travel insurance (but more on that below too!).
How to apply for a Schengen visa from abroad
AXA can also happily speed up your Schengen visa application process tenfold with these comprehensive step-by-step guides for specific countries to apply both to and from.
PRO-REMINDER: The basic 10-step application guide (and EU form) above will generally apply to all Schengen countries universally. However, you can often find individual Schengen visa application forms — for example, a German Schengen visa application form — by visiting either the official embassy website and/or visa application platform of your Schengen destination country (which AXA will usually have links to).
How to apply FOR a specific Schengen country
So here’s how to get a visa (and, again — if applicable — the corresponding Schengen visa application form) for the individual Schengen countries themselves:
So that’s the Schengen Area itself. But AXA can also help you with dozens of comprehensive, step-by-step guides on how to get a Schengen visa FROM your particular country. So click around!
How else can AXA help with my Schengen Visa application?
Well, by ensuring that you have both the mandatory and proper, top-quality, affordable Schengen travel insurance when applying.
Because — while you might not need it on the application form itself — having the proper travel insurance is mandatory* for being granted a Schengen visa.
*PRO-TIP: And that’s before you start your actual application process!
Not only that, but your plan must adhere to a certain set of criteria.
Fortunately, all three AXA plans — Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet those requirements (and then some).
Moreover, if your Schengen visa is denied, AXA will refund you in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation — that is an official explanation as to why your visa was refused.
So compare our three comprehensive plans
and get a free Schengen Travel Insurance quote today.
With AXA, you are not only in good hands throughout your Schengen journey — but you also have one less big Schengen Visa application requirement to worry about before you apply!
RELATED ARTICLES:
FAQ
How much does the Schengen visa application form cost?
The application form itself is usually free. However, the Schengen visa itself is not — and AXA can tell you all about Schengen visa costs too.
What if I make a mistake on my Schengen Visa application form?
Minor mistakes — such as spelling — may sometimes be corrected on the physical form before (or even during) submission. However, you'll need to fill out a new form before your appointment at the consulate or visa application center if the mistake is significant (such as passport numbers, etc.).
Can I apply for a Schengen visa if I have a previous visa rejection?
Yes. However — depending on your particular situation — you may be asked to provide additional documentation explaining the reasons for the previous rejection.
Explore our different AXA Schengen coverages
The best value for money, tailored to your budget and needs.