The Schengen agreement allows people to move freely within the countries part of the Schengen area. This European zone is the biggest territory in the World where people can travel freely without border control (between 2 Schengen member States) and with a common external border (between a Schengen country and a non-Schengen country). However, beware! You must still meet certain conditions to enter and travel within the Schengen area.
If you are a citizen of a country subject to visa requirement or if the duration of your stay demands it, you need to apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy/consulate of the country you wish to visit or at a visa application centre.
You will hand in your visa application file during an appointment with the relevant services that will transfer your request.
Depending on the country and time of year (Christmas, summer holidays, etc.), the processing time can take from 3 days to a month.
What are the requirements to enter the Schengen area?
The requirements to enter the Schengen area differ depending on your nationality:
If you are a citizen of a Schengen/EU country
If you are not a citizen of a Schengen/EU country
If you are the holder of a residence permit issued by a Schengen country
If you are a Schengen/EU country national
You can cross the external borders of the Schengen area by simply presenting a valid ID card or passport.
If you are not a Schengen/EU country national
There are 2 types of situations:
- For citizens of many countries, a Schengen visa is compulsory to visit or travel through any country in the Schengen Area.
Here’s the list of countries subject to Schengen visa obligation.
When you arrive in your first Schengen country, you must be able to present to border police: your valid passport with your Schengen visa + documents justifying the reasons of your stay in the Schengen area, the proof of your financial means to cover your needs during your stay as well as of your return trip to your country of origin. - There are currently 61 non-Schengen countries whose nationals don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen area.
However, their stay mustn’t exceed 90 days over a 180-day period and they still need to meet compulsory entry requirements: a valid passport, proof of their reasons for travelling and sufficient financial means.
More importantly, they mustn’t be the subject of a refusal of entry alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Beware! Starting mi-2025, travellers who do not need a Schengen visa will need to fill out an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This security control system analyses the data of each applicant and determines if they are authorised or not to enter the countries of the Schengen area.
If you are the holder of a residence permit issued by a Schengen country
You can enter the Schengen area and travel through its different member States to reach the country which has issued your residence permit. You must be able to present your valid passport and residence permit upon request by authorities.
Important!
While travel insurance is compulsory to obtain your Schengen visa, it is also highly recommended for all travellers.
Find out why AXA Schengen travel insurance is the best choice for you and your loved ones.
Related Articles
- What are the different types of Schengen visas?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Schengen Visa?
- How can I extend a Schengen visa?
- How can I track the status of my Schengen Visa?
FAQ
Is my driver’s licence enough to prove my identity?
No, a driver’s licence is not considered as sufficient ID documentation. Only valid passports or ID cards are accepted at border control.
Where should I apply for my Schengen visa if I want to visit several Schengen countries?
You need to apply at the consular authorities of the Schengen country where you will stay the longest. If you are planning to stay for the same amount of days in each Schengen country, then you need to apply in the first country you are going to visit.
Should I buy my plane ticket before or after obtaining my Schengen visa?
After. You will however need to provide proof of your reservation of a return ticket on the scheduled date and enclose it with your application file.
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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances
AXA Schengen Low Cost
AXA Schengen Low Cost is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).
AXA Schengen Europe Travel
AXA Europe Travel is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Low Cost.
AXA Schengen Multi Trip
AXA Multi Trip is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Multi Trip for different countries during 90 days.