All you need to know about Schengen visa

The Schengen Area is composed of 29 member countries in Europe (as of 2024), with 25 within the European Union and two from the European Free Trade Association. These states have abolished internal border controls between member countries. It has around 400 million inhabitants and includes tourist hotspots and countries with business hubs such as France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. To enter and travel within the area, citizens of foreign states without visa-free travel arrangements must apply for a Schengen Visa :

• Who should apply ?
• What type of visa to apply for ?
• How and where to submit your application?
• When to apply for a Schengen Visa ?
• How much does a Schengen Visa cost and how long does it take before I get an answer ?

This guide is designed to answer every possible question you could have about applying for a Schengen Visa.

Getting a Schengen Visa - the basics

• Schengen Area: What is it?

All you need to know about how the Schengen Area came to exist, and what it means for travelers to countries signed up to the agreement.

• Which countries are not part of the Schengen Area?

Everything you need to know about which European countries are not part of the Schengen Area - so are not part of the Schengen Visa scheme.

• What is the Schengen Visa?

Details on what a Schengen Visa is, as well as basic details on the application process and what you may need to do when applying.

• Who needs a Schengen visa?

An explanation of who needs to apply for a Schengen Visa when traveling to European states within the Schengen Zone.

• How to apply for a Schengen Visa?

A detailed explanation of all the steps you need to go through in order to successfully get a Schengen Visa.

• Where can I find the Schengen Visa application form?

Links to a Schengen Visa application form as well as details of where to apply on various countries’ visa application services.

• How much does a Schengen Visa cost?

Details on how much a Schengen Visa will cost you, as well as other costs associated with a Schengen Visa application.

• What are the different types of Schengen Visas?

Details of all the different types of Schengen Visa you can apply for and what one may be right for your trip.

• What is a short-stay visa?

A detailed explanation of what the short-stay Schengen Visa is, what it allows you to do, and how to apply.

• What is a multiple-entry Schengen Visa?

A detailed explanation of what the multiple-entry Schengen Visa is, what it allows you to do, and how to apply.

• What is a Schengen work visa?

A detailed explanation of what the Schengen work Visa is, what it allows you to do, and how to apply.

• What is a Schengen business visa?

A detailed explanation of what the Schengen business visa is, what it allows you to do, and how to apply.

• What is a Schengen student visa?

A detailed explanation of what the Schengen student visa, what it allows you to do, and how to apply.

• Which countries are easiest to obtain a Schengen Visa from?

Some tips on the countries that make it easiest to apply for a Schengen Visa and those that grant them more readily than others.

• How to visit or stay with your partner living in the Schengen Area ?

I'm not a citizen of a Schengen country and I want to visit my partner who lives there, how can I do this ? You will likely need to apply for a Schengen Visa - unless your home state has a visa-free travel arrangement with the European Schengen states.

Detailed advice on your Schengen Visa application and using a Schengen Visa

• What are the documents required when applying for a Schengen Visa?

A list of all the documents you need to supply along side your Schengen Visa application, and an explanation of what needs to be included in these documents.

• What are the photo requirements for a Schengen Visa?

Details of the requirements for the photographs you must supply alongside a Schengen Visa application.

• How to get a travel insurance policy for your Schengen Visa?

Advice on what you will need from the travel and medical insurance that is obligatory when applying for a Schengen Visa.

• What is a no objection letter?

An explanation of what you, your employer, or educational institution needs to include in a no objection letter provided to those overseeing a Schengen Visa application.

• What is a Schengen invitation letter?

An explanation of what you, your employer, or educational institution needs to include in an invitation letter provided to those overseeing your Schengen Visa application.

• What is proof of accommodation for a Schengen Visa?

Details of what you need to include when proving you have accommodation to those overseeing your Schengen Visa application.

• What is a flight itinerary for a Schengen Visa?

An explanation of what you need to include with a flight itinerary provided to those overseeing your Schengen Visa application.

• What is means of subsistence for a Schengen Visa?

Details of what you need to include when proving you have means of subsistence to support yourself during your trip to those overseeing your Schengen Visa application.

• How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?

Details of how long it will take to apply for, and process your Schengen Visa application.

• How long is the schengen visa valid?

We answer questions on the length of validity of Schengen Visas - and how long you will be able to stay depending on what visa you apply for.

• Can you extend a Schengen Visa?

Information on how to extend a Schengen Visa during your trip, should this be required.

• What is ETIAS?

A guide to the European Travel Information and Authorization (ETIAS) system, when it will be implemented, and what it will mean for travelers from different states.

• What are the first port of entry rules for a Schengen Visa?

An explanation of the rules for the first port of entry in the Schengen Area - and what this means for travelers beginning their trip to Europe.

• How can I track my Schengen Visa status?

Important information and links showing you how to track and check up on your Schengen Visa application after it has been submitted.

• How to read a Schengen Visa sticker?

A guide on how to read your Schengen Visa sticker - so you do not get caught out during your trip.

• What changes are new for the Schengen Visa in 2020?

Details of the changes to Schengen Visa rules and costs happening in 2020 - including changes to the cost of a Schengen Visa.

• What are the biometric passport rules for the Schengen Area?

A guide to the biometric passport rules for the Schengen Area, such as what biometric data you will need to supply, including fingerprints, when making your application.

• What do I need to know about renewing a visa when living in a country in the Schengen Area ?

If you are already living in a country in the Schengen Area, but are a non-citizen, then you will have previously applied for a residency permit or work visa. These differ from Schengen visas, which only allow you to stay for a limited period (90 days in one visit) in the area. Unlike Schengen visas, the conditions and processes vary from country to country, in accordance with their particular immigration policies. The most common reasons for being approved for a residency permit are for work, study, or family reasons. The process and requirements of renewing your visa will depend on the status of your current visa.

• How to stay and work in the Schengen area after a student visa?

A guide for people who have finished studying in the Schengen Area on a visa that expires soon, and who wish to stay in the Schengen area after their studies for work.

Schengen countries - how to apply for visas

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Austria

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Austria - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Belgium

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Belgium.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Czech Republic

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to the Czech Republic - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Croatia

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Croatia - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Denmark

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Denmark.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Estonia

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Estonia - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Finland

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Finland.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit France

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to France - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do. We also published a travel and safety guide in case you are wondering how safe France is.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Germany

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Germany.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Greece

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Greece - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Hungary

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Hungary.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Iceland

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Iceland - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Italy

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Italy. We also published a travel and safety guide in case you are wondering how safe Italy is.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Latvia

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Latvia - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Liechtenstein

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Liechtenstein.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Lithuania

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Lithuania - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Luxembourg

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Luxembourg.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Malta

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Malta - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit The Netherlands

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to The Netherlands.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Norway

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Norway - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Poland

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Poland.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Portugal

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Portugal - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Slovakia

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Slovakia.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Slovenia

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Slovenia - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Spain

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Spain.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Sweden

A guide to applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Sweden - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Switzerland

Explaining where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Switzerland.

Applying for a Schengen Visa from India

• Applying for a Schengen Visa in India

Easily understandable information on what you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from India.

• Where can I find the Schengen Visa application form for India ?

A guide and links informing you about where you can find forms that will allow you to apply for a Schengen Visa.

• How much does a Schengen Visa cost from India ?

Details about the fee you will need to pay when applying for a Schengen Visa, as well as other costs associated with your application.

• Where do I go to apply for a Schengen Visa in India ?

A guide on where you can and should apply for Schengen Visas in India - embassies, consulates, and visa application centers.

• Where do I go to apply for a Schengen Visa in Mumbai ?

A guide on where you can and should apply for Schengen Visas in Mumbai and its visa application centers.

• Belgium Visa India

A useful guide for those in India applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Belgium - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Czech Republic Visa India

Informing Indian citizens about where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to the Czech Republic from India.

• Denmark Visa India

A useful guide for those in India applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Denmark - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Germany Visa India

Informing Indian citizens about where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Germany from India.

• Greece Visa India

A useful guide for those in India applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Greece - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• France Visa India

Informing Indian citizens about where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to France from India.

• Iceland Visa India

A useful guide for those in India applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Iceland - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Italy Visa India

Informing Indian citizens about where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Italy from India.

• The Netherlands Visa India

A useful guide for those in India applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to The Netherlands - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Portugal Visa India

Informing Indian citizens about where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Portugal from India.

• Spain Visa India

A useful guide for those in India applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Spain - where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do.

• Switzerland Visa India

Informing Indian citizens about where to apply, what you will need, and what you will need to do when applying for a Schengen Visa when traveling to Switzerland from India.

Applying for a Schengen Visa from different countries

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Turkey

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Turkey - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from China

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from China - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Indonesia

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Indonesia - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Mexico

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Mexico - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Thailand

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Thailand - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Jamaica

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Jamaica - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from U.S.

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from the U.S. - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from U.K.

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from U.K. - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from the Philippines

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from the Philippines - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Peru

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Peru - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Jamaica

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Jamaica - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.

• Applying for a Schengen Visa from Saudi Arabia

A guide to all the information you need to know before applying for a Schengen Visa from Saudi Arabia - including where to apply, what to include, as well as other tips.