Complete Guide to Schengen Visa Requirements and Application Process
Everything you need to know about obtaining a Schengen visa for traveling to Europe
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows its holder to travel to any members of the Schengen Area, for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa has made traveling between its member countries much easier since you don't need to obtain individual visas for each Schengen country.
Schengen Area Countries
As of 2025, the Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries, including four which are not members of the European Union (EU). The most recent additions are Romania and Bulgaria, which joined in 2024-2025.
EU Member States (25 countries):
- 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia
- 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary
- 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia
- 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Non-EU Schengen Members (4 countries):
- 🇮🇸 Iceland and 🇳🇴 Norway (part of the Nordic Passport Union)
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland (joined 2008)
- 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein (joined 2011)
Types of Schengen Visas
The Schengen Area offers different types of visas depending on your purpose of visit and duration of stay. Here are the main categories:
Type A (Airport Transit Visa)
- Purpose: For travelers who need to pass through the international transit area of airports in Schengen countries
- Duration: Usually valid for a few hours up to a maximum of 24 hours
- Activities Allowed: Limited to airport transit zone only, no entry into Schengen territory
- Common Uses: Connecting flights requiring transit through a Schengen airport
Type C (Short-Stay Visa)
The most common type of Schengen visa, with several subcategories based on purpose:
Tourist Visa (C-1)
- Duration: Up to 90 days within 180 days
- Purpose: Tourism, leisure, vacation
- Key Requirements: Hotel bookings, travel itinerary, return tickets
Business Visa (C-2)
- Duration: Up to 90 days within 180 days
- Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs
- Key Requirements: Business invitation, company letter
Visit Visa (C-3)
- Duration: Up to 90 days within 180 days
- Purpose: Visiting family or friends
- Key Requirements: Invitation letter, proof of relationship
Medical Visa (C-4)
- Duration: Based on treatment duration
- Purpose: Medical treatment or consultation
- Key Requirements: Medical documents, hospital appointment
Cultural/Sports/Film Crew Visa (C-5)
- Duration: Event duration (max 90 days)
- Purpose: Cultural events, sports competitions, film shooting
- Key Requirements: Event registration, official invitation
Study/Training Visa (C-6)
- Duration: Course duration (max 90 days)
- Purpose: Short courses, training programs
- Key Requirements: Course registration, institution letter
Multiple Entry Options
Type C visas can be issued with different entry options:
- Single Entry: Allows one entry during the visa validity period
- Double Entry: Permits two entries during the validity period
- Multiple Entry: Allows unlimited entries during the validity period, while respecting the 90/180 days rule
Important Note about the 90/180 Days Rule
The 90/180 days rule means you can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to all Type C visas regardless of the subcategory. The 180-day period keeps "rolling" forward, so you need to continuously check your compliance.
Long-Stay Visas (National Visas)
For stays exceeding 90 days, you need to apply for a national visa (Type D) directly from the specific Schengen country where you plan to stay. These visas are issued for purposes such as:
- Work (employment, self-employment)
- Study (university education)
- Family reunification
- Research
- Permanent residence
National visas are governed by individual country laws rather than Schengen regulations.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Recent passport-size photos
- Travel insurance (minimum coverage €30,000)
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
- Employment status proof
- Travel itinerary
Application Process
- Determine which embassy to apply at (usually the country where you'll spend the most time)
- Gather all required documents
- Schedule an appointment at the appropriate embassy or visa center
- Pay the visa fee
- Attend the visa interview
- Wait for processing (usually 15 calendar days)
Visa Fees
The standard Schengen visa fee structure (as of 2025):
- Adults: €80
- Children (6-12 years): €40
- Children under 6 years: Free
Processing Time
The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days. However, this can extend to 30-60 days in certain cases, especially during peak season or if additional documentation is required. It's recommended to apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but not earlier than 6 months before.
Important Tips
- Apply well in advance of your planned travel date
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate
- Provide genuine and verifiable information
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
- Have a clear and realistic travel itinerary
- Ensure your travel insurance meets Schengen requirements