You’ll likely need a Schengen Visa when visiting Europe. The best thing about this visa is it allows you to visit several European countries in one trip. You can visit 29 countries to be exact – all belonging to the Schengen Area.
Sounds interesting, right? But before you get excited to embark on your European adventure, it’s worth knowing what a Schengen Visa is and how to apply for one. Here at Checklist Visa, we will guide you through everything you need to know about this visa, whether it’s your first time applying for one or looking for tips to increase your chances of getting approved.
What is a Schengen visa?
The Schengen Visa is a travel document allowing you to visit several countries in the Schengen Area. There are currently 29 Schengen Countries, including famous destinations like Spain, France, and Italy. With a Schengen Visa, you can travel and cross borders freely within these countries either for tourism, family visits, or business.
It is best to apply for the visa as early as possible – at least three weeks before your planned departure date. Thousands of people apply for a Schengen Visa daily, so it could take time to process it. If you can, apply six months in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the peak travel season in Europe. The visa will be valid for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Read about the EU Visa Policy to learn more about this.
Aside from the usual requirements of valid passport and completed application form, applying for a Schengen Visa will require you to submit flight bookings, proof of accommodations, evidence of sufficient funds for your trip, and other documents. If you will visit several countries, apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time or the first country of entry.
Countries Belonging to the Schengen Area
Here’s a list of countries that belong to the Schengen area. If you plan to visit these countries, you must apply for a Schengen visa.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Required Documents
Here are the usual documents required for a Schengen Visa application:
1. Valid Passport
The passport is the most important document when applying for visas. So, prepare your passport and check that it’s valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. Also, it must have been issued within the past ten years. The passport should also have at least two blank pages for the visa to be stamped.
2. Passport-Sized Photographs
You also need to submit two recent passport-sized photos. They should meet the Schengen visa photo requirements of 35mm x 45mm in size. Also, the background should be lightly colored.
3. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is another essential requirement for visa applications. It covers you in case of emergencies, such as hospitalization. For a Schengen Visa, the requirement is to get coverage of at least €30,000.
4. Proof of Financial Means
You also need to demonstrate you have the financial means to support your stay while traveling in Europe. For this, you need to submit any of the following documents:
- Recent bank statements
- Pay slips
- Proof of sponsorship (if someone else will sponsor your trip)
5. Proof of Accommodation
Another requirement is proof of accommodation arrangements during your stay in the countries you plan to visit. For this, you can submit hotel reservations or rental agreements. If you will stay with a friend or relative, you need to submit an invitation letter from that host.
6. Flight Booking
You will also be asked to submit a round-trip flight reservation and itinerary showing your travel plans in and out of the Schengen Areas.
7. Documentation Supporting the Purpose of Visit
Another important requirement is documentation to support your purpose of visiting the Schengen country. For example, your purpose of traveling is for business. In this case, you will need a letter from your employer explaining the reason behind the business trip.
On the other hand, if you are planning to visit family or friends, then an invitation letter from them is what you need to submit. And for those visiting for medical purposes, you need to submit a medical appointment.
8. Proof of Ties to Home Country
To increase your chances of getting approved for the Schengen Visa, you need to convince them that you don’t intend to overstay. Therefore, submit proof of ties to your home country. This can come in the form of employment contracts and property ownership documents.
9. Additional Documents
Depending on your situation and the purpose of the visit, you may be asked to provide additional documents, such as the following:
- Employment letter
- Tax returns
- Business registration (for self-employed individuals)
Application Process
To guide you through the process of applying for a Schengen Visa, here are the steps to follow:
1. Check if you are eligible
First, you need to check if you are eligible for the visa. Find out if you can provide the requirements mentioned above.
2. Prepare the required documents
If you’re eligible, prepare all the required documents. Be sure you have everything before you send in your application. Lack of documents is a common visa application mistake that could lower your chances of getting approved.
3. Fill out the visa application Form
You need to fill out the visa application form to start applying for a Schengen Visa. Double-check the details you entered to ensure they are correct and avoid delays in the processing of your visa.
4. Book an appointment
Next, schedule an appointment with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. If you’re visiting several countries within the Schengen zone, you can apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you will be spending the most time or on the first country you will visit.
5. Submit your application
Submit your application on your appointment date. Aside from the completely filled-out application form, attach all the required documents. You may also need to submit biometric data during your appointment date, such as fingerprints and photographs. Don’t forget to bring money to pay for the visa processing fee.
6. Attend interview (if necessary)
There are some cases that you will be asked to come for a visa interview as part of the visa application process. Be sure to show up for your scheduled interview.
7. Wait for the processing of your visa
After submitting your application, all you will need to do is to wait. It usually takes around 15 calendar days to process the visa, but could take longer during peak travel seasons. Once approved, they will send back your passport with a visa attached to it.
FAQs for Schengen Visa Application
How long does the Schengen Visa application process take?
The processing of Schengen Visa usually takes from 15 days up to a month. In peak seasons, it can take much longer. In case there are additional documents required, it will take more time as well. Therefore, it is recommended to apply at least three weeks prior to the intended visit. Notably, you can submit your application up to six months before your trip.
How long is a Schengen Visa valid for?
A Schengen Visa is usually valid for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that within 180 days, you are allowed to spend up to 90 days in Schengen countries, either continuously or spread out. The exact period will be marked on your visa sticker once you get your passport back. Some visas also allow multiple entries, allowing you to leave and re-enter within the 180-day period.
Can I extend my Schengen Visa?
Yes, one can extend their Schengen Visa but only under special circumstances such as medical emergencies and humanitarian reasons, and other serious circumstances. Application for the extension should be made to the immigration office of the country one is staying in prior to the expiry of the existing visa. There must be proof given to support the reason for the extension.
