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A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows its holder to travel to all member countries of the Schengen area. The Schengen area consists of 27 European countries that have agreed to abolish their internal borders and allow travelers to travel between these countries without having to check borders. This visa is issued for short-term trips (usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

What do you know about the Schengen visa?

Schengen member countries

The Schengen visa includes 26 European countries that are members of the Schengen area. These countries are:

Austria

Belgium

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Note:

3 countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union, but are members of the Schengen area.

2 countries: Ireland and the United Kingdom are members of the European Union, but are not members of the Schengen area.

The United Kingdom has left the European Union.

Schengen Visa Exempt Countries

Here is a list of Schengen visa exempt countries:

Albania

Andorra

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belgium

Belize

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Canada

Cape Verde

Chile

China

Colombia

Comoros

Costa Rica

Cote d’Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Estonia

Fiji

Finland

France

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Types of Schengen Visas

Schengen visas are divided into several categories based on the purpose of travel:

Tourist visa: for traveling to Schengen countries for tourism, visiting family or friends.

Business visa: for attending business meetings, conferences or meeting business partners.

Study visa: for students who plan to study in one of the Schengen countries.

Medical visa: for people traveling to Schengen countries for medical treatment.

Business visa: for people who plan to travel to Schengen countries for business activities.

Requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa

You must provide various documents to obtain a Schengen visa. These documents usually include the following:

Visa application form: The visa application form must be completed completely and correctly.

Valid passport: a passport that is valid for at least three months and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Passport photo: A recent photo that meets Schengen visa standards.

Financial documents: Proof of financial means to cover travel expenses, such as bank statements, employment letters, or other financial documents.

Travel insurance: Insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation to the country of origin in the event of accidents or illness.

Travel documents: Such as plane tickets, hotel reservations, itinerary, and an invitation from an individual or organization in the destination country.

Reason for travel: Depending on the type of visa, various documents are required to prove the purpose of the trip, including invitations or educational certificates.

How to apply for a Schengen visa

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must first select the country where you plan to spend most of your time (this country is called the “main destination country”). This country is usually the Schengen country where you will spend most of your stay. If the duration of your stay in several countries is the same, you must apply in the country of first entry.

After selecting the main destination country, you can apply through the embassy or consulate of that country in your home country. Some countries also use the services of a Visa Application Center where you can submit your application.

Schengen Visa Fee

The Schengen visa fee is usually around 80 euros for adults. This amount can be lower for certain groups, such as children, students, or people applying for humanitarian purposes. Additional fees may also apply for various services (such as receiving a visa at a Visa Application Center).

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Schengen visa application is usually 15 working days, but in some cases it may be longer or shorter. Therefore, it is recommended to submit your application at least 3 weeks before your travel date. Processing time may be longer if the documents are incomplete or if additional checks are required.

Entry Requirements for Schengen Countries

Once you have received your Schengen visa, you can enter any of the Schengen countries you wish. When you arrive in your destination country, you may be asked to provide additional documents such as a return ticket, proof of residence or other relevant documents. If you have been granted a visa by a Schengen country, you are free to travel to other countries in the region.

Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection

Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection can be numerous, but they can generally be divided into the following categories:

Insufficient documentation:

Incomplete submission of required documents

Submission of forged or counterfeit documents

Submission of invalid or out-of-date documents

Lack of financial means:

Insufficient documentation to prove financial means

Insufficient bank account balance

Insufficient permanent employment or sufficient income

Insufficient detailed travel itinerary:

Insufficient information about travel itinerary

Insufficient hotel or accommodation reservation

Insufficient flight ticket

Insufficient proof of intention to return:

Insufficient attachment to the country of origin

Insufficient documentation to prove intention to return

A history of asylum or illegal residence in other countries

Insincerity in providing information