If you’ve established that you need to apply for a Visa to enter the Schengen Area, you need to familiarise yourself with the process. The earliest you can submit an application is six months before you intend to travel. Because it takes time to process all the documents, the latest you can apply is 15 working days before your departure. Ideally, you should submit your application about four weeks before you intend to travel.
You need to book an appointment and attend the relevant office in person bringing all the required documents and the right visa application fee.
General Rules
A Schengen Area Visa gives you access to 26 countries. To submit an application you have to attend the Consulate of the Schengen state you intend to visit. If you’re planning to visit several Schengen countries, lodge your application with the Consulate of the country where you intend to spend the longest time. Applicants who wish to spend equal amounts of time in several Schengen countries have to submit their application at the Consulate of the country they will enter first.
If in your country, the Schengen state of your choice does not have a Consulate, you should contact that country’s Immigration Office to find out where to lodge your application. You can check out the website of the country you plan on visiting to establish the relevant details.
Once you have identified the office you need to attend, book an appointment and gather all the required documents:
- Passport issued in the last 10 years with at least three months’ validity beyond the date of your leaving the Schengen Area. The passport must have at least two free pages.
- Completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form
- Separate application form for any person on your travel document. Applications for children under 18 must be signed by a parent or guardian.
- Photograph that complies with ICAO Standards
- You may be asked to give your fingerprints in countries operating the Visa Information System.
- General Visa fee of €80 for adults and €40 for children between 6 – 12 years
- Proof of medical insurance covering medical and hospitalisation as well as repatriation cost (including in case of death) with a minimum cover of 30,000 euros. The insurance has to be valid for your entire stay and the whole Schengen Area.
- Documents showing the purpose of your stay and proof of accommodation and means to support yourself during your stay
Check the document requirements on the website of the Consulate where you’re submitting your application. When processing your application, the Consulate may ask you for additional information or documentation. You may also be invited to an interview.
Generally, you can expect the result of your application within 15 days. In some cases, this period may extend to 30 or 60 days if the Consulate requires additional information.
Some Schengen Areas countries wish to be informed and consulted on visa applications that have been submitted. This process can take up to seven days and applies to applicants from countries on this list
Likewise, a Consulate may need to inform other Schengen states that a visa has been granted to citizens from the countries listed here.
Guidance on Required Docs