How to apply for a Schengen visa from Egypt

Egyptians who want to visit the Schengen area will need to apply for a Schengen visa from Egypt beforehand. A Schengen visa is therefore required for Egyptians looking to enter most major European countries, including Germany, Italy, and France. If you are an Egyptian citizen or resident who is thinking about travelling to one of these countries – or to any of the 26 states that make up the Schengen area – read on to learn about the Schengen visa application process! 

Which Schengen country should I apply to?

• In almost all cases, Schengen visas are valid for entry to all 26 countries in the Schengen area. This means, for example, that if you apply for a Schengen visa to France your visa will also allow you access to Germany, should you decide to go there as well. 
• However, because Schengen applications are lodged with a single Schengen country, you will need to decide which country you want to apply through. 

Check this link to Know How to apply for a Schengen visa

• As a rule, you should apply through the country you plan on spending the most time in on your trip. If you only plan on going to one country in the Schengen area, you will simply apply through that country. 
• If you are going to more than one country, you should apply to the country you plan to be in the longest. For example, if you are travelling to the Schengen area mainly to attend a sporting event in Germany but you will also spend several days in France, you should apply for a German Schengen visa. 
• This same rule applies to applicants who are first entering the Schengen area from a different country from the one they applied for. For example, if your flight into the Schengen area is from Cairo to Paris, you should still apply for a German Schengen visa even if France is your first entry in the Schengen area.   

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa?

• Schengen visa Egypt applicants should apply via the embassy or consulate of the country they are applying to. 
• Most European countries have embassies and consulates located in either Cairo or Alexandria. 
• Additionally, some European countries have outsourced the Schengen visa application process to visa service providers, which also have offices in Cairo and Alexandria. Contact the embassy/consulate of the country you are trying to apply through for specific information on where to apply. 

When do I apply for My Visa? 

• Apply for your Schengen visa from Egypt no earlier than 6 months before you travel and no later than 2 weeks before your journey. 

How long is my Schengen visa valid for?

• Schengen visas are valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you must leave the Schengen area after 90 days.           
• In addition to the number of days you are allowed in the Schengen area, your visa will be valid for use (i.e. valid to enter the Schengen area with) for over 90 days-often for around 180 days. For example, if your visa is valid for 180 days, this means you have 180 days to use it before it expires. Once you enter the Schengen area with it, you must leave after you have spent 90 days there.                                                                                                 

Read How to extend Your Schengen visa

What type of Schengen visa do I need?

• The type of visa you apply for depends on your purpose for travel, and the purpose you select will determine the materials you will submit as part of your application process. 
•  There are multiple different types of Schengen visas which you can choose between based on your reason for travel. (Click here for a full list of Schengen visa types).
• For example, if you are travelling to the Schengen area in order to visit family and friends, you should apply for a “Visiting Family or Friends Schengen Visa.” 

How many entries do I need?

• Schengen visas from are available for single, double, or multiple entries to the Schengen area. 
• If you plan on entering the Schengen area only once on your trip, and don’t need to return to the area after exiting during your visa period, you should apply for a single-entry Schengen visa. 
• If you need to enter and exit the Schengen area more than once throughout your visa period, you should apply for either a double or multiple entry Schengen visa.
•  For example, say you enter the Schengen area and spend 30 days in Germany before deciding you want to go back to Egypt for a bit to visit your family before once again returning to the Schengen area. In order to accomplish this scenario, you must have at minimum a double entry Schengen visa, which will allow you to return to the Schengen area once you leave. If you possessed a single-entry visa in the above scenario you would not be able to return to the Schengen area once you left. (Click here for more information on Schengen entries). 

Schengen visa from Egypt fees

• The standard cost of a Schengen visa is 80 euros per applicant. 
• Certain applicants, such as children under 12, are exempt from all Schengen visa Egypt fees, while others are eligible for reduced fees. (Click here for more information about Schengen visa fees). 

Do I need to apply in person?

• Most Egyptian Schengen visa applicants must apply in person at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center they are apply through. 
• Appearing in person is particularly necessary for those who have never submitted their biometric information before (fingerprints and photo), i.e. those who have never before applied for a Schengen visa. 
• If your information is already in the system and/or you travel frequently to the Schengen area, you may be exempt from appearing in person.  

Do I need to make a Schengen visa appointment?

• Different embassies/consulates have different rules for Schengen visa applicants when it comes to Schengen visa appointments. Most applicants from Egypt will need to lodge their Schengen visa application in person at either the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the country they are applying to. 
• If you must apply in person you will likely have to make an appointment beforehand. Most appointments can be scheduled online via the website of the consulate/embassy you are applying through. 

Schengen visa application form for Egypt 

• The Schengen visa application form for Egypt is available for download here. 
• The basic Schengen visa application form is harmonized for all applicants, meaning applicants from Egypt and all countries can all use the same form to apply for a Schengen visa to whichever country they want to visit.
•  Depending on which country they are applying to, Schengen visa applicants from Egypt may be asked to fill out an online application form, accessible via an online link from that country’s respective embassy or consulate. 

Required documents for Schengen visa from Egypt 

• All Schengen visa applicants must supply certain basic documents, including a passport, passport photos, and proof of travel medical insurance.
• You should make copies of all these documents and bring the copies as well as the originals with you to your Schengen visa appointment. (Click here for a full list of required documents).

Travel insurance for Schengen visa from Egypt

• Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of travel medical insurance as part of their application.  
• Travel insurance for Schengen visa Egypt applicants is meant to provide you medical coverage in the event that you experience a medical emergency while on your trip. 
• At minimum, the insurance you obtain must cover you for potential costs of up to 30,000 EUR and be valid throughout the entirety of your trip. 

How long does it take to get one?

• The processing time for Egyptian Schengen visas is usually two weeks, although it can take as long as 30-60 days in extraordinary cases.