How to apply for a Schengen visa from Sudan

If you are Sudanese and you are planning a trip to Europe, you will almost certainly need a visa in order to enter most countries on the continent. While visa-free countries for Sudan passport holders include around 41 destinations across the world, none of those destinations are in Europe. Essentially, Sudan is one of the many countries that lacks visa-free access to the Schengen area; a bloc of 26 European states, which include some of the most visited countries on the continent. For most Sudanese travelers, the best type of visa for those who seek to visit multiple countries in Europe is the Schengen visa. The Schengen visa for Sudanese citizens and Sudan residents allows holders to enter and remain in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. If you are trying to get a Schengen visa as a citizen of Sudan, you will want to read today’s blog, which will cover everything you need to know about how to apply for a Schengen visa from Sudan. In addition to finding out how to submit your sudan visa application, readers will also learn about the Schengen visa requirements for Sudanese citizens and Sudan residents, Schengen visa fees from Sudan, and all other relevant information. 

Schengen visa for Sudanese citizens and Sudan residents

• Because the Schengen area does not include any visa-free countries for Sudan passport holders, those who wish to visit states like France, Germany, and Italy will need to apply for a visa in order to enter those places and Europe generally.  
• Applicants for Schengen visas apply through the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of one of the 26 Schengen states. 
• You should apply for your Sudanese Schengen visa through the country you intend to spend the most time in on your trip to the Schengen area. For example, if you are planning on visiting Germany and Spain, but you will be spending 30 days in Spain and only 10 days in Germany, you should apply for a Spanish Schengen visa. 
• If you are spending an equal amount of time in two or more countries, you should apply to the country where you will first enter the Schengen area on your trip. For example, if you will be spending 30 days each in both Germany and Spain, you will apply through whichever country you enter first (for example, if you are flying directly into Berlin from Khartoum, you should apply for a German Schengen visa). 
• Once you know what country you are applying through, you will locate the embassy, consulate, or visa application center that is processing Schengen visa applications for that country in Sudan. The majority of these entities will likely be located in Khartoum. 
• For example, the entity processing the French Schengen visa for Sudanese citizens and Sudan residents is France’s Embassy in Khartoum, similarly, applicants for Schengen visas from the Netherlands will through the Dutch Embassy, also in Khartoum. 
• Now that you know your country and specific application location, it’s time to consider the type of Schengen visa you will apply for. There is a diverse array of Schengen visas—the type you need is determined by your reason for travel. Types of Schengen visas include medical, business, and tourism; you should choose the type that best reflects your purpose for travel. For a full list of Schengen visa types, click here.
• Once you know the country, application location, and Schengen visa type to apply for, you should next consider number of entries you will need. Schengen visa entry categories include single, double and multiple. Keep in mind that applicants who receive a single-entry Schengen visa will only be allowed one entry to the Schengen area, meaning that if you leave the Schengen area for any reason during the 90 days in which your visa is valid, you will not be allowed back in should you attempt to re-enter (even if you have more time left on your visa). For this reason, applicants who anticipate entering, exiting, and returning to the Schengen area at least once before their final departure should seek, at minimum, a double-entry Schengen visa from Sudan.  
• Now that you know the country, application location, visa type, and entry category for your Schengen visa, you can follow the below steps to apply for the Schengen visa for Sudanese citizens and Sudan residents.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from Sudan

• 1. Determine when you are travelling 
  • If you want to get a Schengen visa as a citizen of Sudan, you should plan ahead so that you have everything together and are ready to apply before the deadline passes. 
  • The latest a candidate can apply for a Schengen visa is two weeks before his or her trip. If you have never before applied for a Schengen visa from Sudan (especially if this is your first trip to the Schengen area) we recommend you apply earlier than two weeks before you have to travel, in order to give yourself more time. 
  • Keep in mind that the process of acquiring the various documents and materials you need can take time. For example, if you are planning on applying for a Schengen tourist visa to visit a friend in France, your friend will need to send you a formal invitation (in the form of a letter) inviting you to the Schengen area. You will need to include this letter as part of your complete application. Similarly, make sure that your Sudanese passport is valid and has space for your Schengen visa prior to applying—if it’s expired, you will need to renew it prior to applying for your Schengen visa. 
  • However, while it’s good to apply early, there is such a thing as too early—in general, consular authorities will not accept applications for trips in advance of six months.  
• 2. Assemble your required documents 
  • Schengen visa requirements for Sudanese citizens and Sudan residents necessitate the submission of the following required documents:
    • Passport 
    • Two passport photos
    • Schengen visa application form 
    • Proof that you can financially afford your trip 
    • Proof of accommodation 
    • Proof that you have obtained travel medical insurance
    • Schengen visa fee (Schengen visa fees from Sudan are €80 EUR for most applicants, for more information on fees, click here)
  • In addition to the above required documents, Sudanese citizens and residents must submit additional materials based on the type of Schengen visa they are applying for. 
  • For example, if you are applying for a Schengen medical visa, you will need to submit an official letter from the hospital where you are having your procedure, attesting to your request for it. 
  • For more information on the specific supplemental materials related to visa types, click here.
  • Please note that most Schengen countries will require any of the above documents not written in their official language(s) be accompanied by a certified translation into that language (or into another commonly accepted language, like English). 
  • For example, if your friend writes you an invitation letter in Arabic, you will likely have to include a translation of that letter into French (if you are applying for a French Schengen visa) or German (if you’re applying for a German visa). Contact your application destination for information on language requirements for your Schengen visa application, and for all required and supplemental documents and forms. 
• 3. Access your application 
  • All Schengen visa applicants must fill out the basic Schengen visa form; how to submit your visa application depends on what country you are applying through, as different countries have different preferences. 
  • Depending on where you are applying, you may be encouraged to download the universal Schengen visa form, available here. If you are applying this way, you will fill out, print out, sign, and submit this form along will your complete Schengen visa application. 
  • Alternatively, you may be asked to apply through a country-specific visa portal, like France’s online visa portal, which is available for applicants applying to France. If you were applying for a French Schengen visa, you would create an account with your email and follow the steps to complete the application online. 
• 4. Make a Schengen visa appointment
  • Most Schengen visa applicants will need to make an appointment in order to submit their Schengen visa in person. 
  • If you are applying online, you will likely receive a prompt to make an appointment at your application location at the end of the online application process. 
  • If you do not receive such a prompt, or if you are not applying online, you should contact your application location and determine if you need to make an appointment in order to formally submit your Schengen visa application. 
• 5. Attend your Schengen visa appointment 
  • The majority of Schengen visa applicants from Sudan will need to formally submit their application in person, at their application destination. 
  • While you may be able to simply drop off your Schengen visa without making an appointment, most applicants must do so at their aforementioned, previously scheduled Schengen visa appointment. 
  • In addition to formally submitting your Schengen visa, your appointment is where you will have your photo and fingerprints (biometric information) collected, pay your Schengen visa fee (if you haven’t already paid it online) and attend a short visa interview. 
  • While those who make frequent trips to the Schengen area (and have previously and recently submitted their biometric information and sat for interviews) may be able to avoid making a personal appearance, the vast majority cannot avoid doing so. 
• 6. Await your decision 
  • Most Sudanese Schengen visa applicants will receive a decision in as few as 15 days, although rarely the processing time can be 30-60 days. 
  • Once approved, you can pick up your passport and be on your way. If rejected, you have the right to an appeal. For general information on appealing a rejected Schengen visa, click here.