If you are considering traveling to Europe and visiting different countries, you may need to apply for a Schengen Visa. The Schengen visa lets you travel within many European countries without any difficulties.
Nevertheless, the application process for a Schengen visa can be complicated. This article will provide you with the crucial information you need to know before applying for a Schengen visa.
Determine Which Schengen Visa You Need
First, you must determine the type of Schengen visa you want to apply for depending on the purpose of travel to the Schengen area.
In addition, determining which type of visa is appropriate for your trip also depends on the number of entries and countries you can visit. You can choose from the following visas:
- Uniform Schengen Visas (USV). There are three types of Uniform Schengen visas:
- Single-entry visa. With a single-entry visa, you can enter the Schengen Area only once and stay until your visa expires.
- Double-entry visa. With a double-entry visa, you will have another chance to go back to the Schengen Area within your visa validity.
- Multiple-entry visa. With a multiple-entry visa, you can enter the Schengen Area as many times as you want, but you should not violate the 90/180 rule.
- Limited territorial validity visas (LTV). With a limited territorial validity (LTV) visa, you can only travel within the Schengen member country where the visa was issued.
Collect the Necessary Documents
To apply for a Schengen Visa, you will need to provide various documents to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you are applying. These documents typically include:
- A Schengen Visa application form. To learn how to complete the Schengen visa application form, follow the link.
- Your valid passport.
- A photograph which follows Schengen visa rules.
- Schengen Travel Insurance, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 and valid in all the Schengen countries.
- Biometric data. You will have to submit your biometric data at the consulate of the Schengen member country. Your biometric data will be stored in the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS).
- Copies of your previous visas.
- A flight itinerary.
- A cover letter.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the Schengen Area.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of visa fee.
Additional documents. Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional documents. The specific additional documents that you may need to provide will depend on your individual circumstances and the purpose of your trip.
Determine Where to Apply for the Schengen Visa
The exact location where you need to submit your application will depend on the regulations in your country of residence and your destination country. You can apply at one of the following:
- An embassy.
- A consulate.
- A visa center that the embassy of your destination country has authorized to handle visa applications on their behalf.
- An embassy or consulate of another Schengen country that your destination country’s embassy has designated to handle visa applications on their behalf.
In addition, depending on your destination country, there are a few rules you must follow:
- If you are planning to visit only one Schengen country, then you need to submit your visa application at the embassy, consulate, or visa center of that country where you will be traveling.
- If you are planning to visit multiple Schengen countries and will be spending more time in one country than in others, you should submit your visa application to the consulate of the country where you will be spending the most time.
- If you are planning to visit multiple Schengen countries and will be spending an equal amount of time in each country, you should submit your visa application to the consulate of the country where you will be entering first.
Schedule a Schengen Visa Appointment
To schedule a Schengen visa appointment, you will need to contact the embassy, consulate, or visa center where you plan to submit your application. The appointment scheduling process may vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate. Some embassies and consulates allow you to schedule an appointment online, while others may require you to schedule by phone or email.
- To schedule an appointment online, you can visit the website of the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply and look for a link to schedule an appointment.
- If you need to schedule an appointment by phone or email, you can find the contact information for the embassy or consulate on their website or by contacting their customer service line.
Some tips for making the appointment process as smooth as possible are as follows:
- Check the embassy/consulate website for information on scheduling.
- Contact the embassy/consulate directly if you cannot find information online.
- Be flexible with your appointment date/time.
- Schedule your appointment as far in advance as possible.
- Have your personal and travel information ready when scheduling.
- Confirm your appointment ahead of time.
Attend the Schengen Visa Appointment
When you attend your appointment, you will go through an interview process. You may be interviewed by embassy or consulate staff about your travel plans, reasons for visiting the Schengen Area, and financial situation.
The interview is intended to determine the legitimacy of your intentions to visit and to verify that you are a genuine visitor. It is crucial to answer questions truthfully and precisely because providing false information can lead to the rejection of your visa application. Typically, a Schengen visa appointment lasts between 20 minutes to an hour.
Some of the questions you will be asked during the interview include the following:
- Why do you want to visit the Schengen Area?
- Which countries are you planning to visit, and for how long will you stay in each country?
- What is the purpose of your visit? Is it for business, tourism, or education?
- Do you have any prior travel experience? Have you visited any other countries before?
- Do you have any family members or friends living in the Schengen Area?
- Have you ever been denied a visa before?
- Are you planning to return to your home country after your trip?
Some tips for making the Schengen visa appointment as successful as possible are:
- Arrive on time and dress appropriately.
- Bring all required documents well-organized.
- Answer questions honestly.
- Be prepared to provide biometric data.
- Be polite and respectful to the staff.
- Bring extra copies of your documents.
- Stay calm and focused.
- Be prepared to pay the visa fee.
- Follow embassy or consulate instructions.
- Keep a positive attitude.
Pay the Visa Fee
When you submit your Schengen Visa application, you will also need to pay the visa fee. The visa fee is generally €80 for adults and €40 for kids aged 6 to 12. The Schengen member countries have agreed on a common visa fee structure, which means the fees are set and will not be changed without the agreement of the Schengen states.
When you pay the fee, you get a receipt. The fee is non-refundable, so be sure you meet all the requirements before you apply. Some people are exempt from the fee, like kids under 6, students and teachers, diplomats, and researchers doing scientific work.
Note: Some embassies require that you pay the visa fee before you attend your interview. Make sure you contact the embassy before you complete this step.
Wait for a Decision on the Schengen Visa Application
A Schengen visa application is typically processed within 15 calendar days. However, processing times may vary depending on the number of applications, the application’s complexity, and the applicant’s nationality. Sometimes, the processing time may be extended up to 45 calendar days.
If your Schengen Visa is approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport. The sticker will indicate the visa type, validity dates, and number of entries allowed. It is important to carefully review the sticker to ensure that all the information is accurate because if you overstay in the Schengen Area, there will be consequences .
What Happens if My Schengen Visa Application Is Denied?
If your Schengen Visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial . Depending on the reason for the denial, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply for a visa after addressing any issues that led to the denial.
If you believe that your application was denied unfairly or due to a mistake, you can file an appeal with the embassy or consulate that processed your application. The appeal process typically involves submitting additional documentation or evidence to support your case. For more information on how to write an appeal letter, read our article.
If you are not able to appeal the decision, you can reapply for a Schengen Visa after addressing any issues that led to the denial.
Can I Bring Someone With Me to My Schengen Visa Appointment?
Bringing someone with you to your Schengen visa appointment is possible, but only the applicant is permitted to enter the visa application area. However, there are a few exceptions for specific individuals who are permitted to accompany the applicant, including:
- For minors (17 or younger), one parent is allowed to accompany the applicant.
- For adult visa applicants with special needs or disabilities, only one individual is allowed to accompany the applicant.
- For aged visa applicants (80 years or older), only one companion is allowed to accompany them.
How Can I Check the Status of My Schengen Visa Application?
To check the status of your Schengen visa application, you can contact the consulate or embassy where you submitted your application. They can provide you with an estimated timeline for processing your application and let you know if any missing documents or issues need to be addressed.
Some consulates or embassies may also have an online system where you can check your application status. To see if this option is available, check the website of the consulate or embassy where you applied.
Furthermore, some tips for checking the status of your application are as follows:
- Check the embassy or consulate’s website or contact them directly via email or phone.
- Be patient and prepared to provide your application details.
- Check your email regularly, including your spam folder.
- Keep copies of your application and documents.
- Use the tracking number if one was provided.
By following these tips, you can stay informed about the status of your Schengen visa application and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.