# Schengen Visa Application

Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (up to 90 days in any 180): choose the right consulate, prepare documents and insurance, attend the appointment, pay the fee and collect your passport. Consulate procedures vary by country.

- Europe · Visa
- 8 steps · ~23 days · 7 documents
- Last reviewed: 2026-10
- Web page: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_SCHENGEN_VISA_EU

## Steps

### 1. Check if you need a visa and where to apply (1 day)

A Schengen visa allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area for tourism, business or family visits. First check whether your nationality needs one; holders of a residence permit from a Schengen country do not need a visa for short trips within the area.

Apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time; if stays are equal, apply to the country you enter first. Apply in your country of legal residence.

Country specifics: The Schengen area includes most EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Ireland and the UK are not in Schengen: a UK or Irish residence permit does not replace a Schengen visa, and UK and Irish residents who need one apply at the relevant consulate or visa centre in London or Dublin. Cyprus is not yet a full Schengen member. Long stays for work or study need a national visa instead.

Tip: Since October 2025 the Entry/Exit System registers your fingerprints and photo at the border on first entry, so allow extra time.

Online: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en

### 2. Gather your visa documents (2 days)

Collect the documents every consulate asks for, then check the specific list of the consulate you apply to. Incomplete files are a common reason for refusal.

Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, be valid at least three months after you leave the Schengen area and have two blank pages. Travel medical insurance must cover at least 30,000 EUR, be valid in all Schengen states for the whole stay and include repatriation.

Country specifics: Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands publish their own checklists by nationality on their embassy or visa-centre websites; some require documents in their language or English, others accept translations only. Business trips need an invitation letter; family visits may need a formal invitation or sponsorship declaration.

Tip: Book refundable accommodation and a flight reservation, not non-refundable tickets.

Documents: Valid Passport (issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages), Travel Medical Insurance (min. 30,000 EUR), Bank Statements (proof of funds)

### 3. Check every requirement before the appointment (1 day)

Go through the consulate checklist line by line and put the documents in the order they ask for. Bring originals and one set of copies.

Country specifics: Most consulates use the harmonised application form; some, such as France via France-Visas, require you to complete it online first. Photos must meet ICAO biometric standards (usually 35x45 mm, recent, plain background). Minors need consent from both parents.

Tip: Explain gaps or unusual points, such as a recent job change, in a short cover letter.

- [ ] Application form completed and signed
- [ ] Biometric photo meeting the consulate's specification
- [ ] Passport and copies of previous visas
- [ ] Travel medical insurance certificate (minimum 30,000 EUR)
- [ ] Flight reservation and accommodation or invitation letter
- [ ] Proof of funds: bank statements for recent months
- [ ] Employer letter with approved leave, or proof of studies or business
- [ ] Proof of ties to home: residence permit, family, property or job

Documents: Schengen Visa Application Form, Biometric Passport Photo, Travel Medical Insurance (min. 30,000 EUR), Bank Statements (proof of funds), Flight Reservation and Accommodation or Invitation, Employer Letter or Proof of Studies

### 4. Book the visa appointment early (1 day)

Book an appointment at the consulate or its external visa centre. You can apply up to six months before travel and must apply at least 15 days before; in busy seasons book as early as possible, as appointments can be weeks away.

Country specifics: Many consulates outsource appointments to external service providers such as VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS International, which charge a service fee on top of the visa fee. Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands list the provider for each country on their embassy websites. Frequent travellers with a good visa history can ask for a multiple-entry visa.

Tip: Only book through the link on the embassy's official website to avoid fake appointment sites.

Documents: Valid Passport (issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages), Schengen Visa Application Form

### 5. Pay the visa fee (1 day)

The Schengen visa fee is harmonised: 90 EUR for adults and 45 EUR for children aged 6 to under 12, while children under 6 pay nothing. It is paid when you apply, often in local currency, and is not refunded if the visa is refused.

Country specifics: Some groups are exempt or pay less, such as students on study trips, researchers and nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement. External visa centres add a service fee, which may not exceed half of the standard visa fee.

Tip: Ask the visa centre which payment methods it accepts before the appointment day.

Fee: €90 (Schengen visa fee (adult); 45 EUR for children aged 6 to under 12, free under 6; visa-centre service fee extra)

### 6. Attend the appointment and give biometrics (1 day)

Go to the consulate or visa centre on time with your full file. Staff check your documents, take your fingerprints and photo, and keep your passport while the application is processed.

Country specifics: Security rules differ: many centres do not allow large bags or electronics inside. Some consulates may invite you to an interview or ask for extra documents later. Keep the receipt with your reference number to track the application online.

Tip: Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early; late arrivals may need to rebook.

### 7. Track your application (15 days)

Decisions are normally made within 15 calendar days; this can be extended to 45 days when extra checks are needed. Track the status online with your reference number.

Country specifics: Each visa centre has its own tracking page and will tell you when your passport can be collected or will be couriered. If your visa is refused, you receive a standard form explaining the reasons and how to appeal under the law of the issuing country.

Tip: Do not make non-refundable bookings until the visa is in your passport.

### 8. Collect your passport and check the visa (1 day)

When you collect your passport, check the visa sticker immediately. Mistakes are much easier to fix before you travel.

Country specifics: The sticker shows the validity dates, the number of entries and the number of days allowed. A visa issued by one Schengen country is valid for the whole area unless it says otherwise. At the border you may still be asked for insurance, accommodation and proof of funds.

Tip: Keep copies of your insurance and bookings in your hand luggage.

- [ ] Check your name, passport number and date of birth on the sticker
- [ ] Check the from and until dates cover your whole trip
- [ ] Check the number of entries and permitted days
- [ ] Carry insurance, bookings and proof of funds when travelling
- [ ] Count your days so you stay within 90 days in any 180

## Documents you'll need

- **Valid Passport (issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages)**: Must be issued within the last 10 years, valid at least three months after you leave the Schengen area and have at least two blank pages.
- **Schengen Visa Application Form**: The harmonised form, signed by the applicant. Some consulates require it to be filled in online on their own portal first.
- **Biometric Passport Photo**: Recent photo meeting ICAO standards, usually 35x45 mm on a plain light background. Check the consulate's exact specification.
- **Travel Medical Insurance (min. 30,000 EUR)**: Must cover emergency treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation for at least 30,000 EUR, in all Schengen states, for the whole stay.
- **Bank Statements (proof of funds)**: Shows you can pay for the trip. Each Schengen country sets its own reference amount per day; check the consulate's guidance.
- **Flight Reservation and Accommodation or Invitation**: Shows your travel dates and where you will stay. A host may need to provide a formal invitation in some countries.
- **Employer Letter or Proof of Studies**: Confirms your job, salary and approved leave, or your enrolment as a student. It shows you intend to return.

## Official sources

- [European Commission: Applying for a Schengen visa](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en)
- [Federal Foreign Office (Germany): Visa service](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service)
- [France-Visas: official visa website for France](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/)
- [Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores (Spain)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/)

General guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm with the official source before you act.

Use this template free in Raaya: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_SCHENGEN_VISA_EU