Schengen visas

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel freely within the Schengen Area.

Applying for a Schengen Visa allows travelers to visit 27 European countries in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, visiting family, or transit, this short-stay visa opens the door to Europe with just one application.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area includes 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other border controls at their mutual borders. It functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes.

List of Schengen Countries:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Polan
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
Traveling to Schengen Area

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

You need to apply for a Schengen Visa if you are a national of a country that does not have a visa-free agreement with the EU/Schengen countries. This includes citizens of countries such as:

  • India
  • China
  • Pakistan
  • South Africa
  • Philippines
  • Nigeria
  • Most countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East

Citizens of countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and Japan do not need a Schengen Visa for short stays.

Types of Schengen Visas

There are different types of Schengen Visa depending on your reason for visiting:

Airport Transit Schengen Visa

For transiting through a Schengen airport en-route to a non-Schengen country.

Short-Stay Schengen Visa

For tourism, business, family visits etc. These are. valid for up to 90 days.

Long-Stay Visa

Country specific visa for study, work or residence purposes in one Schengen country. This is not a typical Schengen visa, but may allow limited travel within the zone.

Schengen Visa Rules

  • You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period
  • You must apply to the main destination country (where you’ll spend the most time), or the country of first entry if spending equal time in multiple countries
  • You must have travel insurance covering medical emergencies with a minimum of €30,000 coverage valid in all Schengen countries.
  • Extensions are only granted in exceptional cases (medical emergencies etc.).
  • Multiple-entry visas are issued based on travel history and justification
  • Visa validity and number of entries (single/double/multiple) depend on your itinerary and travel history.

What is the Schengen Visa Application Process?

  • Determine your main destination, or country of first entry
  • Book an appointment with the embassy. You will want to apply at least 3-4 weeks before you intend to travel, appointment availability can be very limited.
  • Prepare the application form and required documents
  • Attend the appointment and pay the fee
  • Wait for a decision (normally 15 calendar days)
Adults

€90

Children aged 6 – 12

€45

Children under 6

Free

Nationals of countries with visa facilitation agreements

€35

Common Schengen Visa Refusal Reasons

Understanding why Schengen Visas are refused can held you avoid delays or issues with your application:

  • Insufficient financial proof (bank statements unable to be verified, not credible or your balance is too low)
  • Lack of travel insurance (either. not having insurance, or the insurance cover being insufficient)
  • Previous immigration violations (history of overstaying, deportation or other Immigration breaches)
  • Weak ties to home country (unemployed, no family or property ties)
  • Missing or incorrect documents (evidence not provided, or insufficient evidence)
  • Unclear travel purpose (vague itinerary, insufficient or weak documentation)
  • Criminal record (posing a security threat, or crimes which are considered high harm)

You will receive a refusal letter stating the reason, and may be allowed to appeal or reapply.