Schengen visa is perhaps the most famous visa nowadays that allows its bearers to visit 29 EU and EFT countries (in some cases more). No matter what the traveling reason could be, one can travel to these all countries with only one visa. This saves money by not applying for visas from all 29 countries at different times.
Schengen Visa: An Overview
More Schengen Countries Now
Before 2023, there were 26 countries a part of Schengen Zone. On 1 January 2023, Croatia become the 27th Schengen member. As of 31 March 2024, Bulgaria and Romania are also a part of the Schengen Zone now. Cyprus will be the next country to be added as a member. So now, there are a total of 29 Schengen countries.
There are two types of Schengen visas. One is called a short-term “C” visa if maximum of 90 days validity. On the other hand, there is a “D” type visa which is also called a long-stay visa for more than 90 days.
Members from EU and non-EU Countries
Out of 27, there are 25 countries part of Schengen Zone. All 4 European Free Trade Association countries are also a part of the Schengen Zone.
One Visa, Many Purposes
Schengen visa allows its bearer to travel to all 29 member countries for the reasons of tourism, business, study, work, family reunification, etc.
Schengen Visa Benefits
Schengen visa allows the bearer to travel to all 29 member countries. Schengen countries have altogether 1.25 entries of travelers across the total zone.
Most wanted Schengen destinations for travel?
Southern/Mediterranean Europe remains a top choice for international tourists in Europe. Countries like France, Spain, and Italy, located along the Mediterranean Sea, attracted the most visitors in recent years. France led with 79 million arrivals, followed by Spain, Turkey, and Italy. Spain topped international tourism receipts, overtaking the United Kingdom, while France ranked third.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa grants permission for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It may be a single-entry visa for one trip or a multiple-entry visa for multiple trips. Conversely, an airport transit visa permits passage through the international transit zone of a Schengen airport during a layover or flight change, without permission to exit the transit area.
Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?
Non-EU citizens planning to travel to the Schengen area typically need to apply for a Schengen visa. The EU has a standardized list of countries whose citizens must obtain this visa to enter its external borders, although some exceptions exist for certain travelers. Moreover, specific third-country nationals may require an airport transit visa (currently 12 countries) for layovers in the international transit zones of Schengen airports. However, exemptions from this requirement apply to certain groups of individuals. Currently, there are 60 countries whose nationals do not require a visa to travel to the Schengen zone. See here the complete list of countries that need and do not need to apply for a Schengen visa.
Types of Schengen Visas
There are two types of the main Schengen visas.
- The first one is for a short period for example for 90 days. This is called a short-term “c” type Schengen visa (you cannot stay more than 90 days during 180 days in a row in a Schengen country on this visa even if the validity of the visa is 5 years at maximum).
- The second one is a long-term visa for a stay longer than 90 days in a Schengen state is called a long-term Schengen visa “D” type (You can stay regularly without having to leave the Schengen zone).
Want to know more about the types of Schengen Visas?
List of Schengen Countries
There are currently 29 Schengen countries in total. Croatia joined the Schengen zone on 1 January 2023 and the latest inclusions are Romania and Bulgaria on 31 March 2024.
| Austria | Greece | Malta, | Slovakia |
| Belgium | Iceland | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Croatia | Italy | Norway | Spain |
| Denmark | Latvia, | Poland | The Czech Republic |
| Estonia | Liechtenstein, | Portugal | Hungary |
| Finland | Lithuania | Sweden | Germany |
| France | Luxembourg | Switzerland | Romania |
| Bulgaria |
Where should you submit your Schengen Visa Application?
To obtain a Schengen visa, you need to apply at the Consulate of the country you plan to visit. If you’re visiting multiple Schengen States and have a longer stay in one, apply at that country’s Consulate. If your stays are equal, apply at the Consulate of the first country you’ll visit. Generally, apply at the Consulate covering your legal residence area. Detailed visa information for each Schengen country can be found on their dedicated websites. A complete step-by-step guide to how to apply for a Schengen visa here.
When to submit a Schengen Visa Application?
You must present your application to the Consulate no later than 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than six months before your trip. Booking an appointment may be required before submitting your application. Ideally, you should apply 30 days before your intended stay.
What documentation is required to apply?
- Valid passport, with an expiry date at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, 3 months after leaving the last visited country,
- Completed Schengen visa application form,
- Photo meeting ICAO standards,
- Medical insurance covering emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation,
- Supporting documents for stay purpose, finances, accommodation, and return intention,
- Fingerprints collected during application (some exemptions apply),
- Additional documents may be required by the Consulates.
How much does a visa cost?
The visa fees are categorized as follows:
- Adults: 80€
- Children (aged 6-12): 40€
- Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus: 35€
- Applicants from Cabo Verde: 60€
An extra fee may be required when using visa service centers, which assist with applications for some Consulates. In some countries, there are separate visa application centers such as BLS or VFS Global which accept Schengen visa applications. Certain applicant groups may qualify for exemptions from the visa fee.
Please note the EU Commission is going to increase the Schengen visa fees soon.
How long does the application take to process?
The standard processing time for a visa application is typically 15 days. However, if further examination of the application or additional documents is needed, this period may extend to up to 45 days.
Certain family members of EU or EEA citizens, as defined by the Free Movement Directive, may be eligible for a cost-free and accelerated visa process.
Schengen Visa Extention
Here are some reasons the Schengen visa holder wants to extend his visa:
- whether the applicant is a traveler looking for a more European experience,
- a business person who has to do some unexpected business after his visa expires,
- or a patient who wishes to receive medical treatment in one or more Schengen member states and needs to continue his treatment.
The applicant will not be allowed to stay in Europe after his Schengen visa expires until he/she gets it extended. The European Parliament and Council (EC) No. 810/2009 authorized the extension of the Short Stay Schengen visa by establishing a community code on the visa of 13 July 2009 (Journal of EU Laws of 2009 L243 / 1). However, if you do not have a compelling reason to base your application, you will have little chance of getting an extension. Following are the reasons to extend a Schengen short-stay visa under the Schengen visa policy:
- Humanitarian Reasons
- Late Entry
- Force Majeure
- Important Personal Reasons
Refusing to issue a visa
Applicants who are denied a Schengen visa receive notification through a standard form outlining the reasons for refusal. This form includes the grounds for refusal and provides information on the appeals process, including procedures and deadlines for submission.
Explanations
a) What is the 90/180 rule?
There are certain rules one must follow to travel the Schengen countries. You can stay in the Schengen area for 90 days in any 180 days. Calculated individually for each of these states. For example, after staying in the Schengen area for 90 days, one can immediately go to Croatia and stay there for another 90 days. The 180-day reference period is not fixed. Citizens of countries whose Schengen visa-free entry is allowed. Most people think that the 180-day period starts from the day your visa is validated, which is not true. It lasts for 180 days. So, whenever you want to enter Schengen, you have to count back the last 180 days and see if you’ve been in Schengen for more than 90 days at a time.
b) Difference between Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
The embassy decides the visa period. In addition to the multiple entry visa, which enables you to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days over 180 days. The verification of your single entry visa or double entry visa depends on the embassy. The embassy identifies the days you are allowed to stay in any of the Schengen countries, as well as the first date you enter Schengen, and the last day you are allowed to stay. There is always a difference between the visa validity and the number of days allowed at maximum during a single trip:
c) Visa Validity
This is the period from which you can use your visa to enter and stay in the Schengen area.
d) Duration of stay
This is the number of days you are allowed to stay in Schengen for a maximum of days. The first day you enter Schengen is counted as “Day 1”, even if you enter just minutes before midnight. However, the “last day” counts as the day you leave Schengen, even if it is just a few minutes after midnight.
Important Sources
Who needs a Schengen Visa to travel to Schengen Countries?