Applying for a Schengen Visa: Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

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If you need a Schengen visa to visit Europe, understanding how to navigate the application process is key.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the necessary steps to apply for a Schengen visa, from determining your eligibility and identifying the right type of visa for your needs to preparing for your visa interview and understanding the associated fees.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

The process for applying for a Schengen visa includes the following steps:

Find out where to submit your application.
Schedule an appointment.
Fill out the Schengen visa application form.
Gather the required documents.
Attend the visa interview.
Wait for an answer.

Find Out Where to Submit Your Application

You can have to file your Schengen visa application at one of the following:

An embassy or consulate of the destination country.
A designated visa center authorized by the embassy of your destination country to handle visa submissions.
The embassy or consulate of another Schengen state to which your destination country has delegated the responsibility for visa submissions.

You can find the contact details (address, working hours) of each consulate and embassy of the Schengen country on their official website.

See in detail where you can submit your Schengen visa application.

Schedule The Schengen Visa Appointment

Once you’ve figured out where to apply for the Schengen visa, the next step is booking an appointment. Usually, you can do this online through the embassy, consulate, or visa application center’s website.Some embassies will not accept an appointment unless it is done on their official website.

Available slots depend on the EU/Schengen embassy/consulate, as well as the time of year (e.g., ahead of the summer or holidays, there will be more demand). Based on our experience, we strongly suggest that you inquire about appointments at least two months before you plan to travel.

When Is the Best Time to Book an Appointment for My Schengen Visa Application?

The earliest you can file a Schengen visa application is six months before you start your planned trip.
The latest you can file a Schengen visa application is at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
The recommended time to file a Schengen visa application is at least three weeks before your trip.

Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application Form

You can typically fill out your visa application form online. The Schengen visa application form has the same format, no matter which country’s visa you are applying for, although the method of completing it may differ. You may have to:

Gather the Required Documents

You must gather the list of documents required for a Schengen visa and submit them together with the visa application form. Applications with missing documents will not be accepted.

The documents you need for your visa application are essential. They typically fall into two categories: standard required documents and specific documents based on the purpose of your travel.

For more detailed information, check The List of Documents Required to Apply for a Schengen Visa.

*Keep in mind that certain countries might request additional documents. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the embassy of the respective Schengen Member country to ask for instructions.

Attend the Visa Interview

Although the application form can be filled out online, you still have to submit your application in person because you also have to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints). So, on the day of your scheduled appointment, show up on time and bring all the required documents.

There may be a short interview, where you will be asked questions about the intended trip and other travel details, as well as personal questions (such as about your work, family, etc). Make sure your answers are firm and correct and that they comply with the information in the application form and the other documents. The interview may last around 10-15 minutes.

Pay the Visa Fee

You have to pay a non-refundable administration fee when applying for a Schengen visa. The payment method depends on the specific embassy or visa application centre.

The application fee for a Schengen visa is 80 EUR, but certain categories may qualify for reduced fees or exemption from payment, depending on their circ*mstances.

For example, children between the ages of six and twelve will need to pay 40 EUR, whereas children under six are entirely exempt from payment.

The visa fees are consistent across all member countries.

Wait for the Answer

Wait until you get a response on your visa application. Although, in most cases, it takes no more than 15 days to process a visa, there are times when this process takes quite much longer. That period can be extended from 15 to 45 days, depending on different circ*mstances.

If approved, you will receive a Schengen visa with a type and validity as determined by the consular officer (no more than 90 days).

FAQs About Applying for a Schengen Visa

Is the application process the same for all travel purposes?

The process for applying for a Schengen visa is the same, regardless of what your travel purpose is. While you are completing the visa application form, you just have to specify the reason why you are requesting the Schengen visa:

Transit visa.
Tourism visa.
Visiting Family or Friends visa.
Business visa.
Journalistic Activities visa.
Culture and Sports Activities visa.
Official Visits visa.
Study visa.
Medical Treatment visa.

What might differ between countries is the document checklist that you must present together with your Schengen visa application form.

What do I do if there is no embassy or consulate of a specific Schengen country in the country where I live?

In instances where the specific Schengen country you wish to visit does not have an embassy or consulate in your country, there is no cause for concern. Such situations are often managed by representatives from another country’s embassy or consulate who handle visa applications on behalf of the Schengen country in question—in addition to their own duties—ensuring that applicants can still obtain the necessary visa.

Can I apply for a Schengen visa in a country where I am not a resident?

Yes, you can apply for a Schengen visa in a country where you are not a resident, but it’s typically harder and requires strong reasons for doing so. One reason could be that there is no representation of the Schengen State you want to visit in your residence country, so you have to travel to a neighbouring country.

However, if this is not the case, you must prove your legal status in that country and explain why you’re applying there instead of your home country. Each consulate has its own rules, so it’s important to check their specific requirements.

Can I Make the Schengen Visa Appointment Online?

No, you typically cannot apply for a Schengen visa online. However, many Schengen countries have a designated online platform where you can fill out the application form for a Schengen visa as well as schedule your visa appointment. This online application process may vary, so check the specific consulate or embassy website of the Schengen country you plan to visit for instructions.

Once you complete the online application, you are still required to submit the printed application form together with the required documents to the respective embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you want to visit. You must do this in person because you will be required to submit your biometric information as well (visa photo and fingerprints) on the day of your appointment.

Can I bring someone with me to my Schengen visa appointment?

While it is possible to bring someone with you to your Schengen visa appointment, it’s important to understand that typically, only the visa applicant is allowed to enter the visa application area. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Minors (aged 17 or younger) are permitted to have one parent accompany them.

Additionally, adult visa applicants with special needs or disabilities are allowed to have one person accompany them, and elderly visa applicants aged 80 or older can also be accompanied by one person during their appointment.

Can I apply for a Schengen visa if my passport expires in two months?

As a general rule, it’s not possible. Your passport should have an expiration date that is at least 3 months after your planned return from the Schengen State. However, the Consulate may make exceptions to this requirement in specific emergency situations.

Do I have to hand the documentation personally to the embassy/consulate?

Yes. When applying for the visa, you should bear in mind that you have to personally hand in the required documents once you have made an appointment at the embassy/consulate.