Schengen visa for Europe

The Schengen visa (type C) is a mandatory requirement for travelers whose nationality requires a visa to enter the Schengen Area for short stays. The type C visa covers tourism, business, family visits and transit. You will need to apply for it at the consulate or embassy of the first country you will visit.

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries with a unified border policy, which means that a single visa is valid for all member states. Depending on your travel history and the consulate's assessment, it may be issued as single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry, and can be valid for up to 5 years for frequent travelers with a strong compliance record. It is advisable to apply at least 6 weeks before the intended travel date.

Unlike ETIAS, a simple online authorization for visa-exempt travelers, the Schengen visa requires supporting documents and, in most cases, an in-person appointment at a consulate or visa application centre. As a Schengen visa holder, you will also be subject to EES biometric border registration on every entry and exit.

• Multiple entries: single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry (depending on the consulate's decision).
• Validity: up to 5 years.
• Maximum visit: 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Processing time: up to 15 days, 30–60 days in complex cases.
• Eligible countries: all nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry to the Schengen Area.
• Requirements:
  • Valid passport
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Travel itinerary and confirmed return ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel insurance covering the entire Schengen Area (minimum €30,000 coverage)
  • Proof of funds
  • Proof of employment or enrollment

Eligible for ETIAS instead?