Schengen Visa Information
A complete and up-to-date guide on Schengen Visas, trusted by over 280 million individuals since 2013. We simplify the EU travel entry requirements and visa application process, making it easy to understand and follow.
What is Schengen?
Schengen is the EU’s passport-free zone, encompassing most European countries and forming the world’s largest free travel area.
Entry Requirements for non-EU Nationals
If you are a non-EU/Schengen country national, you must present several documents at the Schengen port of entry to gain permission to enter, regardless of whether you are visa-exempt or not.
The following documents are required when entering the Schengen Area:
- 1. Valid Passport: Must be issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the EU.
- 2. Schengen Visa: Required if you are a national of a third country that mandates a visa for entry.
- 3. ETIAS Entry Authorization: Starting May 2025, nationals from visa-exempt countries with a visa-liberalization agreement with the EU must obtain ETIAS authorization before traveling to the EU.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a travel permit granted by Schengen Area member countries to third-country nationals listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. It allows short-term stays for purposes like tourism or business.
Holders of a Schengen visa can travel across all 29 Schengen countries, including:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Which European Countries Issue Schengen Visas?
All European countries that are signatories of the Schengen Agreement are authorized to issue Schengen visas.
For more detailed information, you can select the relevant country:
- Apply for a Visa to Austria
- Apply for a Visa to Belgium
- Apply for a Visa to Bulgaria
- Apply for a Visa to Czechia
- Apply for a Visa to Croatia
- Apply for a Visa to Denmark
- Apply for a Visa to Estonia
- Apply for a Visa to Finland
- Apply for a Visa to France
- Apply for a Visa to Germany
- Apply for a Visa to Greece
- Apply for a Visa to Hungary
- Apply for a Visa to Iceland
- Apply for a Visa to Italy
- Apply for a Visa to Latvia
- Apply for a Visa to Lithuania
- Apply for a Visa to Liechtenstein
- Apply for a Visa to Luxembourg
- Apply for a Visa to Malta
- Apply for a Visa to Netherlands
- Apply for a Visa to Norway
- Apply for a Visa to Poland
- Apply for a Visa to Portugal
- Apply for a Visa to Romania
- Apply for a Visa to Slovakia
- Apply for a Visa to Slovenia
- Apply for a Visa to Spain
- Apply for a Visa to Sweden
- Apply for a Visa to Switzerland
How Long Can You Stay in Europe With a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay in Europe’s Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The exact number of days permitted is specified on your visa sticker, and the visa’s validity is determined by the consular officer processing your application.
Schengen visas are categorized based on duration and validity:
1. Single-entry visa:
- Permits one entry into the Schengen Area.
- You can stay for the number of days indicated on the visa sticker.
- Once you exit, you cannot re-enter.
2. Double-entry visa:
- Allows two entries into the Schengen Area.
- The total duration of both stays cannot exceed the number of days mentioned on the visa sticker.
3. Multiple-entry visa:
- Permits unlimited entries into the Schengen Area within the visa’s validity.
- The total duration of all combined stays cannot exceed the total days stated on the visa sticker.
For What Travel Purpose Are Schengen Visas Issued?
Schengen visas are issued for various travel purposes, including:
- Tourism and holidays
- Business trips
- Visiting friends and family
- Attending cultural, religious, or sports events
- Airport transit(A-type visa)
- Official visits
- Medical treatment
- Short-term study courses or research activities
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) vs. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)
Schengen visas are categorized into two main types:
1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)
The most commonly issued type.
Allows the holder to travel freely across all Schengen States during the visa’s validity period.
2. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)
Typically granted in special circumstances, such as humanitarian reasons, national interest, or international obligations.
Limits travel to the specific Schengen State that issued the visa or to the Schengen States explicitly mentioned on the visa sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to book an appointment for my Schengen visa application?
You can file a Schengen visa application as early as six monthsbefore your planned trip. The latest you can submit your application is 15 working days before your intended travel date.
My passport will expire within 6 months of my planned trip. Can I still apply for a Schengen visa?
As per the Schengen visa code, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa if my passport expires in two months?
As a general rule, your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from the Schengen Area.
However, the consulate may make exceptions to this requirement in certain emergency situations.
What happens if I lose my passport while in the EU/Schengen Area?
If your passport is lost or damaged, contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately for assistance in obtaining a replacement travel document.
I have a Schengen visa but will be arriving a couple of days later than my stated entry date. Is that a problem?
Minor delays are generally acceptable, but extremely late entry or significant changes to your travel plans could raise concerns at border control.