Schengen Visa Guide 2025: Requirements, Application Process and More

Schengen travel visa allows citizens of non-EU countries to visit the Schengen Area – a group of European countries that have removed passport controls at their shared borders.

With a valid Schengen visa, you can enter one country and freely travel across others within the zone without undergoing additional border checks.

The Schengen countries are:

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.

If you are planning to travel to any of these countries, you will likely need a Schengen visa. Let’s explore the types of Schengen visas, who needs one, the documents required, and some helpful tips!

What You’ll Learn in This Blog

• What a Schengen Visa is and which countries are part of the Schengen Area.Different types of Schengen visas (Uniform, Limited Territorial, National).

• The 90/180 rule for staying in the Schengen Area.

• Who needs a Schengen visa (list of countries whose citizens require one).

• Required documents for a visa application.

• Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa.

• Visa fees and who qualifies for fee exemptions.

• Tips after applying, including tracking and possible extensions.

• Common reasons for visa rejection and how to avoid them.

• FAQS 

Schengen Travel Visas Types

There are three main types of Schengen visas:

1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)

This visa is the most common. It allows short stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days. The USV comes in several forms:

• Airport Transit Visa: For passengers transferring through Schengen airports without entering the Schengen Area.

• Transit Visa: For travellers passing through one or more Schengen countries en route to a non-Schengen destination. Maximum stay: five days.

• Short-Stay Visa: Ideal for tourism, business, or family visits. This can be:

  • Single-entry: One-time entry; leaving ends the visa validity.

  • Double-entry: Two entries permitted during the visa’s validity.

  • Multiple-entry: Unlimited entries during the validity, subject to the 90/180 rule.

2. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

This visa allows travel only to the specific Schengen country or countries mentioned on the visa. You cannot visit any other Schengen states with an LTV.

3. National Visa (Category D)

Issued for long-term stays such as study, employment, or residence. These visas are valid for one specific country and are not designed for tourism.

Understanding the 90/180 Rule

The 90/180 rule means you can stay up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen Area. It is not a fixed count starting from your first entry; each day you spend counts towards the 90-day limit over the past 180 days.

Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or entry bans. The European Commission offers an official Schengen calculator to help travellers track their days.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

You do not need a Schengen visa for short trips (up to 90 days) if you are travelling for:

• Tourism or holidays

• Business

• Visiting friends or family

• Medical treatment

• Short-term studies or research

• Transit

However, citizens from many non-European countries require a visa.

Countries whose citizens require a Schengen visa include:

Afghanistan	Algeria	Angola	Armenia	Azerbaidjan	Bahrain	Bangladesh	Belarus
Suriname	Benin	Bhutan	Bolivia	Botswana	Burkina Faso	Burundi	Cambodia
Cameroon	Cape Verde	Central African Republic	Chad	China	Comoros	Congo	Côte d'Ivoire
DR of Congo	Cuba	Djibouti	Dominican Republic	Ecuador	Egypt	Equatorial Guinea	Eritrea
Ethiopia	Fiji	Gabon	Gambia	Ghana	Guinea	Guinea-Bissau	Guyana
São Tomé and Principe	India	Indonesia	Iran	Iraq	Jamaica	Jordan	Kazakhstan
Tajikistan	Kuwait	Tanzania	Laos	Lebanon	Lesotho	Liberia	Libya
Madagascar	Malawi	Maldives	Mali	Mauritania	Mongolia	Morocco	Mozambique
Philippines	Nepal	Nigeria	North Korea	Northern Marianas	Oman	Pakistan	Papua New Guinea
South Sudan	Namibia	Qatar	Russia	Rwanda	Haiti	Saudi Arabia	Senegal
Sierra Leone	Somalia	South Africa	Sri Lanka	Sudan	Belize	Timor-Leste	Syria
Kyrgyzstan	Kenya	Thailand	Vietnam	Togo	Tonga	Tunisia	Türkiye
Turkmenistan	Uganda	Palestine	Myanmar (Burma)	Yemen	Zambia	Zimbabwe	Vanuatu
North Korea	Niger	Nauru	Eswatini	Uzbekistan	Azerbaijan

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries can travel visa-free for up to 90 days.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa

You must provide the following:

1. A valid passport (minimum three months' validity beyond planned departure)

2. Completed Schengen visa application form

3. Recent passport-sized photo (following ICAO standards)

4. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies

5. Proof of travel plans (flight bookings, itinerary)

6. Evidence of sufficient financial means

7. Accommodation details

8. Fingerprints (biometric data)

Depending on your situation, you may also be asked for extra documents, such as an employment letter or recent medical reports.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

Here are the steps:

1. Prepare the required documents.

2. Fill out the visa application form.

3. Book an appointment with the consulate or visa centre.

4. Attend your appointment and submit biometrics.

5. Pay the Schengen visa fee.

For short-term visas, you may apply online through approved platforms like VFS Global. For long-term stays, you must apply directly at the embassy or consulate.

Schengen Visa Fees

• Adults: €90

• Children aged 6–12: €45

• Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus: €35

• Applicants from Cabo Verde: €67.50

Fee exemptions apply to:

• Children under six

• Students and researchers

• Non-profit organisation representatives

• Family members of EU/EEA citizens

Note: Visa centres may charge an additional service fee.

Travel Tips After Applying

Track Your Application: If you applied online, you can use SMS or email tracking. If you applied at an embassy, use the tracking number on their official site.

Visa Extension: Extensions are rarely granted except for emergencies like illness. You must still comply with the 90/180 rule.

Understanding the Visa Sticker

The Schengen visa is a sticker affixed to your passport, showing:

• Your details (name, passport number)

• Visa type (A = transit, C = short-stay)

• Visa number

• Countries you can visit ("Valid for" field)

  • Example: If it says "Schengen States", you can visit all member countries.

  • If it lists codes like "CZE" or "IT", travel is limited to those countries.

• Validity period and duration of stay

• Number of entries (1 = single, 2 = double, MULT = multiple)

• Issuing country

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

• Insufficient or incorrect documents

• Lack of travel history

• Financial instability

• Weak ties to your home country (e.g., no job, property, or family)

• Previous visa violations

• Inadequate travel insurance

• Security concerns

If rejected, you will receive a detailed explanation. Address any issues carefully before reapplying.

Entering and Exiting the Schengen Area

While your Schengen visa allows free movement, border authorities may still request:

• Proof of financial means

• Return ticket

• Travel insurance details

It is wise to carry copies of the documents you used for your application.

Overstaying your visa can result in fines, bans, or even deportation. Always adhere strictly to the 90/180 rule.

Schengen Visa FAQS

Q. Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a single-entry visa? Yes. You can visit multiple countries during one uninterrupted trip.

Q. Can I visit Ireland with a Schengen visa? No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area.

Q. Do I need medical insurance for a Schengen visa? Yes. You must have insurance covering emergencies, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Q. Can I visit Türkiye with a Schengen visa? No. Türkiye is not a Schengen country.

Q. How do I create a travel itinerary for my visa application?

1. Choose your destinations.

2. Book accommodations.

3. Outline transportation between countries.

Q. How much does travel insurance for a Schengen visa cost? Basic plans start at around €22 per week. Comprehensive plans can range from €33 to €100 per week.

Q. Where do I apply for a Schengen visa in Saudi Arabia? Submit your application either online or at the embassy of the country you intend to visit first (or where you will spend the most time).

Q. Can I apply online? Yes, but only for short-term visas. For long-term visas, you must visit the embassy in person.

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