A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa for travel to the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries without internal border controls. It allows the holder to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or other non-gainful activities. To apply, you must go to the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination, or where you will first enter if you don’t have a main destination.

 

 What it is

• Short-stay visa: A visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

• Travel permit: It allows you to travel freely between the 29 member countries without internal border checks.

• Purpose: Used for tourism, business, visiting family, short-term studies, medical treatment, or other non-gainful activities.

• Not for long stays: A Schengen visa cannot be used to live, study long-term, or work in the Schengen Area; a national visa is required for those purposes.

How to apply

• Destination country: Apply through the embassy/consulate of the country where you will spend the most time.

• First entry point: If you will spend equal time in multiple countries, apply to the country where you will first enter.

• Application process: Submit an application form, supporting documents, and biometric data (fingerprints).

• Supporting documents: You must show purpose of travel, sufficient funds, accommodation, and your intention to return to your home country.

Key details

• Processing time: Normally 15 days, but can extend up to 45 days if more documents are needed.

• Fees: Standard fee for adults is €80 (or equivalent).

• External borders: You will still be checked at the external borders of the Schengen Area.