- The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries. You don’t need a different Schengen Visa for each country you visit
- Citizens of about 103 countries, including India, China, and Russia, need a Schengen visa
- U.S., UK, and Canadian citizens do not need one for trips of less than 90 days
- A Schengen visa lets you stay in Europe for up to 90 days out of every 180 days
- Travel medical insurance is required to get a Schengen visa, and must cover at least €30,000 in medical coverage with a $0 deductible
- You apply through the embassy of the country you are visiting the most. If your time is split evenly, apply through the country you are entering first
Securing a Schengen visa is essential for many travelers to enter a Schengen country, and understanding the requirements can increase the chances of your visa application being approved.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen area is a zone of 29 European countries that have agreed to allow free movement across their shared borders.
The Schengen area includes most of the European Union, plus several non-EU countries. The current countries in the Schengen Area 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
Who Needs to Get a Schengen Visa?
If you are from one of the 103 non-visa-exempt countries (for example, China, India, Russia, etc.), you are required to obtain a Schengen visa.
But, if you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country such as the United States or Canada, you can enter without a visa for stays under 90 days in any 180-day period.
This requirement applies even if you hold residency elsewhere, for example, a Chinese citizen with a U.S. Green Card still needs to apply for a Schengen Visa.
What Kind of Schengen Visa Do I Need?
The Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to visit any of the 29 Schengen area countries temporarily for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa covers the entire Schengen Area, meaning you do not need a separate visa for each country you visit.
There are three types of Schengen Visas travelers may need based on their trip: Type A, Type C, and Type D.
Who Needs a Type A Schengen Visa?
If you have a layover at an airport within the Schengen Area but are not entering the country itself, you may need an Airport Transit Visa (Type A).
This visa allows you to pass through the international transit zone without officially crossing into Schengen territory. Not all nationalities require one, so check whether your passport requires a Type A visa before you travel.
Who Needs a Type C Schengen Visa?
If you are visiting the Schengen Area as a tourist or a short-term traveler, the Type C Short-Term Schengen Visa is the one you need. It allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and comes in three subtypes based on how many times you plan to enter:
- Single-Entry: Allows one entry into the Schengen area. Once you leave the area, the visa is no longer valid, even if you still have unused days remaining.
- Double-Entry: Permits two entries while the visa is valid. You can leave and re-enter once before the visa expires.
- Multiple-Entry: Lets you enter and exit as many times as you like while the visa is valid, up to the 90-day limit within any 180-day period.
Who Needs a Type D Schengen Visa?
If you plan to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, you will need a Type D National Long-Stay Visa. This visa covers a broader range of travel purposes than many people expect, including:
- Tourism or private visits
- Professional activities
- Studying, taking part in a training program, or completing an internship
- Family reasons
A Type D visa is tied to the country that issues it. A Type D visa issued by France, for example, means France is your primary residence for the duration of your stay. That said, you can still travel to other Schengen countries for short trips, as long as those stays do not exceed 90 days.
Requirements and conditions can vary by country, so contact the relevant embassy or consulate directly to confirm what applies to your situation.
What are the Requirements to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
You must have the following documents to apply for a Schengen visa:
- Visa application form, completed and signed by the applicant
- Valid passport with an expiration date of at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages
- Recent passport photo taken within the last 6 months
- Copy of confirmed travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation reservations, providing evidence of your intent to return home
- Proof of sufficient financial resources, including bank statements with your full name and address
- Overseas travel medical insurance that is valid for the Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000 or equivalent.
- Proof of strong ties to your home country, such as employment letters or lease agreements
What are the Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements?
When you apply for a Schengen visa, you will notice that travel medical insurance is required. The policy needs to provide at least €30,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization and repatriation, and it must be valid in all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your trip.
How Much is the Schengen Visa Application Fee?
The standard Schengen visa application fee is €90 for adult applicants. The visa application fee is due at the time of submission and is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Here is a more thorough breakdown by category:
| Category | Amount (€) |
|---|---|
| Adults | €90 |
| Children aged 6-11 | €45 |
| Citizens from Cabo Verde | €67.50 |
| Citizens from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus | €35 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Determine where to apply: Apply to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit most. If your time is split equally across countries, apply through the embassy of your first entry point.
Purchase travel medical insurance: Buy your Schengen visa travel insurance before you gather your documents, since you will need proof of coverage for your application. Your policy must provide a minimum of €30,000 in coverage, be valid across all Schengen countries for the full duration of your trip, and an official visa letter confirming your coverage.
Gather your required documents: Collect every document on this list before booking your appointment. Missing even one is among the most common reasons for delays and rejections:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Two passport-size photos
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Recent bank statements
- Cover letter
- Copies of any previous visas
Complete the application form: The form is available on the website of the relevant embassy or consulate and typically contains 32–40 questions covering your personal details, travel purpose, itinerary, and financial means. Take your time, as incomplete or inconsistent answers are another frequent reason for rejection.
Book and attend your visa appointment: Most consulates require an in-person appointment to review your documents, collect your biometric data (fingerprints and a photo), and process your visa fee. However, if you have previously submitted biometrics within the last 60 months, some consulates may waive this requirement. A small number of countries are also moving toward fully digital applications for repeat applicants. Check directly with the embassy or consulate you are applying through to confirm what is required for your situation. Once payment is confirmed, your application has been officially submitted.
Wait for a decision: Standard processing takes approximately 15 days from the date the embassy receives your application, but can extend to 45 days during peak seasons or if additional documentation is needed. You can apply up to 6 months before your trip, but applying at least 3 months in advance is strongly recommended.
What Happens If My Schengen Visa Is Rejected?
If your application is denied, you will receive a written refusal letter explaining the specific reason. Common reasons for rejection include:
- Incomplete or missing documents
- Invalid or insufficient travel medical insurance
- Invalid or expired passport
- Insufficient proof of funds
- Unclear or unconvincing travel purpose
- Insufficient evidence of ties to your home country
You have the right to appeal the decision, typically within 15–30 days of receiving your refusal letter. If you choose to reapply instead, address the specific issues raised in your refusal. Simply resubmitting the same application is unlikely to succeed, as visa records are shared across the Schengen Information System (SIS). Keep in mind that the application fee is not refunded and must be paid again with any new submission.
Meet the Essential Requirements for a Successful Schengen Visa Application
Now that you have a better understanding of who is required to have a visa and how to meet its requirements, it is time to apply for a Schengen visa. To ensure a successful application process, it’s crucial that your Schengen travel insurance not only provides coverage for your trip but also fulfills all the mandatory visa insurance requirements.
VisitorsCoverage offers Schengen travel insurance plans that guarantee you will have the essential coverage for your visa application. If you have any questions about the best Schengen travel insurance plans, our team of licensed travel insurance experts is more than welcome to help you throughout the process.
Compare the Best Schengen Travel Insurance Plans
