Knowing where to go to get the most out of your tech career, study, or lifestyle can be like standing at a crossroads, unsure which path leads to your goal.
You hear about countries easing and tightening visa policies and wonder which options can offer you the best for what you want without being limited if it turns out not to be what you expected. In Europe, there are countries that are part of the Schengen (visa-free movement) Area, allowing visa holders and nationals to travel between them without having to worry about separate border checks or visa approvals for each country.
The Schengen Area consists of 29 European member states, including France, Germany, and Sweden, among others, and 4 non-European Union countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Although this visa allows border-free travel across the area, there are important things you need to know before applying for one.
Here is everything you need to know about the Schengen Visa:
Schengen Visa and Types
As described earlier, holders of the visa have access to places classified as the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
For most travellers, it is issued in three different types depending on the purpose and length of stay. They include:
- Type A (Airport Transit Visa) – for travellers passing through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering the country.
- Type C (Short-Stay Visa, also known as the Uniform Schengen Visa) – common for short visits like tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study. It allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and comes with three entry options depending on how often you plan to enter the Schengen Area.
- Type D (Long-Stay or National Visa) – for stays longer than 90 days, usually for work, study, or residency in a specific Schengen country.
There are instances where a Schengen visa cannot be used as intended, which usually comes down to restrictions placed on the holder. In such cases, a Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visa is issued, allowing travel only within the specific Schengen country or countries listed on the visa.
Most of the time, it is only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as humanitarian reasons, national interest, or when your travel document isn’t recognised by all member countries, with validity still the same as the standard.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re a citizen of certain non-EU countries, travelling to the Schengen Area usually means you’ll need a short-stay visa, so it’s important to check the EU’s official list to see if you are eligible to apply for one. Some travellers, like diplomats, members of the armed forces, refugees, or students on school trips, are more often exempt from this requirement.
In addition, a separate airport transit visa is required for some non-EU nationals who are only passing through the international transit areas of Schengen airports. For certain countries, this applies even if you aren’t leaving the airport itself.
Required Documents
To apply for a Schengen visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport – It should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. For multiple-entry visas, it should be valid for at least three months after leaving the last country you’ll visit.
- Completed visa application form – Filled out accurately and signed.
- Passport-sized photo – Must meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for size and quality.
- Medical insurance – Coverage should include emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation, including in the event of death.
- Supporting documents for your trip – This can include proof of travel purposes, accommodation bookings, evidence of financial means of around €120 ($142) per day for the period of stay, and proof that you plan to return home after your stay.
- Biometric data – Your fingerprints will be collected when submitting your application, although some categories of travellers may be exempt.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Schengen Visa
When applying for a Schengen visa, you want to submit your application at least 15 days before your intended travel; however, it shouldn’t be earlier than six months in advance, which means you might need to schedule an appointment with the consulate before proceeding with submission.
Step 1: Determine Your Destination and Where to Apply
You need to first decide which Schengen country you’ll spend the most time in, as this is the consulate where you’ll submit your application. And if your time is split evenly between countries, you can apply to the consulate of your first entry point.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Next, you want to collect all the documents needed for your application, including your passport, completed visa form, passport photo, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial evidence, and any other supporting documents relevant to your trip.
Step 3: Book and Attend Your Appointment
After gathering your documents, you can now schedule an appointment with the consulate or visa centre to submit your application and provide biometric data, like fingerprints.
Step 4: Pay Fees and Wait
During your application, you will be required to pay a visa fee of around €90 ($106) for adults, payable in local currency. After submitting your application, processing can take at least 15 days but sometimes longer, depending on the consulate and season.
How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost?
The standard Schengen visa fee is €90 ($106) for adults and €45 ($53) for children between 6 and 12 years old. Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus pay €35 ($43), while those from Cabo Verde pay €67.50 ($80). In some cases, you might also have to cover an extra charge if you submit your application through a visa service centre that handles applications on behalf of the consulate. To apply, you need to have about €120 ($142) per day for the period of your visit.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Standard Schengen visas (Type C) don’t lead directly to permanent residency or citizenship. For longer stays, a Type D visa is required, which lets you live in the country for an extended period. With a Type D visa, you can apply for a temporary residence permit through local authorities, and over time, this can eventually lead to permanent residency.
David Adubiina
