The European Commission has published a detailed guide for non-EU nationals applying for a Schengen visa. The guide outlines the rules, timelines, and documentation requirements for obtaining a visa to travel across Europe. A Schengen visa allows citizens from outside the EU to spend up to 90 days within any 180 days across the Schengen area.
There are three types of Schengen visas available: single-entry, multiple-entry, and an airport transit visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the trip. Applicants must lodge their application at least 15 days before travel but no earlier than 6 months in advance. The application must be submitted at the consulate of the country they plan to visit.
If the trip involves multiple Schengen countries, the application should be submitted at the consulate of the country where the applicant will spend the longest time. In cases where the time is split equally between destinations, the consulate of the first country on the itinerary processes the application. A valid passport with an expiry date extending at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area is mandatory.
Alongside the completed application form and a passport photograph conforming to ICAO standards, travellers must submit medical travel insurance. This insurance must cover emergency care, hospitalisation, and repatriation. Applicants must also provide proof of accommodation, financial means, and intention to return home. The standard fee for a Schengen visa application is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged between 6 and 12.
Reduced rates apply in specific cases, such as citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus, who are charged €35. Applicants from Cabo Verde pay €67.50. Using a visa service centre may attract additional charges on top of these figures. The processing time for a Schengen visa application is typically 15 days from submission.
However, a consulate may extend this period to up to 45 days if the case warrants closer examination or if further documents are needed. Family members of EU or EEA citizens who qualify under the Free Movement Directive may be entitled to a free application and a faster turnaround. Applicants who are turned down receive a written notice explaining the grounds for refusal and outlining the steps available to lodge a formal appeal.
The European Commission's guide aims to provide clarity on the application process for Schengen visas. By following the guidelines, non-EU nationals can ensure that their application is submitted correctly and processed efficiently. This can help reduce delays and complications for travellers.
Key points
- Applications must be filed no fewer than 15 days before the intended travel date and no more than 6 months ahead of the trip.
- The standard processing time for a Schengen visa application is 15 days, though consulates can extend this to 45 days in certain circumstances.
- A valid passport with an expiry date extending at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area is mandatory for a Schengen visa application.
