The European Commission has published official guidance on Schengen visa applications for non-EU nationals. The guidance covers three visa categories: single-entry, multiple-entry, and airport transit visas. It outlines the requirements for submission deadlines, documentation, and costs. A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to stay within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The European Commission stipulates that applications must be submitted no earlier than six months before the planned travel date and no later than 15 working days before departure. Travellers must lodge their application at the consulate of their primary destination country. If multiple Schengen countries are on the itinerary with equal lengths of stay, the consulate of the first country to be entered handles the application.
Applicants need a passport valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure from the Schengen zone. Additional requirements include a completed application form, an ICAO-compliant passport photograph, and travel medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation, and repatriation. Evidence of accommodation bookings, financial sufficiency, and ties to the applicant's home country are also compulsory.
The standard visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children between the ages of six and 12. Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus qualify for a reduced rate of €35, while those from Cabo Verde pay €67.50. Where applications are handled through an external visa centre, additional service charges may apply.
Standard processing takes up to 15 calendar days, though consulates may extend this to 45 days if further documentation or investigation is needed. Family members of EU or European Economic Area citizens covered under the Free Movement Directive may qualify for an expedited process with no application fee.
Where an application is refused, the relevant authority is required to issue a written explanation citing the grounds for rejection, along with instructions on how to lodge an appeal. The guidance aims to provide clarity on the application process for non-EU nationals seeking to travel to the Schengen area.
The European Commission's guidance is a key step in ensuring that non-EU nationals are aware of the requirements for Schengen visa applications. The Commission's Migration and Home Affairs department is responsible for issuing the guidance, which will help to facilitate the application process for travellers.
Key points
- The European Commission has released official guidance on Schengen visa applications for non-EU nationals.
- Applications must be submitted no earlier than six months before the planned travel date and no later than 15 working days before departure.
- The standard visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children between the ages of six and 12.
