Home > Applying for a Schengen Visa for Luxembourg: What to Know

Applying for a Schengen Visa for Luxembourg: What to Know

If you're planning a trip to Luxembourg, whether for work or leisure, understanding the Luxembourg visa process (and Schengen visas in general) is important and can help to make sure your trip goes smoothly from the start.

Luxembourg is a member of the Schengen area, and this means that Schengen rules apply, as well as requirements. But what exactly does that mean? And what information do you need to know?

In this guide, we've got you covered.

Who needs a visa for Luxembourg

Whether or not you need a Luxembourg visa mainly depends on your nationality. It can also depend on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay.

For instance, travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt will need a visa to visit Luxembourg, whether they’re staying 1 day or 90 days. These countries include China, South Africa, India, and more.

On the other hand, some countries have visa-waiver agreements with the Schengen zone.

This means that citizens of these countries do not need to get a visa to enter the Schengen zone for tourism or business, so long as they stay fewer than 90 days (within a 180-day period).

These countries include the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and more. If travelers from these countries are planning to stay in Luxembourg for longer than 90 days or to work, a visa is required.

Do US citizens need a visa for Luxembourg?

For short trips, no. If you’re a US citizen, you do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days) to Luxembourg for tourism or business purposes.

However, if you're planning to stay longer or work or study, you’ll need to explore the Luxembourg visa options and apply for the one that’s right for you.

How to apply for a Luxembourg visa

If you need a Schengen visa for Luxembourg, the application process, luckily, is relatively straightforward.

Decide which type of visa you need to apply for based on the purpose of your visit (work, study, tourism, etc.).
Gather all necessary documents (such as an application form, your passport, and travel insurance that meets Schengen visa travel insurance requirements).
Schedule a visa appointment (in your country of residence).
Attend your visa appointment, where you will submit your biometrics and your completed visa application with all of the necessary documentation.
Wait for a decision to be made and receive an answer.

Can I apply for a Luxembourg visa online?

Not entirely. Many applicants can begin their Luxembourg visa application online. This option makes it quick, easy, and secure to start your journey. However, you will still need to visit an embassy or consulate to submit your documents and collect your biometrics in person.

In the coming years, applicants from all over the world will be able to apply for Luxembourg visas online through EU VAP, a new platform. However, this platform is still in the works and won’t be operational for some time.

Is a Luxembourg visa difficult to get?

While the process may seem intimidating, the application process isn’t too complicated.

When it comes to whether or not your Luxembourg visa application will be approved, the decision lies entirely with the embassy.

Luxembourg visa rejection rates

In 2024, the rejection rate for Luxembourg visas was 12.7% globally. Rejection rates can vary based on a variety of factors including applicant nationality, seasonality, and more.

It’s important to understand that this rate (12.7%) is a global number and rejection rates are always changing.

This is why it isn't a reliable metric to look at when you're thinking about the likelihood of your own application being approved.

Luxembourg visa processing times

Processing times can vary greatly, but it typically takes around 15 days to process a Luxembourg visa.

It’s helpful to know that visa appointments can book out weeks in advance, or even months at a time. This is one of the reasons it’s crucial to begin the application process as early as you can, to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Luxembourg visa application requirements

All Luxembourg visa applications require a few standard essential documents. Then, depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, additional supplementary documents may be required, such as for work or study.

Which documents are required when applying for a Luxembourg visa?
Standard documents include:

A valid passport (with three months' validity beyond your intended stay).
A completed Schengen visa application form.
Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements and pay stubs).
Proof of itinerary (flight reservations to and from the Schengen area).
Schengen visa insurance that meets specific requirements.
Proof of accommodations (such as hotel reservations).
Passport-sized photos that meet specific requirements.
Biometrics (fingerprints, which will be taken at your visa appointment).

Is there an interview when applying for a Luxembourg visa?

An in-person appointment is required when applying for a Luxembourg visa.

This appointment takes place in your country of residence or at a visa center, consulate, or embassy.

At this appointment, an attendant will review your application, ensuring you have the required documents.

They may also ask you questions about specific documents or your travel plans. Once your application is ready to submit, they will also advise you on biometric collection and next steps.

The most important thing you can do to prepare is to ensure you have all of the required documents and that you arrive at your appointment on time.

How much does a Luxembourg visa cost?

Visa fees vary based on the type of visa, the applicant’s nationality, and age. You can expect to pay 90 euros for adults, 45 euros (for children ages 6-12) for a Schengen visa.

The fee is waived for children under the age of six. If you apply for a visa through a visa processor (such as VFS Global), you’ll also typically have service fees you’ll need to cover.

Fees may be waived in specific circumstances, such as for diplomats, but this isn’t common.

Luxembourg visas and ETIAS

No, if you hold a Luxembourg/Schengen visa, you won’t need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Additionally, if you hold a passport from a Schengen member state, you also will not need ETIAS to visit Luxembourg.

ETIAS is expected to launch late in 2026.

To learn more about Luxembourg's ETIAS, you can read our Luxembourg ETIAS Guide.