Schengen Visa Requirements: An Expert Guide

Schengen visas are required for many travelers heading to Europe. If this is you, you likely have a few questions about Schengen visa requirements: which ones pertain to you, which ones don’t, and how to make sure you meet all of them to complete your Schengen visa application.

This guide will provide you with all of the information that you need, covering everything from the required documents for your Schengen visa application to Schengen visa photo requirements, visa insurance, and more.

What is a Schengen visa?

The first step to apply for your Schengen visa is understanding exactly what it is and why you need it.

A Schengen visa is a visa that allows travelers to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries for a specific purpose and a specific amount of time.

The Schengen area is a group of countries (there are currently 29) that have agreed to specific terms and requirements to abolish internal border control between them.

What does that mean? It means that once you’re approved to visit one of the Schengen countries, you’re generally approved to visit any of them!

While a Schengen visa grants you access to all of these nations, each country may have its additional guidelines for entry, on top of the collective Schengen agreement.

Therefore, being familiar with the Schengen countries' visa requirements is essential before planning your trip.

As a note, in some specific cases, your Schengen visa may not authorize you to travel through the Schengen area. While this is rare, it's helpful to know.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

Most non-European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals require a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen area.

However, citizens from specific countries are exempt from needing this visa for short-term travel (under 90 days). Some exempt countries include the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Citizens from these countries do not need a visa for short visits to the Schengen area. If citizens from visa-exempt countries wish to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days or to work or study, they too will require a Schengen visa.

In short:

• Most travelers who aren’t EU or EEA nationals need a Schengen visa to visit countries in the Schengen zone.
• Citizens from some countries are exempt. Citizens from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more do not need a Schengen visa for short trips (under 90 days).

A comprehensive list of Schengen visa requirements

The vast majority of Schengen visa applications require a basic list of documents. Here is an overview of what you’ll need for your Schengen visa application, though there may be additional requirements on top of what's listed below. It’s important to note that you have to procure all of these documents before your visa application appointment and that they are essential for approval.

1. A completed visa application form for your destination

The main document that you will need is the application form itself. You will be able to find which form you need through the visa application center (or consulate) where you are applying.

This form will ask you for information about yourself such as your birthdate, full name, place of birth, and more.

When filling out your visa application form, make sure to provide accurate and detailed information, as discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.

2. A valid passport

A valid passport is a requirement for all Schengen visa applications. Your passport must be valid for anywhere from at least three months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen area.

Additionally, your passport typically needs to have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

If your passport expires soon, it’s best to renew it before applying for your visa, to avoid rejection.

Pro tip:

Currently, all visa applications must be done in person at a visa center (if there isn’t a visa center in your country of residence, you may be required to apply through a consulate or embassy). When you submit your visa application, you must hand over your passport. This means that you will be without your passport while your visa application is processed, which can take anywhere from a week to multiple weeks. Make sure you don’t have any international trips planned directly after your visa appointment. Once a decision has been made regarding your visa, your passport will be returned to you.

3. Recent passport-sized photos

One of the Schengen visa requirements is that you must submit recent photos that meet specific criteria:

• Size: 35mm x 40mm (standard passport size)
• Taken within the last six months
• In color, with a white or plain light-colored background
• Neutral facial expression with a closed mouth (no big smiles)
• If wearing glasses, there cannot be a glare in your lenses and your eyes must be completely visible. Try to avoid thick frames.
• No head coverings are allowed in your Schengen visa photo, unless for religious reasons.
• You should not have hair covering your eyes. If you have bangs, it might help to pin them back for your photograph or swipe them to the side.

While the details above are from the French government, it’s always best to check with your respective visa center for any additional Schengen countries' visa requirements when it comes to photo specifications.

4. Proof of travel insurance

One of the most crucial elements of your Schengen visa application is obtaining valid, compliant travel insurance. Your policy must be purchased before you submit your visa application and must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergency costs.
• Valid in all Schengen countries.
• Coverage for medical emergency costs, medical evacuation, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen zone.
• Claims against the insurance company must be recoverable in a Schengen member state (according to article 15 of the Schengen visa code).

It’s important to ensure your travel insurance meets all Schengen visa insurance requirements, as this can be grounds for rejection if the coverage is inadequate.

5. Proof of accommodation

When applying for a Schengen visa, you must provide evidence of where you’ll be staying during your trip. This can be a hotel booking (or vacation rental), a private rental agreement, or even an invitation from a host if you’re staying with friends or family.

Some countries may have specific criteria when it comes to staying with a host, so make sure you check the policies for the destination you’ll be traveling to.

6. Proof of financial means

Applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay. This is usually demonstrated through bank statements, pay slips, and sometimes a letter from your employer.

Each country in the Schengen area has different minimum requirements, monetarily speaking. Typically, you need to show proof that you have the funds to cover a daily amount set by the country you’re going to.

For example, if the daily requirement is 50 euros and you’re staying in the Schengen area for 35 days, you’ll need to show that you have at least 1750 euros to provide for yourself during your stay. (50 x 35 = 1750).

Typically, countries require anywhere from €35 - €150 per day, but it varies, so always check for your specific country. This amount also sometimes differs depending on your accommodations. For example, if you’re staying with family, the minimum financial requirement could be decreased, assuming you’ll be partially supported by your relative.

7. A flight itinerary

A confirmed round-trip flight reservation is also part of the Schengen visa requirements. The itinerary should show the dates of entry and exit from the Schengen area.

If you’re heading abroad for a longer stay and don’t know when your return date is, it may be possible to present a one-way ticket. In this case, check with your visa center for any specific requirements for this situation.

8. Biometrics

While it isn’t a document that you can prepare ahead of time, it is a requirement for your Schengen visa application. You must submit biometric data at a visa center that will be submitted with your application. If there isn’t a visa center in your country of residence, biometric collection may take place at a consulate.

The biometric data you need to supply is your fingerprints. You will be instructed by the embassy or visa processing center on how to proceed with your biometric collection at the time of your application submission.

Is a COVID-19 vaccination required to go to Europe?

No. Cu,rrently there are no requirements stating that travelers must have COVID-19 vaccinations to visit the Schengen area.

How to present your documents for your Schengen visa application

It’s always best to check with the relevant visa center in question, but it’s worth noting that different countries may require your documents to be presented in specific ways.

Some countries may require that any (or all) official documents have official, notarized translations alongside the originals.

It’s also possible that a country will ask you to have all of your supplementary documents (such as a marriage license or birth certificate) notarized.

Additionally, there may be a specific number of photocopies required. For example, a specific country might request 2 photocopies of your passport, along with the original passport itself.

Because requirements can vary so greatly, you must check directly with the embassy or visa center to ensure you deliver your documents in the expected format(s).

FAQs about Schengen visa requirements

1. What is the cost of a Schengen visa?

The standard fee for a Schengen visa is €90 for adults and €45 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Children under 6 are exempt from fees. Visas for longer stays vary in cost.

2. How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

Visa processing times vary, but it’s generally around 15 working days for Schengen visa applications. If you’re applying for a long-stay visa, or during the peak season, the processing time can take much longer.

Just in case, it’s always best to apply for your visa well ahead of your trip to avoid any unnecessary delays.

3. Do I need a visa for all Schengen countries if I’m only visiting one?

In most cases, when you apply for a visa for a country within the Schengen zone, your approved visa will allow you to travel freely within all Schengen countries, regardless of where you applied for the visa.

However, there are some specific cases where a traveler may have limited permissions when it comes to traveling through the Schengen area.

4. Can I extend my Schengen visa?

Schengen visas can only be extended in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or humanitarian reasons. You’ll need to apply for an extension from the immigration authorities in the country where you are staying. Keep in mind that you will need to apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

With that being said, some types of national visas are renewable, so always check with your embassy to see if that’s the case for your specific circumstance.

5. Can my Schengen visa application be refused?

Yes, a visa can be refused, especially if the applicant fails to meet the necessary Schengen visa requirements. Common reasons include insufficient travel insurance, incomplete documents, or not providing proof of sufficient funds. That’s why it is so important to understand all of the requirements and make sure they’re fulfilled before you submit your application.

Key Takeaways: Schengen visa requirements

• Most of the time, a Schengen visa allows you to travel freely between all 29 countries in the Schengen area.
• Schengen visa applications require a completed application, passport, recent photos, proof of financial means, accommodation, and Schengen travel insurance. Additional documents may be required depending on the specific country and which type of visa you’re applying for.
• For your Schengen visa photo, you should have a neutral expression and stand against a white or off-white background. Your face needs to be free of glasses, big jewelry, and accessories.
• Schengen visa insurance is mandatory for the vast majority of applications.
• Plan ahead, as visa processing can take multiple weeks.
• Some countries require translations of supplementary documents, and/or notarized copies.