Schengen Visa Requirements in 2025

For millions of people who visit Europe, Schengen visas are a required part of the journey.

While the application process is fairly straightforward, it can seem daunting if you've never been through it before, and you likely have questions about it.

For example, what are the most recent Schengen visa requirements? Which ones apply to you? Are there any that don't?

We're going to answer those questions and explain the requirements in depth to ensure that you have the knowledge you need to approach the entire application process from start to finish.

We'll cover topics like passports and visa insurance to sufficient funds, and accommodations, as well as the basics like what a Schengen visa is in the first place.

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 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 checks between them.

What does that mean for travelers specifically? It means that once you’re approved to visit one of the Schengen countries, you’re generally approved to travel to any of them so long as your visa is still valid.

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. 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 everywhere in 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 have to have a Schengen visa to enter the area.

However, citizens from specific countries are exempt for short visits (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 want to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days or to work or study, they will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residency, depending on the country they'll be traveling to.

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 several other countries do not need a Schengen visa for short trips (under 90 days).

A comprehensive list of Schengen visa requirements

For short stays, most Schengen visa applications require a basic list of documents. While these are the documents you can expect to need to provide, keep in mind that there may be additional requirements on top of what's listed below.

All of the required documents need to be procured and ready before your visa application appointment.

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 date of birth, full name, place of birth, etc..

When filling out your visa application form, it's important to be thorough and to pay attention to all of the little details. Incorrect information or discrepancies can delay approval or even cause your application to be rejected.

2. A valid passport

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

As an example, this means if you are going to the Schengen area and flying home on March 3rd, your passport has to have an expiration date after May 3rd.

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

If your passport expires soon, renewing it before applying for your visa is usually recommended.

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 few days to multiple weeks (depending on the type of visa and seasonality). Make sure you don’t have any international trips planned directly after your visa appointment since you will be without your passport while your visa application is being processed.

Don't worry, though. 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 have to include recent photos that meet specific criteria. This photo will be used for your official visa, if approved.

The photo must meet the following 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 or smiling with teeth).
• 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 they're worn 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 getting valid, compliant travel insurance. Travel insurance is mandatory for all visa applicants.

Not any travel insurance will do however. The policy that you choose must have specific voerage and you also have to purchase it before you submit your visa application.

Here are the specific requirements that the insurance policy you choose needs to meet:

• 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 of the listed 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 have to show proof of where you’ll be staying during your trip. This can usually 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 that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay. This can usually be 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 (your fingerprints) at a visa center to 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.

9. Payment

Lastly, in order to submit your visa application, you will need to have paid all associated visa application and service fees.

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

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

Presenting your documents with your Schengen visa application

It’s always best to check with the specific visa center in question, but in some cases, different countries may require your documents to be presented in specific ways.

For example, 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, if applicable) notarized.

In some situations, 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).

Even if you can meet all of the Schengen visa requirements, if you don't present them in the required formats at your visa appointment, your application may be delayed or denied.

FAQs about Schengen visa requirements