Your Gateway to Exploring Europe
The Schengen Tourist Visa opens the doors to an unforgettable European adventure. A journey across the Schengen Area—where art, history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and architectural marvels await—is an experience that stays with you forever. From the stunning palaces of Germany to the romantic streets of Paris, Europe offers something for every traveler.
The Schengen Tourist Visa grants non-European citizens the opportunity to travel across 27 countries in Europe. Whether you want to explore the cultural richness of Spain, the historic streets of Italy, or the stunning fjords of Norway, this visa allows you to explore it all within 90 days. Get ready to immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of Europe!
What is a Schengen Tourist Visa?
A Schengen Tourist Visa (also known as the Europe Tourist Visa) allows third-country nationals to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. The visa is ideal for travelers seeking to explore Europe for tourism, leisure, or to visit friends or family.
The Schengen Area includes 27 European countries, offering a wide range of experiences—from the history of Greece to the modern art scene in France, from the charm of small towns in Austria to the glamour of Italy.
Schengen Visa Countries
The Schengen Area includes the following countries:
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Malta.
How to Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa?
Applying for a Schengen Tourist Visa involves a few simple steps. Here’s a guide to ensure your application process goes smoothly:
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure that the Schengen Tourist Visa is the right visa type for your travel plans. If you’re traveling for business or studying, there may be other visa options available.
- Identify the Correct Country: If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, you must apply through the country that will be your main destination (the country where you will spend the most time). If no one country is the main destination, apply to the country where you will first arrive.
- Check the Application Process: Find out the procedure for submitting a Schengen visa application. Depending on your nationality, you may need to submit your application in person, online, or through a visa center.
- Collect Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents for your visa application (detailed below).
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the embassy or consulate of the country you’re applying to. Some countries require online booking, while others allow in-person appointments.
- Attend the Visa Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The visa application fee is generally around €80 for adults and €60 for children aged 6-12 years.
- Wait for a Response: After your interview, wait for a decision on your visa application. This usually takes about 10-15 working days.
Schengen Visa Requirements
To apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the Schengen visa application form. Ensure all information is accurate and truthful.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area and should have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
- Passport-sized Photos: Provide two recent passport-sized photographs (meeting Schengen photo specifications).
- Travel Itinerary: Include a detailed itinerary of your trip, showing flight bookings, accommodation, and daily activities.
- Travel Health Insurance: Obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and emergency hospitalization.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of where you will stay during your time in the Schengen Area (hotel bookings, invitation letters, or rental agreements).
- Proof of Financial Means: Show that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay, typically through bank statements, credit card statements, or sponsorship letters if someone else is financially supporting your trip.
- Round Trip Reservation: Include flight bookings showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area, along with dates and flight numbers.
- Sponsorship Letter: If someone else is sponsoring your trip, include a letter of sponsorship (or affidavit of support).
Schengen Tourist Visa Required Documents
When applying for the Schengen Tourist Visa, make sure to submit the following documents:
- Completed Visa Application Form: Signed and printed.
- Two Passport Photos: Taken in the last three months, meeting Schengen standards.
- Valid Passport: With at least two blank pages and valid for three months after your planned exit from the Schengen Area.
- Round Trip Reservation: Flight booking showing your entry and exit dates from the Schengen area.
- Travel Insurance: Proof of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel or rental bookings for your entire stay in the Schengen Area.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters proving you can afford your trip.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed plan of your trip to the Schengen Area.
- Cover Letter: If traveling with a tour operator, include a letter from the tour agency.
Schengen Tourist Visa Fee
- Adults (over 12 years old): €80
- Children (6-12 years): €60
- Children under 6 years: Free
About France Tourist Visa (FAQs)
You can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Your visa photo must be passport-sized (35mm x 45mm), high resolution, taken within the last 6 months, with a white background.
It’s advisable to apply at least 15 days before your intended departure date, but no more than 6 months in advance.
In most cases, extensions are not allowed unless under exceptional circumstances, such as illness or unforeseen events.
Yes, travel health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation is mandatory.
Yes, you must provide round-trip flight reservations showing your departure from the Schengen Area.
You must apply through the embassy or consulate of the country of your main destination, or the country where you will first enter the Schengen Area.
Visa processing usually takes about 10-15 working days, depending on the embassy or consulate.
You will receive an explanation for the refusal. You can appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation if necessary.