Schengen Visa — Types, Requirements & How to Apply

What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows non-EU nationals to travel to and within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is one of the most commonly issued visas in the world, with millions granted each year by consulates and embassies around the globe.

A single Schengen visa gives you access to all 29 Schengen member states, making it one of the most versatile travel documents available. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, or cultural events, the Schengen visa covers a wide range of travel purposes.

The visa is governed by the EU Visa Code (Regulation EC No. 810/2009), which establishes uniform rules for all Schengen member states regarding the application process, required documents, and decision-making criteria.

Types of Schengen Visas

There are several types of Schengen visas, each designed for a specific purpose and duration of stay:

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) — Type C

This is the most common type and covers short stays of up to 90 days. It comes in several subcategories:

• Single-entry visa — Allows you to enter the Schengen Area once. Once you leave, the visa is no longer valid, even if the 90 days are not used up.
• Double-entry visa — Allows you to enter the Schengen Area twice during the visa validity period.
• Multiple-entry visa (MEV) — Allows unlimited entries during the validity period, as long as you respect the 90/180-day rule. MEVs can be valid for 1, 3, or 5 years.

Airport Transit Visa — Type A

Required for nationals of certain countries who need to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport. This visa does not allow you to leave the airport or enter the Schengen Area.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

A special visa that is valid only for the specific Schengen country or countries listed on it, rather than the entire Schengen Area. These are issued in exceptional circumstances, such as humanitarian reasons or when a country has objections to granting access to the entire zone.

National Visa — Type D

A long-stay visa for stays exceeding 90 days. This is issued by individual Schengen countries and is governed by national law rather than the EU Visa Code. Type D visas are typically required for work, study, family reunification, or long-term residence purposes.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa Application

Preparing a complete and well-organized application is crucial for approval. The following documents are typically required:

Mandatory Documents

1. Completed visa application form — Filled out accurately and signed. Available from the consulate or embassy website, or through the visa application center.
2. Valid passport — Must be less than 10 years old, have at least two blank pages, and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs — Meeting ICAO standards: 35mm x 45mm, white background, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months.
4. Travel medical insurance — Covering the entire Schengen Area with a minimum of EUR 30,000 coverage. This is where schengen-insure.eu helps you — compare, buy, and get your certificate in minutes.
5. Proof of accommodation — Hotel reservations, invitation letter from a host, Airbnb booking confirmation, or rental agreement.
6. Round-trip flight reservation — Confirmed or tentative flight itinerary showing entry and exit dates.
7. Proof of financial means — Bank statements (last 3-6 months), pay slips, tax returns, or a sponsorship letter demonstrating you can financially support yourself during the stay.
8. Cover letter — Explaining the purpose of your visit, itinerary, and travel plans in detail.
9. Visa fee payment — Currently EUR 80 for adults and EUR 40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are exempt.

Additional Documents (Depending on Purpose)

For tourism:

• Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary
• Proof of organized tour or activity bookings (if applicable)
• Travel insurance certificate

For business:

• Invitation letter from the host company in Europe
• Proof of existing business relationship or correspondence
• Trade fair or conference registration and details

For visiting family or friends:

• Formal invitation letter from the host
• Proof of the host’s legal residence status in the Schengen country
• Proof of family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates)

For students:

• Letter of acceptance from the educational institution
• Proof of tuition payment or scholarship award letter
• Academic transcripts and diplomas

For medical treatment:

• Letter from a doctor in your home country confirming the need for treatment abroad
• Letter from the medical institution in the Schengen country confirming the appointment
• Proof of payment or financial arrangement for treatment costs

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

Step 1: Determine Where to Apply

• If visiting one Schengen country, apply at that country’s embassy or consulate in your country of residence
• If visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time (the “main destination”)
• If spending equal time in multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Book an appointment at the relevant embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center (such as VFS Global or TLScontact). Appointments should be booked well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer months, Christmas, and Easter periods).

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents as listed above. Ensure everything is current, properly formatted, and translated into the required language if necessary. Purchase your travel insurance early — you will need the certificate for your application, and schengen-insure.eu delivers it instantly.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

Appear at the embassy or visa center on your appointment date with all original documents and photocopies. Be prepared to:

• Submit your completed application form and supporting documents
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph)
• Answer questions about your travel plans, financial situation, and ties to your home country
• Explain your reasons for traveling and your plans to return home

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. Payment methods vary by location but typically include cash, bank transfer, or card payment. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application, wait for the decision. You can usually track your application status online through the visa center’s website or via SMS notifications.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once a decision is made, collect your passport from the embassy or visa center. If approved, your visa sticker will be affixed inside your passport showing the validity dates, number of entries, and the countries for which it is valid.

Travel Insurance Requirements for the Schengen Visa

Travel medical insurance is one of the most critical requirements for a successful visa application. Your policy must meet these specific criteria as defined by the EU Visa Code:

• Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000 for medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Valid in all 29 Schengen countries, not just your intended destination
• Coverage dates must match or exceed your intended travel dates
• Must cover emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Must be issued by a reputable insurer recognized in the Schengen member states
• Certificate must be in English or the official language of the country where you apply
• No excessive deductibles that would effectively reduce coverage below the minimum

How schengen-insure.eu Helps

At schengen-insure.eu, we make this requirement easy to fulfill:

• All policies on our platform are pre-verified to meet EU Visa Code requirements
• You receive your insurance certificate instantly via email after purchase
• Certificates are formatted specifically for visa application submission
• We offer AXA coverage in three levels so you can compare and choose
• Plans start at competitive prices with coverage up to EUR 100,000 or more
• 100% online process — no office visits, no paperwork, no waiting

Processing Time

Standard processing times for Schengen visa applications:

Factors That Can Delay Processing

• Incomplete or missing documentation
• High application volumes during peak travel seasons (June-August, December)
• Additional verification required by the embassy or security agencies
• Missing or non-compliant travel insurance certificate
• Unclear proof of financial means or insufficient bank balance
• Weak evidence of ties to your home country

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date, and earlier during peak season
• Double-check all documents for accuracy, completeness, and proper formatting
• Ensure your travel insurance certificate is clear, legible, and lists coverage for all Schengen countries
• Prepare honest and consistent answers for the visa interview
• Demonstrate strong ties to your home country (stable employment, property ownership, family obligations)
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your personal records
• Use a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten on the day of your appointment