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Home » Visa Guides » Schengen Visa for Tourists: Everything You Need to Know

Schengen Visa for Tourists: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: September 8, 2023

Schengen Visa Image

The Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area. As per the UN, the continent of Europe is comprised of 44 countries. Of these, 27 countries are part of the Schengen agreement. The Schengen agreement abolished internal borders between these 27 countries.

A Schengen visa is a unified visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for these 27 European countries. Therefore, a Schengen visa is the only visa you will need to travel to any of these 27 countries.

Table of Contents

  • SCHENGEN VISA POLICY
    • Schengen visa countries
  • SCHENGEN VISA TYPES
  • SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS
    • Minimum passport validity required to enter the Schengen area
    • Visa EXEMPT nationalities
    • Visa REQUIRED nationalities
  • SCHENGEN VISA EXEMPTION (ETIAS FROM 2024)
    • Duration of Stay in Schengen Area – the 90 days/180 days rule
    • Documents to carry
  • SCHENGEN VISA FROM THE EMBASSY
    • Validity of Schengen Visa
    • Rules for obtaining Schengen visa valid for 1, 2 or 5 years
    • Duration of Stay in Schengen area – the 90 days/180 days rule
    • Where to apply for Schengen visa
    • When to apply for Schengen visa
    • Schengen Visa Application Process
    • Documents required for Schengen visa
    • Schengen Visa Fee
    • Schengen Visa Processing Time
  • ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT
    • Entering Schengen Zone by Air
    • Leaving Schengen Zone by Air
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
    • What is the minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa?
    • Does Schengen visa cover Switzerland?
    • Which Schengen visa is hardest?
    • Which country gives fastest Schengen visa?
    • Which country gives Schengen visa easiest?
    • Do US citizens need a visa to enter the Schengen area?
  • SUMMARY
  • REFERENCES
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SCHENGEN VISA POLICY

The Schengen visa policy was introduced in 1995 which abolished internal borders between the Schengen countries. 

Once you have obtained a Schengen visa, you can travel freely between the Schengen member countries without any border controls. For example, if you enter France and would like to go to Germany, you will not pass through passport controls at the France-Germany border. 

Keep in mind that the Schengen visa policy only applies to the Schengen area and not to the entire European Union.

Schengen visa countries

There are currently 27 countries in the Schengen area that you can visit with a single Schengen visa. Below is the list of countries.

  1. Austria
  2. Belgium
  3. Croatia
  4. Czech Republic
  5. Denmark
  6. Estonia
  7. Finland
  8. France
  9. Germany
  10. Greece
  11. Hungary
  12. Iceland
  13. Italy
  14. Latvia
  15. Liechtenstein
  16. Lithuania
  17. Luxembourg
  18. Malta
  19. Netherlands
  20. Norway
  21. Poland
  22. Portugal
  23. Slovakia
  24. Slovenia
  25. Spain
  26. Sweden
  27. Switzerland

Apart from the above 27 Schengen member countries, you also travel to 50 non-Schengen countries visa-free using a Schengen visa.

***

SCHENGEN VISA TYPES

Those intending to visit the Schengen countries for tourism must either be visa-exempt or hold a valid Schengen visa from the embassy. 

  • Visa EXEMPTION (ETIAS from 2024)
  • Uniform Schengen Visa
    • Type-A (Airport Transit Visa)
    • Type-C (Short Stay Visa for stays less than 90 days)
      • Single-entry
      • Double-entry
      • Multiple-entry
    • Type-D (Long Stay Visa for stays more than 90 days)
  • Limited Territorial Schengen Visa

For this guide, we will focus only on visas for tourism intent, that is Type-C Uniform Schengen visas. 

***

SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

Schengen Visa Requirements by Nationality
Schengen Visa Requirements by Nationality | Map: mapchart.net

Minimum passport validity required to enter the Schengen area

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your planned departure from Schengen area.

Example: If your trip is from Mar 10 to Mar 20, your passport must be valid at least until Jun 20.

—

Visa EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry

  1. Albania
  2. Andorra
  3. Antigua And Barbuda
  4. Argentina
  5. Australia
  6. Bahamas
  7. Barbados
  8. Bosnia And Herzegovina
  9. Brazil
  10. Brunei
  11. Canada
  12. Chile
  13. Colombia
  14. Costa Rica
  15. Dominica
  16. El Salvador
  17. Georgia
  18. Grenada
  19. Guatemala
  20. Honduras
  21. Hong Kong
  22. Israel
  23. Japan
  24. Kiribati
  25. Macao
  26. Malaysia
  27. Marshall Islands
  28. Mauritius
  29. Mexico
  30. Micronesia
  31. Moldova
  32. Monaco
  33. Montenegro
  34. New Zealand
  35. Nicaragua
  36. North Macedonia
  37. Palau
  38. Panama
  39. Paraguay
  40. Peru
  41. Samoa
  42. San Marino
  43. Serbia
  44. Seychelles
  45. Singapore
  46. Solomon Islands
  47. South Korea
  48. St Kitts And Nevis
  49. St Lucia
  50. St Vincent and The Grenadines
  51. Taiwan
  52. Timor-Leste
  53. Tonga
  54. Trinidad And Tobago
  55. Tuvalu
  56. Ukraine
  57. United Arab Emirates
  58. United States of America
  59. United Kingdom
  60. Uruguay
  61. Vatican City
  62. Venezuela

—

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

90-day entry

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Algeria
  3. Angola
  4. Armenia
  5. Azerbaijan
  6. Bahrain
  7. Bangladesh
  8. Belarus
  9. Belize
  10. Benin
  11. Bhutan
  12. Bolivia
  13. Botswana
  14. Burkina Faso
  15. Burundi
  16. Cambodia
  17. Cameroon
  18. Cape Verde
  19. Central African Republic
  20. Chad
  21. China
  22. Comoros
  23. Congo, Dem. Rep. of
  24. Congo, Rep. of
  25. Cote d’Ivoire
  26. Cuba
  27. Djibouti
  28. Dominican Republic
  29. Ecuador
  30. Egypt
  31. Equatorial Guinea
  32. Eritrea
  33. Eswatini
  34. Ethiopia
  35. Fiji
  36. Gabon
  37. Gambia
  38. Ghana
  39. Guinea
  40. Guinea-Bissau
  41. Guyana
  42. Haiti
  43. India
  44. Indonesia
  45. Iran
  46. Iraq
  47. Jamaica
  48. Jordan
  49. Kazakhstan
  50. Kenya
  51. Kuwait
  52. Kyrgyzstan
  53. Laos
  54. Lebanon
  55. Lesotho
  56. Liberia
  57. Libya
  58. Madagascar
  59. Malawi
  60. Maldives
  61. Mali
  62. Mauritania
  63. Mongolia
  64. Morocco
  65. Mozambique
  66. Myanmar
  67. Namibia
  68. Nauru
  69. Nepal
  70. Niger
  71. Nigeria
  72. North Korea
  73. Oman
  74. Pakistan
  75. Papua New Guinea
  76. Philippines
  77. Qatar
  78. Russia
  79. Rwanda
  80. Sao Tome And Principe
  81. Saudi Arabia
  82. Senegal
  83. Sierra Leone
  84. Somalia
  85. South Africa
  86. South Sudan
  87. Sri Lanka
  88. Sudan
  89. Suriname
  90. Syria
  91. Tajikistan
  92. Tanzania
  93. Thailand
  94. Togo
  95. Tunisia
  96. Turkey
  97. Turkmenistan
  98. Uganda
  99. Uzbekistan
  100. Vanuatu
  101. Vietnam
  102. Yemen
  103. Zambia
  104. Zimbabwe

IMPORTANT
Palestine and Kosovo are not recognized by at least one Schengen member state. If you are a Palestinian or Kosovo national, please inquire at your nearest Schengen consulate for visa requirements for your passport.

***

SCHENGEN VISA EXEMPTION (ETIAS FROM 2024)

Currently, 62 nationalities can enter the Schengen area without a visa. Though you do not require a visa, you must consider the total duration of your stay in the Schengen area and must carry the mandatory documents.

Duration of Stay in Schengen Area – the 90 days/180 days rule

Non-EU Passport holders who are visa EXEMPT are allowed to stay in the Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This “90 days in any 180 days” applies to all short-stay visitors to the Schengen area.

  • Stays in EU countries that are NOT part of the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Ireland) are not counted in calculating the period of stay.
  • Stays in non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are counted in calculating the period of stay compliance with the 90 days / 180-day rule.
  • Both the day of entry and the day of exit are counted in the calculation.
  • The 180 days period is referenced backward from the day of checking.
  • A simple rule of thumb is, if you are out of the Schengen area for a continuous period of 90 days allows you a new stay of 90 days.

You can use the Schengen calculator to determine the number of days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area. Here is the manual on how to use the Schengen calculator.

Documents to carry

Visa EXEMPT individuals must carry the following documents when entering the Schengen member states.

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of onward travel
  • Proof of accommodation

***

SCHENGEN VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

Schengen visa sample
Schengen Visa Sample | Photo: Thirumal Motati

Currently, 104 non-EU nationals require a visa to enter the Schengen area. These nationals must be in possession of a Schengen visa when entering the Schengen zone.

Validity of Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa validity depends on whether you are a first-time applicant or a subsequent applicant. 

First-time application: If you are applying for the first time, your visa will be valid for the exact number of days you have asked for. In some instances, you may get a few buffer days as additional. 

For example, if your itinerary is 12 days, your visa will be valid for exactly 12 days. 

As a first-time visa applicant, I suggest adding a few extra days to your itinerary so you will get a few extra days on your visa validity. That way, you can have some flexibility in your travel plans.

First-time Schengen visas are usually single-entry or double-entry. 

Subsequent applications: If you are applying for the second or third time, you may likely get a visa valid for 90 days. The visa may likely be multiple-entry. 

Rules for obtaining Schengen visa valid for 1, 2 or 5 years

  • To obtain a 1-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used 3 Schengen visas within the last 2 years
  • To obtain a 2-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used a 1-year Schengen visa within the last 2 years
  • To obtain a 5-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used a 2-year Schengen visa within the last 3 years

Duration of Stay in Schengen area – the 90 days/180 days rule

Visa-required passport holders are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This “90 days in any 180 days” applies to all short-stay visitors to the Schengen area.

  • Stays in EU countries that are NOT part of the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Ireland) are not counted in calculating the period of stay.
  • Stays in non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are counted in calculating the period of stay compliance with the 90 days / 180-day rule.
  • Both the day of entry and the day of exit are counted in the calculation.
  • The 180-day period is referenced backward from the day of checking.
  • A simple rule of thumb is, if you are out of the Schengen area for a continuous period of 90 days allows you a new stay of 90 days.

You can use the Schengen calculator to determine the number of days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area. Here is the manual on how to use the Schengen calculator.

Where to apply for Schengen visa

Most tourists plan to travel to more than one country during their Europe trip. The Schengen visa is valid for 27 countries, so you must first determine your Schengen country of application. This helps greatly in avoiding visa delays and refusals.

Follow the below guidelines to determine your country of application.

CASE 1: If you plan to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for your visa at the consulate of that particular country.

Example: If you are traveling to Spain only, then you must apply for your visa at the Spain Embassy or Consulate.

CASE 2: If you plan to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for your visa at the consulate of the country of your main destination (the country where you will be spending most days).

Example: If your itinerary is 10 days of which 4 days in Spain and 6 days in France, then you must apply for your visa at the French consulate since you will be spending more time in France.

CASE 3: If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination (same amount of days in each country) then you should apply for your visa at the consulate of the country of your first point of entry.

Example: If your itinerary is 10 days of which you will be spending 5 days in the Netherlands first and 5 days in France after, then you must apply for a visa at the Netherlands Consulate since the Netherlands is your first port of entry.

When to apply for Schengen visa

You must apply for your Schengen visa no later than 15 days prior to your travel. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.

You can apply for your visa up to 6 months in advance. So, apply as soon as you can to avoid delays, refusals and disappointments.

Schengen Visa Application Process

There is a plan to implement online systems of Schengen visas. But as of now, the visa can only be applied in person. Visa application is a 4 step process

  1. Fill out your Schengen visa application form 14076-02 (online or offline)
  2. Schedule an in-person Schengen visa appointment (at the consulate or visa agent such as VFS Global)
  3. Appear in person to submit your visa application, documents, biometrics and visa fee
  4. Pick up your original passport with the approved visa.

You can apply for a Schengen visa through a visa/travel agency in some countries. Travel agencies that offer vacation packages to Europe usually are allowed to apply for the visa on your behalf.

Documents required for Schengen visa

The following documents are required for your Schengen visa.

  1. Filled and signed visa application form (online or downloadable from the consulate page)
  2. Original passport
  3. Copy of the visa/residence permit if applying in a third country
  4. One recent passport-size photo
  5. Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
  6. Proof of accommodation
  7. Proof of health insurance
  8. 3-month bank statement
  9. 3-month salary slips
  10. Original signed employment letter
  11. Cover letter with a detailed itinerary

Application Form

Filling out the application form can be done online or offline depending on the Schengen country. For example, the application form for France is online whereas for Spain, it’s paper.

Photo Requirements

The photo must be 4.5cm x 3.5cm. That is, 4.5cm high and 3.5 cm wide. The face must be 3.2 to 3.6cm or 70-80% of the photo.

Proof of Health Insurance

It’s MANDATORY to submit travel medical insurance for Schengen visa. You must attach a certificate of travel health insurance in the Schengen area or worldwide with 100% coverage with no deductibles or co-pays.

It must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 EUR for medical, hospitalization, emergencies and repatriation services.

You can purchase Schengen travel insurance from any online provider. You can cancel and get a refund if your visa is denied. Once you purchase the travel insurance for your desired dates, you can download the visa letter that you can submit with your visa application.

Recommended Schengen visa insurance:

  • VisitorsCoverage | Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements | Costs $1 a day

Schengen Visa Fee

The Schengen visa fee for an adult is approximately €80 EUR. For children between the ages of 6 and 12, it’s €40 EUR. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from paying the visa fee.

The fee must be paid in local currency, in the form of cash or bank money order. Most Schengen consulates have outsourced the visa process to VFS or BLS. Therefore, in addition to the visa fee, you may have to pay a fee for biometric collection and courier services.

Schengen Visa Processing Time

Schengen visa processing can take from 15 calendar days to 45 calendar days depending on the consulate, country or agent. Apply no later than 15 days prior to your travel. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.

***

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Schengen Entry and Exit Stamps
Schengen Entry and Exit Stamps | Photo: Thirumal Motati

Entering Schengen Zone by Air

You do not need to fill in any arrival/departure card on entering the Schengen area. Do not panic if your flight attendant did not give you an arrival/departure card on your flight in.

At the immigration, you will generally be asked about your final destination, places you will be visiting and the number of days you are planning on staying. You might also be asked if it is your first time in Europe.

The immigration officer will stamp your passport upon arrival. The number of days you are allowed to stay will not be marked on your passport.

As always, carry a copy of your return ticket and hotel booking just in case. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, don’t forget to get proof of onward ticket.

Leaving Schengen Zone by Air

You must go through passport control on exiting the Schengen area. You will not be asked any questions unless you have overstayed your visa. Passport control is fairly quick, about 10-15 minutes depending on the airport.

***

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa?

The minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa depends on the country you are applying from and the duration of your stay. As a general rule, you should have at least €60 per day for your stay in the Schengen area. This should cover your travel expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

Does Schengen visa cover Switzerland?

Yes, the Schengen visa covers Switzerland. Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area. You can travel to Switzerland and other Schengen countries with a single visa.

Which Schengen visa is hardest?

There is no specific Schengen visa that is considered the hardest to obtain. But visa refusal statistics show that Norway, France and Belgium have the highest refusal rates.

Which country gives fastest Schengen visa?

The processing time for a Schengen visa may vary depending on the country you are applying from and the purpose of your visit. However, some countries may have faster processing times than others. For example, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are known to have relatively fast processing times.

Which country gives Schengen visa easiest?

There is no specific country that gives Schengen visa easiest. But visa refusal statistics show that Finland, Hungary, Estonia and Poland have the lowest refusal rates.

Do US citizens need a visa to enter the Schengen area?

No, US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. US citizens can travel to the Schengen territory for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

***

SUMMARY

Schengen Visa Requirements - Eiffel Tower Paris France
Eiffel Tower in Paris, France | Photo: Thirumal Motati

Europe is usually the first choice for most first-time international travelers. It’s a dream for most people to visit European countries at least once in their lifetime. Europe has such an impeccable beauty, history, art, and cuisine.

A Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area, comprised of 27 European countries. Non-EU nationals who are visa-exempt and visa-required are allowed to stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Schengen visas are single, double or multiple-entry visas. First-time Schengen visas are limited in validity, but subsequent visas are 90 days to 5 years in validity.

***

REFERENCES

  • European Comission, Migration and Home Affairs
  • European Union Law (EUR-Lex), Visa Code

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

You can get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket. Flight itineraries from DummyTicket are valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

You can find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner. Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

You can book your hotel from Booking.com. Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, you can get your proof of onward flight from Expedia. Expedia offers free cancellation on tickets booked within 24 hours. Or use OnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket in just 2 minutes.

05. Purchase your insurance

You can purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo (for short trips + 5% discount for visa traveler readers), SafetyWing (for longer trips) or VisitorsCoverage (for US trips).

06. Get your travel SIM card

You can get an eSIM card instantly from Airalo. These eSIMs from Airalo are cheap and easy to set up. You can get connected and ready to go as soon as you land in your new destination. 

07. Get your zero-fee ATM card

You can manage money internationally in over 70 currencies using Wise. With a Wise card, you can store and withdraw cash in 40 currencies with zero ATM fees. 

Need more? Check out my travel resources page for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
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