Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
If you are wishing to apply for a Schengen visa you will be pleased to know that embassies have reopened for business and are now processing Schengen visas. The processing of Schengen visas can take up to 12 weeks. We strongly advise to apply as soon as possible to ensure that you are approved for your visa in time for your trip. You will not be allowed on your flight without a valid visa document.
Frequently asked questions regarding Schengen application can be found below.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a short-term European visa. This type of Visa enables the holder to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area. The visa, itself is issued by one of the Schengen nations. That is to say, you can visit any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day period.
The Schengen Visa is the most common visa in Europe. In order words, it entitles the holder to enter, travel freely within, and exit the Schengen area from any Schengen member country. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
Do I Need the Schengen Travel Authorisation?
If you are a third-country national and wish to travel into the Schengen area you will require a Schengen Travel Authorisation.
What documents are required to apply for a Schengen visa?
The following is the standard set of requirement documents for all Schengen visa applications:
Printed & Signed Application Form
Valid passport
Residence permit (if applicable)
Hotel reservations / confirmed accomodation
Flight tickets
3-months recent bank statements
Travel medical insurance
How long is a Schengen visa valid for?
This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally you first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay. Future applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.
Which countries is a Schengen visa valid for?
There are 26 Schengen members states in Europe. You can see the full list of countries in the table further down this page.
How does the application process work?
After submitting your application, one of our experts will be in touch to discuss your travel plans. After the initial consultation, we can arrange for an appointment at your nearest visa centre / Embassy. We will provide you with the document checklist and advise accordingly.
For detailed information on specific parts of the visa process, you can refer to the links to the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
What countries are in the Schengen Area?
Border checks at the area’s shared borders were withdrawn as part of the deal, allowing individuals to travel freely within it.
The Schengen Area is a zone in which 26 European countries have eliminated their internal borders. It allows residents of border areas to cross borders away from permanent checkpoints and has standardized visa procedures, allowing for the issuance of a Schengen Visa for stays of less than 90 days.
The countries in the Schengen area are:
How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?
You can expect an update on your application within 3 days of submission. You can choose express processing at checkout for a response within 24 hours.
We recommend you apply at least 6 months before you travel. It can sometimes take several weeks to get an appointment at your local embassy.
Once you attend your appointment, your visa can take up to 15 working days to be processed by the Embassy.
People Also Asked...
For your first application, you will likely only be granted a visa that lasts for the duration of your planned visits. Any future applications you may be granted a multi-entry visa valid for 1 year or more.
Usually you can appeal the denial or re-apply at a later date, however this depends on the reason for denial.
No refunds are given for denied visas as the payment is for the application processing fee. You must pay again if you re-apply for a visa.
No.
All travel authorizations only grant eligibility to travel to the port of entry. Entry to any country is dependent on the customs immigration officer authorizing or denying admission through the border.