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Schengen Visa Guide

27 European Countries, One Visa

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements change frequently. This guide provides general information only. Always verify current requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you're applying through.CheckVisaDocs is not responsible for outdated information or application outcomes.

Official Resources

Schengen Area Countries

A Schengen visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen member states:

🇦🇹 Austria🇧🇪 Belgium🇭🇷 Croatia🇨🇿 Czech Republic🇩🇰 Denmark🇪🇪 Estonia🇫🇮 Finland🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇬🇷 Greece🇭🇺 Hungary🇮🇸 Iceland🇮🇹 Italy🇱🇻 Latvia🇱🇮 Liechtenstein🇱🇹 Lithuania🇱🇺 Luxembourg🇲🇹 Malta🇳🇱 Netherlands🇳🇴 Norway🇵🇱 Poland🇵🇹 Portugal🇸🇰 Slovakia🇸🇮 Slovenia🇪🇸 Spain🇸🇪 Sweden🇨🇭 Switzerland

Schengen Visa Categories

Type C - Short-Stay Visa

The most common Schengen visa. Allows stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Purposes:

  • • Tourism and leisure travel
  • • Visiting family or friends
  • • Business meetings and events
  • • Cultural and sports events
  • • Short-term medical treatment

Entry Types:

  • • Single entry
  • • Double entry
  • • Multiple entry

Type D - National Long-Stay Visa

For stays longer than 90 days. Issued by individual countries for specific purposes.

Common Purposes:

  • • Study programs
  • • Employment
  • • Family reunification
  • • Long-term medical treatment

Airport Transit Visa

Required by nationals of certain countries when transiting through a Schengen airport.

Check with the embassy if you need an airport transit visa for your nationality.

Where to Apply

  • 1.Single destination: Apply at the embassy/consulate of that country
  • 2.Multiple destinations: Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time
  • 3.Equal time in multiple countries: Apply at the embassy of the country you'll enter first

Standard Required Documents

Document requirements may vary slightly by country and purpose. Always confirm with the specific embassy.

  • Valid Passport

    Valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen area, with at least 2 blank pages

  • Completed Application Form

    Schengen visa application form, signed and dated

  • Passport Photos

    Recent photos meeting ICAO standards (usually 2, 35x45mm)

  • Travel Insurance

    Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid in all Schengen states

  • Flight Reservation

    Round-trip flight itinerary (booking confirmation, not necessarily paid ticket)

  • Accommodation Proof

    Hotel bookings, invitation letter from host, or rental agreement

  • Proof of Financial Means

    Bank statements (typically 3-6 months), payslips, or sponsor's documents

  • Employment/Status Proof

    Employment letter, business registration, student enrollment, or pension proof

  • Travel Itinerary

    Day-by-day plan of your trip including cities and activities

Application Tips

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Apply Early

Apply 15 days to 6 months before travel. During peak season, apply as early as possible.

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Insurance Coverage

Ensure travel insurance covers entire stay with €30,000+ medical coverage across all Schengen states.

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Financial Proof

Show approximately €100 per day of stay. Amounts may vary by country.

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Complete Itinerary

Prepare a detailed day-by-day travel plan showing where you'll be and when.

The 90/180 Day Rule

With a Schengen visa, you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area.

  • • The 180-day period is calculated backwards from each day of stay
  • • Days spent in one Schengen country count towards your total
  • • After using 90 days, you must wait until enough days "expire" from the 180-day window

Use the official Schengen calculator to track your days:Short Stay Calculator

Get Your Documents Verified

Before your visa appointment, ensure all your documents are complete and properly formatted.

AI Document Check - $19Expert Review - $49