How to Apply for the Schengen Visa

If you’re a college student studying abroad in Europe, or simply planning a vacation in one of the Schengen countries, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen Visa. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to know to make sure your application is successful. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a Schengen Visa, and provide some helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible. So read on, and get started on your journey to Europe!

The Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows the holder to enter and remain in Schengen state for a determined period of time. This single entry policy makes it easier for travelers but requires better planning. Travelers can apply from home or country where they are legally allowed to stay, to avoid a hassle while traveling.

The Schengen Area consists of 26 countries- 22 from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Step 1: Determine if you need a visa

Schengen Visa applies mostly to tourism purposes with limited employment opportunities. If you’re going on a business trip or simply visiting your friends or relatives, then a Schengen visa is not compulsory to apply. Schengen member states are more specific about the purpose of your visit, so make sure that you’re clear about it. You will need a Schengen Visa if you are planning to travel for business purposes even if it’s for a few days.

Step 2: Find Schengen Visa Eligible countries

Schengen Visa allows citizens from certain countries to enter the Schengen area only through their passports or other official documents which confirms the nationality and identity of the holder. It does not affect citizenship status but according to Schengen rules, citizens of the following countries need a Schengen visa for entry:

If you are a citizen of Schengen Visa-eligible countries, then follow the next step.

Step 3: Schengen Visa Application

Apply for a Schengen visa from a Schengen eligible country of your permanent residence. It means if you live in India, then you can apply for Schengen Visa from Indian Missions only. With a valid Schengen visa on your passport they don’t require to pay any fee for another Schengen visa. Applicants must fill out the visa application form which is available on the website of the nearest Schengen member states’ embassy or consulate. You can download it, fill and submit it online or by post/courier service provided by the embassy/consulate.

In the case of minor applicants under 18 years old, parents need to sign the form on their behalf of them along with their passport and proof of parents. The fees are different for every Schengen states’ embassy/consulate which may vary based on the country where you’re applying and total pages in Schengen visa sticker (in your passport).

Schengen Visa Fees

The application form consists of eleven mandatory fields asking for personal information about the applicant. Some examples are: name, contact details, nationality, travel document number, etc. You can fill your name with initials instead of your full name if you don’t want it to be published in Schengen Information System (SIS). It is recommended that keep two copies of each photo and documents submitted with the application form. One copy should be attached with your visa application and another one should be kept for your records.

Schengen Visa Application Form

If you are eligible to apply then go to the official website of the Schengen member state’s embassy/consulate. Fill out the application form by following the instructions listed below:

Click here to access the Schengen Visa Application Form PDF.

Fields marked with an asterisk are mandatory while others are optional. Leave blank using a space bar or ‘.’ if you don’t have needed information. Once you have filled all mandatory fields correctly, a unique 15 digit reference number will appear on your screen, click on the “Validate” button. The system will highlight any missing field(s), you need to fill before clicking on Validate button. In the case you can’t see the “Validate” button, go to the Schengen visa application form and start filling again from the beginning.

After clicking on the validate button, another copy of the application form will appear with your reference number so print it and take a hard copy of it for future use. You can also save data on your PC using Control+S (PC) or Command+S (Mac) key.

The fee payment can be done either online via Credit/Debit Card or through a bank transfer or Western Union Money transfer.

Visa Processing Time: The standard amount of time taken by an embassy/consulate to grant the visa is 15 calendar days.

Step 4: Schengen visa Interview

The interview will be held before taking a final decision on your application. It’s the most important part of the application process. There are two ways in which you can schedule your interview, online through the appointment system (Recommended) or by post/courier service.

To schedule your appointment: You’ll be asked to select an embassy/ consulate for scheduling your appointment, after receiving your online application form in their office. If you have more than one option, go with the suggested Schengen member whose consulate service is nearest to you.

The online appointment system where applicants can book their interview date in less than 10 minutes. It’s the fastest way to schedule your appointment, but it may take up to 20 days depending upon the embassy or consulate where you’re applying for the Schengen Visa. If you haven’t received any Interview confirmation letter from the embassy/consulate after two weeks since your booking, contact them for updates.

However, if you are scheduling your interview by post/ courier service, then there is no need to wait for a confirmation letter. Once they receive an application form they’ll inform the applicant about the appointment by e-mail.

Schengen Visa Interview Letter

Most Schengen member states will send interview letters by post, few member states use courier services to deliver interview letters.

Once you have scheduled your Interview, print it and take a hard copy of it for future use. Keep the original interview appointment letter with yourself as proof during the application process. If you don’t have a European phone number then do not worry about that because the embassy/consulate will provide a local contact number for the applicant during the interview date. So you can easily call them if there is any emergency or useful information needed during your Schengen country trip etc.

Schengen Visa Validity

Schengen Visa is a single entry visa and validity depends upon which Schengen country you plan to visit. The visa will be valid for 90 days starting from the date of entry. Always bear in mind that Schengen Border Control can shorten your Schengen visa validity or refuse your application if you have violated any of the following rules:

• Overstayed more than 90 days
• Stayed /worked illegally on Schengen territory
• Traveled to another Schengen member state with a different passport or without any passport

Things to keep in mind after approved visa application

If you are traveling with someone else, each person must file their own visa application and pay the fees accordingly.

When applying for a Schengen visa to one of the Schengen member state embassies or consulates outside Europe that allows non-residents/citizens to apply for Schengen visas at their office. Always double-check whether you must bring a visa application form with you or collect the application form from your nearest Schengen member state embassy or consulate before going to the Schengen member state embassy/consulate outside Europe.

Make sure to mention in section 8 of your application form which Schengen member state you will be visiting first when arriving at the border crossing point. This way, if there are any problems when entering one of these countries, it can be sorted out quickly without you having to return home.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries, make sure to follow our Facebook page, Pinterest Board, an Twitter for more travel tips. We will be sharing tips and tricks on what documents you need, how much money you should save, and where you should go in order to have the best possible experience during your travels. Are there any other questions that you have about the visa application process? Leave us a comment below and we would be happy to help!