What is a Schengen Tourist Visa?

The Schengen visa is a type of short-stay visa (Category C) that allows you to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa?

Citizens of non-EU countries who cannot enter the Schengen Area without a visa or are not eligible for a visa on arrival, and who have a legitimate, documented reason for travel to the Schengen Area for tourism purposes, are eligible to apply for a Schengen tourist visa.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa

Applicants for a Schengen tourist visa only need to provide the required documents for obtaining a Schengen visa.

How to Obtain a Schengen Visa?

1. Choose the Schengen country where you will spend the majority of your stay. You will apply for the Schengen tourist visa through the consulate of that country.
2. Select the "Tourism" option in the "Purpose of Visit" section on the visa application form.
3. Choose the number of "Entries" you need for the Schengen Area.
4. Complete the basic documents required for a Schengen visa, along with the specific documents needed for a Schengen tourist visa.
5. Fill out your visa application form. Different Schengen countries offer different ways to access the forms; you may need to use an online application portal or fill out a printed form by hand.
6. Pay the application fee (the standard fee for adults is €80). You may also need to pay a service fee when submitting your visa application, which is separate from the visa fee and is typically paid in person at the visa application center during your personal interview. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.
7. Submit your visa application.
8. Schedule an interview appointment. Interviews are conducted in person either at the embassy or consulate of the country to which you are applying, or at a visa application center associated with that consulate.

When to Apply for a Schengen Visa - Recommended Timing?

You should apply for a Schengen tourist visa at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but no more than 6 months before the date of travel.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

You should apply for a Schengen tourist visa through the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit, or through a visa application center affiliated with that consulate.

If you plan to visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area, you should apply through the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the country where you will spend the most time. If you plan to spend an equal amount of time in each country, you should apply through the embassy, consulate, or application center of the country you will enter first.

Processing Time for a Schengen Visa

Processing a Schengen tourist visa generally takes around two weeks (15 days). In rare cases, consulates may take between 30-60 days to make a decision on the application.