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Dreaming of a European getaway? Whether it's exploring the canals of Venice, attending a business meeting in Paris, or visiting family in Spain, the Schengen visa (Type C) makes it all possible with just one application. No need to deal with separate visas for each country. Curious about how it works? Let us guide you!
What is a Schengen visa (Type C)?
The Schengen visa is a special travel document that lets you visit 29 European countries without needing separate visas for each one.
It’s perfect for people who want to explore different countries in Europe, whether for tourism, business, or family visits.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have agreed to remove border checks between them.
Country | Joined Schengen |
1 Dec 1997 | |
26 Mar 1995 | |
31 Mar 2024 (partial) | |
1 Jan 2023 | |
21 Dec 2007 | |
25 Mar 2001 | |
21 Dec 2007 | |
25 Mar 2001 | |
26 Mar 1995 | |
26 Mar 1995 | |
1 Jan 2000 | |
21 Dec 2007 | |
Iceland | 25 Mar 2001 (non-EU) |
26 Oct 1997 | |
Latvia | 21 Dec 2007 |
Liechtenstein | 19 Dec 2011 (non-EU) |
Lithuania | 21 Dec 2007 |
Luxembourg | 26 Mar 1995 |
Malta | 21 Dec 2007 |
Netherlands | 26 Mar 1995 |
Norway | 25 Mar 2001 (non-EU) |
Poland | 21 Dec 2007 |
Portugal | 26 Mar 1995 |
Romania | 31 Mar 2024 (partial) |
Slovakia | 21 Dec 2007 |
Slovenia | 21 Dec 2007 |
Spain | 26 Mar 1995 |
Sweden | 25 Mar 2001 |
Switzerland | 12 Dec 2008 (non-EU) |
Bulgaria and Romania: Began partial Schengen participation on 31 March 2024, with full border control removal expected soon.
Non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area but not members of the EU.
Excluded territories: Overseas regions (e.g., French Guiana, Greenland, Faroe Islands) are not included in the Schengen zone.
This means that once you enter one Schengen country, you can move across all the others as if they were a single country, much like traveling between states in the U.S.
Check out the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System for the Schengen area.
What does the Schengen visa let you do?
The Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. It’s a short-term visa, which means it’s good for short trips like:
Tourism: Traveling for vacation or sightseeing.
Business: Going to business meetings, conferences, or events.
Family Visits: Visiting family or friends who live in Schengen countries.
With this EU visa, you can visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area without having to apply for separate visas for each country.
Short-term Schengen visa types
There are different types of Schengen visas, depending on the purpose of your trip. These include:
Tourist Visa: For vacations, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or other work-related events.
Student Visa: For short-term educational programs or courses.
Medical Visa: For people who need medical treatment in a Schengen country.
Cultural/Sports Visa: For attending cultural events, sports competitions, or festivals.
Transit Visa: For travelers passing through a Schengen country on their way to another destination.
Schengen visa requirements
To apply for a Schengen visa, you’ll need to provide several documents, which may vary depending on the country you're applying to. Here are the common requirements:
Valid passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area and must have at least two blank pages.
Visa application form:
You must complete the visa application form, which can be filled out online or in paper form.
Photographs:
You need to provide two recent passport-sized photos that meet the Schengen photo requirements.
Travel itinerary:
Proof of your travel plans, including flight bookings and hotel reservations.
Travel insurance:
You need travel insurance that covers medical emergencies up to €30,000 while you're in the Schengen Area.
Proof of financial means:
You must show that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This could include bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from a sponsor.
Accommodation details:
Proof of where you will stay during your trip, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.
Purpose of visit:
Depending on your visa type, you may need to provide additional documents explaining the purpose of your trip, such as a business invitation letter or a medical appointment letter.
Is getting a Schengen visa easy?
Getting a Schengen visa can be easy, but it depends on several factors:
What makes it easier | What can make it difficult |
Strong travel history (previous visas to Europe, UK, US) | Missing or incorrect documents |
Complete and correct documentation | Inconsistent travel plans or vague purpose of visit |
Clear travel purpose (e.g., tourism, business, family) | Weak financial background or unclear funding |
Sufficient financial proof (bank statements, income) | Overstaying previous visas or immigration history issues |
Valid travel insurance | Applying close to your travel date |
Applying to a country with higher visa approval rates |
Check out our list of the easiest Schengen visa countries (statistically) to apply for here.
Schengen Visa appointments: What you need to know
Booking a Schengen visa appointment is a crucial step in the application process. Here’s what you should know
How to book your Schengen visa appointment
What to expect
During the appointment, you’ll submit your documents, provide biometric data (such as fingerprints), and possibly answer some questions about your trip. Some countries may also require an interview.
Timing
It’s recommended to book your appointment 3-6 weeks before your planned travel date, as visa processing can take several weeks, especially during busy periods.
How to get a Schengen visa simply
Applying for a Schengen visa doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support, you can avoid unnecessary delays, mistakes, or rejections. Global Law provides expert guidance every step of the way, so you can submit your application with confidence.
Visa planning: We help you choose the right visa type based on your travel purpose—tourism, business, medical, study, or family visit.
Document review: Get a customized checklist and expert review to avoid errors that cause delays or rejections.
Appointment booking: We assist in securing your visa appointment, even during peak times.
Biometric guidance: Clear instructions on the fingerprinting process so you’re fully prepared.
Application monitoring: We track your application, handle consulate requests, and keep you updated from start to finish.
Schengen visa fees
The cost of a Schengen visa depends on your age and nationality. Here are the standard fees:
Adults (12 years and older): €90
Children (6 to 11 years old): €45
Children under 6 years old: Free
Visa Facilitation Fees: Some countries have special agreements with the Schengen Area, and the fee may be different for their nationals (e.g., citizens of Cabo Verde).
How long does the Schengen visa last?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that after staying for 90 days, you must leave the Schengen Area and wait for another 90 days before you can return. If you receive a multiple-entry visa, you can enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as needed within the validity period of the visa.
Can you extend a Schengen visa?
In general, you cannot extend a Schengen visa unless you have a very good reason. Some valid reasons for an extension may include:
Emergency situations: For example, a natural disaster or political unrest.
Humanitarian reasons: Such as a serious illness or family emergency.
Professional reasons: If you are unable to finish your business activities on time.
However, extensions are rarely granted, so it's important to plan your trip to fit within the 90-day limit.
Important tips
Apply early: It’s recommended to apply for your visa at least 3-6 weeks before your trip to give enough time for processing.
Double-check documents: Incomplete or incorrect applications can cause delays or rejection. Make sure all documents are accurate and complete.
Travel insurance: Don’t forget that travel insurance is mandatory for your Schengen visa application.
Get expert help from Global Law: Avoid delays and rejections. Global Law provides expert guidance, document checks, and full support—so you can travel with confidence.
Your European adventure starts here…
From wandering the romantic streets of Paris to enjoying a gondola ride in Venice, every moment will be unforgettable. Securing a Schengen visa for your trip is completely doable with the right preparation.
Please call us on +44 207 504 1306 for any additional advice and one of our team would be happy to help.
Your personal details shall be treated as important and confidential and shall not be passed to any third parties for marketing purposes.
Global Law Immigration Consultancy in UK are authorised and regulated by the IAA: F20210027.
Stay organized, follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be on your way to experiencing Europe like never before. Safe travels!
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Global Law are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (IAA) Registration No: F20210027 who regulates immigration advisers; ensuring they are fit, competent and act in their clients’ best interests. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Global Law is not a government agency and is not affiliated with any governmental visa-issuing authority. Our services are independent, and we do not guarantee the approval of any immigration or visa applications. We encourage all users to consult with the appropriate governmental agencies or legal professionals for definitive advice related to immigration matters. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
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FAQs
The required minimum balance is typically around €120 per day of stay, but it may vary by country. Check the specific requirements before applying.
A Schengen visa covers 29 European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, as well as non-EU countries like Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.
No, U.S. citizens can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. However, from 2025, they’ll need an ETIAS authorization.
Countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days, but this depends on nationality and purpose of travel.
The name comes from the town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the agreement to remove internal borders was signed in 1985.
