Requirements, Costs, and Application Process for a Schengen Visa

If you are planning a trip to Europe, especially to countries within the Schengen Area, one of the first things you will need is a Schengen visa. This visa lets you travel across multiple countries with just a single travel document. But applying for a Schengen visa is not as simple as filling out a form. You will need to meet specific document requirements, pay certain fees, and carefully follow the application process to avoid any risk of rejection. Here is a complete guide to help you get started.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short term travel permit that allows you to visit or transit through countries within the Schengen Area with just one visa. The Schengen Area is made up of European countries that have agreed to remove passport controls at their borders. This makes travel between them seamless.

The visa is intended for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. It is typically used for tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, trade fairs, cultural events, or short term training. If you are planning to work or stay long term, you will need a different type of visa.

There are three types of Schengen visas available.

• A single entry visa that lets you enter the Schengen Area once
• A multiple entry visa that allows you to travel in and out of the Schengen Area several times while the visa is valid
• An airport transit visa that lets you transit through the international area of a Schengen airport without entering the country

Keep in mind that having a Schengen visa does not guarantee automatic entry. Border officials still have the right to deny entry if you cannot provide proof of your travel plans or if your documents are incomplete.

List of Countries Within the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area includes most European Union countries, with a few exceptions like Cyprus and Ireland. As of March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have officially joined the Schengen Area. Non EU countries such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are also part of the zone. Here is the full list of countries you can visit with a Schengen visa.

If you have a Schengen visa, you can freely visit all the countries listed above without needing to apply for separate visas. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check each country’s specific entry requirements before you travel.

Requirements for a Schengen Visa

To make the application process as smooth as possible, you’ll need to prepare a few important documents and meet certain requirements. Here’s what you should have ready.

• Completed Visa Application Form
  Fill out the application form carefully. You can download it from the official website of the consulate or embassy where you’re applying. If the applicant is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form.
  
• Valid Passport
  Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area and must have at least two blank pages.
  
• Passport-Size Photo
  Submit a recent passport photo with a plain background. Make sure your face is clearly visible with no hats, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face.
  
• Travel Itinerary
  Provide proof of your travel plans, like a round-trip flight booking or a detailed itinerary.
  
• Proof of Accommodation
  Show where you’ll be staying during your trip, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter if you’re staying with family or friends.
  
• Travel Insurance
  You must have travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses and is valid throughout the entire Schengen area.
  
• Proof of Financial Means
  You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself during your trip, usually by submitting your latest 3 months of bank statements.
  
• Visa Fee
  Pay the visa application fee. The amount depends on your age and sometimes on the specific country you’re visiting.
  
• Biometric Data
  You’ll need to give fingerprints and have your photo taken when you submit your application. This data is stored securely in the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS).
  
  

Depending on the embassy or consulate, you might be asked for additional documents or called in for an interview, so it’s better to check the specific requirements ahead of time.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

You can submit your Schengen visa application either directly to the embassy or consulate of your destination country or through an authorized visa center like VFS Global Indonesia. Here’s a general step-by-step guide.

1. Identify Your Main Destination
   Apply through the embassy, consulate, or visa center of the country where you'll spend the most time. If your trip is evenly split between countries, apply to the country you’ll enter first.
   
2. Book an Appointment
   Schedule your visa appointment online through the official website of the embassy or visa center.
   
3. Prepare Your Documents
   Collect all these required documents.
• A completed and signed visa application form
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages
• A recent passport-size photo
• Proof of travel plans (flight tickets, itinerary)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letters)
• Travel insurance covering at least €30,000
• Proof of financial means (recent bank statements)
  
4. Attend Your Appointment and Submit Biometrics
   During your appointment, you’ll submit your documents, give your fingerprints, and have your photo taken.
   
5. Pay the Visa Fee and Complete an Interview (if needed)
   Some embassies may ask for a short interview to learn more about your travel plans. You’ll also pay the visa fee at this stage.
   
6. Wait for Processing
   Processing usually takes about 15 to 21 working days, but it can vary depending on the time of year and the embassy’s workload.

To avoid any issues, double-check that all your documents are complete and meet the embassy’s requirements.

Schengen Visa Fees

Starting June 11, 2024, the Schengen visa fees have been updated as follows (according to the German Federal Foreign Office).

• €90 (around IDR 1.5 million) for applicants aged 12 and over
• €45 (around IDR 757,000) for children between 6 and 12 years old
• Free of charge for children under 6 years old

These adjustments are based on Article 16(9) of the Visa Code and are reviewed every three years to reflect inflation and administrative costs.

If you apply through a visa center like VFS Global, there will be an additional service fee. This extra fee covers services like biometric data collection, SMS updates, assistance with filling out your application, travel insurance, photocopying, taking biometric photos

Keep in mind that booking your visa appointment and accessing general information is usually free, but using optional services will cost extra. Also, service and visa fees are generally paid in local currency (IDR) and are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.

Always check the latest updates on the embassy’s website or the official visa center. Fees and procedures may vary slightly depending on your destination.

Schengen Visa Validity

The Schengen Visa allows you to visit the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This 180-day window is counted backwards from each day of your stay. In other words, your total time spent in the Schengen Area cannot exceed 90 days within any rolling 180-day timeframe.

Schengen Visas can be issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa permits you to enter the Schengen Area once, while a multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit multiple times during the visa’s validity, as long as the total stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

It is important to note that the visa’s validity is not always the same as the permitted length of stay. For example, a visa might be valid for one year, but you must still comply with the 90 days per 180 days rule. Additionally, although the visa grants access to multiple countries within the Schengen Area, the final decision on whether you are allowed to enter rests with the border authorities of each country. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to carry supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial evidence during your travels.

Tips and Important Things to Know Before Applying for a Schengen Visa

Applying for a Schengen Visa requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth process and improve your chances of approval. By understanding the requirements and steps you need to follow, you can approach the application process with more confidence. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.

1. Decide on Your Main Destination First
   Before applying, determine which country you will be spending the most time in. If you are visiting multiple countries, apply through the embassy or visa center of the country where you plan to stay the longest.
   
2. Book Your Visa Appointment Early
   You can apply for a Schengen Visa up to 6 months before your planned travel date, and no later than 15 days before your departure. Booking early gives you more flexibility and time to prepare.
   
3. Prepare All Required Documents Carefully
   Make sure you gather all the necessary documents according to the specific requirements of the embassy or visa center. Having complete and properly prepared documents will make the process smoother.
   
4. Understand the Application Procedures
   Visit the official website of the embassy or visa center of your destination country to review the detailed procedures and specific requirements they have.
   
5. Get Your Visa Fee Ready
   Find out the exact visa fee based on your age and destination, and prepare the necessary funds. Visa fees can vary depending on these factors.
   
6. Be Punctual for Your Appointment
   Make sure you arrive on time for your visa appointment at the visa center or embassy. Being late could negatively affect your application.
7. Be Honest and Consistent with Your Information
   Double-check that all the information you provide in your application form and supporting documents is accurate and consistent. Any discrepancies may result in a visa refusal.

After understanding the requirements and the steps to apply for a Schengen Visa, it is just as important to plan your trip carefully to ensure everything goes smoothly. One essential part of travel preparation is choosing the right luggage. To help you pick the perfect suitcase that suits your trip, check out our guide on Understanding the Ideal Luggage Size for Your Travel Needs.