To submit an application you have to attend the Consulate of the Schengen state you intend to visit. If you’re planning to visit several Schengen countries
Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement.
Full Answer
Is it hard to get a Schengen visa?
Is it hard to get Schengen visa? There’s no need to worry too much, as the financial requirements are not too difficult to pass, but they do vary from country to country – with different levels of means of subsistence applying in each Schengen state. As such, some states’ requirements will be easier to meet than others.
What are the requirements for a Schengen visa?
The required documents to apply for a Schengen visa are the following:
- Valid passport. ...
- Schengen Visa application form. ...
- Photography that meets Schengen guidelines. ...
- Proof of paid Schengen visa fees. ...
- Travel Medical Insurance for your entire stay in Europe . ...
- Biometric Data. ...
- Copies of previous visas. ...
- Flight Itinerary. ...
- A Schengen visa cover letter. ...
- Proof of financial status. ...
How to get a Schengen visa from the USA?
- A US Passport. It must not be older than 10 years and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond their intended date of departure from the ...
- Evidence on their purpose of entry. Documents that show why the US citizen is traveling to the Schengen Area.
- Proof of sufficient financial means. ...
What to do if your Schengen visa application is rejected?
- Personal details: The letter must contain your name, surname, date of birth, passport number, and current address. ...
- Rejection date: Mention when you received the rejection letter and when it was dated.
- Refusal reason: The reason why your application was rejected. ...
- Appeal reason: Why you believe the decision to deny your application was incorrect. ...
Where do I send my Schengen visa application?
You will have to lodge your Tourist Schengen Visa application at the embassy/consulate/visa centre of your main destination in the Schengen Area. By the main destination, we mean: When visiting only one Schengen state, submit your application at the embassy/consulate/visa centre of that country.
Can I mail in Schengen visa application?
In case you have been issued a Schengen visa within the past 59 months for which your fingerprints were taken and you used this visa for entering into the Schengen zone, you may contact the responsible mission if you're eligible to send in your application per mail.
Which embassy is best for Schengen visa?
In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications.
Can I fill my Schengen visa application by hand?
How do I fill the application form for Schengen visa? The application form can be filled in either by handwriting or by typing into it.
Can I go to VFS without appointment for Schengen visa?
Walk In Without Appointment* If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
Does Schengen visa get rejected?
There are many cases where Schengen Visas, or short stay visas, are denied, and it is common for visa applicants to be confused about the exact reasons for the visa denial. Your visa application may be denied if the Consular Office is unable to get all the necessary information.
Which embassy is easiest to get Schengen visa?
In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
Which Schengen visa is fastest processing?
iVisa.com has three available Germany Schengen Visa: Processing Time: the standard one takes 10 business days, the rush one lasts about 6 business days, and the super rush, the fastest one, takes only 4 business days to process your application. Prices vary according to their speed.
What is the easiest way to get Schengen visa?
The Top Hacks to Get A Schengen Visa QuicklyHack #1: Use Atlys. ... Hack #2: Apply for a Schengen Visa for Germany. ... Hack #3: Apply at a smaller Schengen country if your trip is imminent. ... Hack #4: Avoid VFS. ... Hack #5: Apply for a work visa if you can. ... Hack #6: Use a Support Letter. ... Hack #7: Apply for a visa early.More items...
Can I submit visa application online?
You can also apply online, by filling out the visa application form. Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as 'biometric information'.
Can Schengen visa be done online?
The Commission is proposing today the digitalisation of the Schengen visa process, replacing the visa sticker, and introducing the ability to submit visa applications online through a European online visa platform.
Can I get a Schengen visa in 2 days?
You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
What if I made a mistake on my Schengen visa application?
What if I make a mistake on my Schengen Visa form - can I correct it? If you made a mistake on your visa application form - you will need to fill out a new one before your appointment at the consulate or visa application center.
Can I get a Schengen visa in 2 days?
You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
What if I made a mistake on my visa application?
However, there's no need to panic, either. Although it's true that the State Department does not provide a way to go back and change an already submitted DS-160, you can go online to submit a new, corrected DS-160, print the new confirmation page, and bring that to your interview at the consulate or embassy.
How do I write a cover letter for a Schengen visa?
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Business Visa on behalf of [applicant's full name] with the passport number XXXX. Through this letter, I would like to confirm that [applicant's full name] is employed at our company [company's name] where he works as [job title or position].
Do Us Citizens Need A Visa For Europe?
Citizens of the United States with a valid U.S. Tourist passport (blue passport) can travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days witho...
What Documents Americans Need to Enter The Schengen area?
1. A U.S. Passport (with applicable visas, if needed), valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen are...
Which Countries Can I Visit in The Schengen Area Without A Visa?
US citizens can travel without a Schengen visa in the countries listed below:AustriaBelgiumCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHu...
Non American Citizens Applying For A Schengen Visa, While in Us
All non US citizens who do need a visa to enter the Schengen Area, must have a U.S. visa or a Permanent Residence Card with three (3) months validi...
Visa Application Documents and Requirements For U.S. Citizenship and U.S. Passport Holders
1. General Visa Application Documents and Requirements 2. Austrian Visa for U.S. Citizenship and U.S. Passport holders 3. France Visa for U.S. Citi...
Americans to Apply For EU Travel Authorization Starting 2021
US citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS prior to their travel towards Europe, in order to be allowed to enter the territory, starting January 1...
Where to file for Schengen visa?
If you are going to visit only one Schengen country, file your application at the embassy/consulate/visa centre of that country
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
The allowed period to apply for a Schengen visa is as follows: The earliest you can file a visa application: six months before you start your planned trip. The latest you can file a visa application : at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
What is a visa centre?
A visa centre to which the embassy of your destination country has outsourced visa submission
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
Currently, a Schengen visa fee is €80 per person . Children and some other specific categories will have to pay either reduced fees or no fees at all, depending on their situation. Check the list of Schengen visa fees, their reductions and exemptions to see if you belong to any of those categories!
Where to book an appointment for a flight?
On the other hand, in others, you will need to book the appointment in person, at the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Wait until you get a response on your visa application. Although in most cases it takes no more than 15 days for processing a visa, there are times when this process takes quite much longer. That period can be extended from 15 up to 45 days in some countries concerning some citizens.
Is the Schengen visa the same as the visa application?
The Schengen visa application form has the same format no matter which country’s visa it is that the applicant is applying for.
Where to apply for a visa for a Schengen country?
If you are visiting one Schengen country, you will need to apply at the embassy/consulate of that country. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the embassy/consulate of the country which is your main destination. To determine your main destination, find out the country within the Schengen area ...
Who handles Schengen visas?
In some countries, the Schengen embassy or the consulate handles the visa applications themselves. In many other countries, they have outsourced the application process to a VAC – Visa Application Center.
What Are the Criteria Regarding Where to Apply?
The following criteria would determine where you can apply for Schengen visa:
What if no consulate exists in your country of residence for your Schengen destination?
If no consulate exists in your country of residence for your Schengen destination, you need to apply at the honorary consulate that represents the other country, which is a consulate authorized to issue visas on behalf of another country. You are not required to enter the Schengen area through the country that issued your visa.
What happens if you apply at the wrong Schengen embassy?
If you apply at the wrong Schengen embassy/consulate, your application most likely will be rejected, and you will be asked to apply at the correct one. As the application fees are non-refundable, you will have to pay the fees again and complete the application all over again, which would be more time for you.
Is Schengen based on citizenship?
It is not based on your citizenship (in case it is different than your permanent residence country). In many large countries, there are multiple consulates in addition to the embassy for a given Schengen country. In that case, you need to apply to the embassy/consulate that has the jurisdiction for your home address.
Does the Schengen embassy handle visas?
Your main destination may be different than your first destination. In some countries, the Schengen embassy or the consulate handles the visa applications themselves. In many other countries, they have outsourced the application process to a VAC – Visa Application Center.
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in the US?
The Schengen member states have established their embassies, consulates and visa application centres in the United States of America. These are responsible for the admission and procession of Schengen visa applications. However, not everyone can file a Schengen visa application while in the US.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
The allowed period to apply for a Schengen visa in the US is as follows: The earliest you can file a visa application: three months before you start your planned trip. The latest you can file a visa application: at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
Who Needs to Apply for a Europe Visa in the US?
The Schengen States have a list of the countries that need a visa to enter any of them, and another for those who do not. There are rules and eligibility criteria regarding to who is permitted to enter visa-free, and who has to obtain a visa prior to their trip in Europe.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
The costs of a Schengen visa application in the United States may vary from $41 for children aged between 6 and 12 to $70 for adults (depending on currency fluctuations).
Why do people fail to get a visa to Europe?
Many people fail to get a visa because of the mistakes made during the visa interview.
Where to apply for more than one Schengen country?
If visiting more than one Schengen country with equal stay duration – you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate representing the Schengen country you will enter first.
Do you need a visa to travel to Europe with a green card?
US Green Card holders, who are also nationals of third countries that have not established a visa-free regime with the EU, will need to obtain a Schengen Visa, in order to be able to travel to Europe.
How to access Schengen visa?
Some consulates will allow you to apply and submit an application online, through an e-portal. Others will simply provide you a link to the harmonized form, which you can download and print out.
What is the Schengen visa application form?
The Schengen visa application form is a document you must fill out and submit as part of your Schengen visa application. The form is described as “harmonized”, meaning it is the same format for every country and for every applicant. The form is comprised of 32 questions, and its purpose is to collect your biographical information, including your name, address, and date of birth, as well as basic information about your intended trip, such as where you are staying, how you plan on supporting yourself, and the type of visa you are requesting. Not all the questions will apply to you; some you may not need to fill out.
What is fingerprinting in Schengen?
Fingerprints collected previously for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa: Fingerprints are known as “biometric information”, and their collection is a standard part of the Schengen visa application process for any applicant over 12 years old .
When do you leave the Schengen area?
This is the (intended) date of the first time you enter the Schengen area and the date of the first time you leave the Schengen area post entry. Regardless of whether or not you intend to return to the Schengen area after you exit (i.e. whether you have a single entry visa or a double/multiple entry visa) you will still need to put down the date you intend to leave it for the first time. Therefore, if you plan to enter the Schengen area March 1 st 2021, and you intend to leave it on April 2 nd 2021 to go to a non-Schengen country (even if it’s just for a day, and you plan to return to the Schengen area right after) you must put your intended date of entry as March 1 st, and your date of departure from the Schengen area as April 2 nd.
What is the state of first entry in Schengen?
For example, if you receive a Schengen visa and you fly from Egypt to France , and this is the first time you enter the Schengen area on that visa, your state of first entry will be France.
What to do if you have a resident permit?
If it is a resident permit or equivalent, fill in the country in the provided space. If it is not, you must still fill in the country it’s for in the provided space; for both options you must put the also put the date it’s valid until. 21. Current occupation: If you are working, enter your current profession.
How to verify employment information?
If you are working, give your employer’s contact information. Whoever is looking over your application may contact the person whose number you provided in order to verify the information you provided, so make sure you provide their correct contact information.
How to get a Schengen visa?
Everyone who is looking to obtain a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe, is required to fill in and sign the official application form. The visa form also requires the applicant to glue a photo taken according to the visa photograph specifications and requirements.
Who should sign the visa application?
The Visa application form should be completely filled and signed by Visa applicant and not another person. If the visa applicant is a minor (under 18), the application must be signed by a person having parental authority and their relationship should be included in parentheses (father, mother, guardian). If the visa applicant cannot sign, a cross may be used.
How many questions are asked on a visa application?
The visa application form has 37 questions that must be filled in by the applicant with relevant information. These questions are outlined below, along with information on how to fill each of them. Bear in mind that any false statements will result in your visa being refused.
How to write your name on passport?
1. Surname (Family Name) Write your name as indicated on your passport (Please do not add the words “married name” and the name of your husband)! 2. Surname at birth (Former Family Name) Write the name you had at your birth if different than the one indicated in section 1. 3.
Do you add the name of the country on a passport?
Add the name of the country, even if it is not specified on the passport.
What Are The Criteria Regarding Where to Apply?
How to Determine Your Designated Schengen Embassy/Consulate
- Whendetermining where to apply, you should keep the following rules in mind: 1. If you are visiting one Schengen country, you will need to apply at the embassy/consulate of that country. 2. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the embassy/consulate of the country which is your main destination. To determin...
Visa Application Center
- A Visa Application Center (VAC) is an exclusive third-party service provider to whom the Schengen embassy/consulate has authorized some of the visa application process steps. Once the VAC receives your application, they will check for accuracy, and if complete, they will forward it to the appropriate Schengen embassy/consulate.
Various Considerations
- Even though some Schengen countries maygenerally be easier than others to apply for Schengen visa, you must follow therules as described above.
- If your itinerary is flexible where you canchange it so that you can become eligible to apply at the easier Schengenconsulate, you can do that.
- If you apply at the wrong Schengenembassy/consulate, your application most likely will be rej…
- Even though some Schengen countries maygenerally be easier than others to apply for Schengen visa, you must follow therules as described above.
- If your itinerary is flexible where you canchange it so that you can become eligible to apply at the easier Schengenconsulate, you can do that.
- If you apply at the wrong Schengenembassy/consulate, your application most likely will be rejected, and you willbe asked to apply at the correct one. As the application fees arenon-refundable, you...
