Schengen visa is a permit that allows non- EU citizens to visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days with in the 180 – day period. The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries without border controls between them.
There are three types of Schengen visas:
- Single-entry visa: Allows entry to the Schengen area once
- Multiple-entry visa: Allows multiple visits to the Schengen area for the duration of the visa
- Airport transit visa: Allows travel through the international transit area of a Schengen airport during a stopover or flight change
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The New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which was proposed in September 2020 and agreed between the European Parliament and the Council in December 2023, is a set of regulations and policies to create a fairer, efficient, and more sustainable migration and asylum process for the European Union.
The aim is to build a safer Europe by fighting terrorism and organised crime, by promoting police cooperation and preparing for rapid crisis responses. Our actions in these areas include stricter rules against illicit trafficking of firearms and on trafficking in human beings, as well as revision of legislation on combating child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and child pornography.
You must submit your application to the consulate at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand.
You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.
What documents are needed to apply?
- A valid passport. The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, the expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited.
- Medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in the event of death).
- Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means and accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
- Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).
Additional documents may also be requested by the consulates.
How much does a visa cost?
- €90 for adults
- €45 for children aged 6-12
- €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus
- €67,50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.
An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres, which collect applications on behalf of consulates in some cases.
The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.
How long does the application take to process?
The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days.
This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.
Refusal of a visa application
If your application is rejected, you will be told:
- why it was rejected
- how to submit an appeal.
In our policies, we promote dialogue and cooperation with non-EU countries so that we can work in partnership and tackle common challenges. Our external action contributes to the strengthening of the EU’s position as a reliable, active and pragmatic global player, while ensuring the effectiveness of our policies. We also manage EU financing instruments that support concrete actions in the field of home affairs.
Following their adoption by the European Parliament and Council, the new rules on migration introduced by the Pact entered into force on 11 June 2024 and will enter into application after two years. This will ensure that the Union has strong and secure external borders, that people’s rights are guaranteed, and that no EU country is left alone under pressure.
