Why apply for a Schengen Visa?

• Travel to 29 countries with one visa
• 7 million Schengen visa applications filed in 2024
• 7 million visas issued in 2024
• Stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period
• Average processing time: 15 days or less in some countries

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-term visa that allows non-EU nationals to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries. It permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits. With a Schengen Visa, you can enter any member country and move across borders without internal checks. It is one of the most convenient visas for exploring Europe on a single trip. The visa must be applied for at the embassy or consulate of the main destination country.

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Types of Schengen visa

The Schengen Visa system categorizes visas into different types depending on the purpose and duration of travel. Below are the official visa types:

Type A – Airport Transit Visa

This visa allows travelers to transit through the international transit area of airports in Schengen countries without entering the Schengen territory. It is mandatory for citizens of specific countries when changing flights within the Schengen Area.

Type B – Transit Visa (Note: Rarely issued today)

Previously used for short land or sea transits through Schengen countries (up to 5 days). This visa type has largely been phased out and is now typically covered under Type C short-stay visas with limited validity.

Type C – Short-Stay Visa

The most common visa type, allowing stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, family visits, or similar short-term purposes. It can be issued as:

• Single-entry
• Double-entry
• Multiple-entry

Type D – National Long-Stay Visa

Issued by individual Schengen states for stays exceeding 90 days. This visa is typically granted for purposes such as study, employment, or long-term family reunification and may allow travel within the Schengen Area under certain conditions.

List of Schengen Visa Countries

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing free and unrestricted movement of people. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel across all these countries with a single visa.

Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons, your visa is valid in any of the member states listed below:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Croatia
4. Czech Republic
5. Denmark
6. Estonia
7. Finland
8. France
9. Germany
10. Greece
11. Hungary
12. Iceland
13. Italy
14. Latvia
15. Liechtenstein
16. Lithuania
17. Luxembourg
18. Malta
19. Netherlands
20. Norway
21. Poland
22. Portugal
23. Slovakia
24. Slovenia
25. Spain
26. Sweden
27. Switzerland
28. Bulgaria
29. Romania

Note: The United Kingdom is a European country but is not part of the Schengen Area. UK citizens or residents traveling to Schengen countries must apply for a Schengen Visa (unless visa-exempt based on nationality).

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Rules for the Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa rules are governed by the EU Visa Code and have been enhanced in 2025 to strengthen security and streamline procedures. Here are the key updates:

• Full Schengen membership for Bulgaria & Romania

As of January 1, 2025, both countries are fully integrated into the Schengen Zone—visa holders can now cross all borders seamlessly.

• Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout starting October 2025

Manual passport stamping will be replaced by biometric data (fingerprints + photo) and entry/exit tracking via EES.

• ETIAS launch for visa-exempt travelers

From late 2025 to early 2026, travelers from visa-free countries (e.g. UK, US, Australia) will need a pre-travel ETIAS authorization (€7 fee, valid for 3 years).

• Digital visa platform planned by 2026

EU is introducing a unified digital application platform via eu-LISA by 2026–2027, with full implementation by 2028.

• Stricter biometric validity & insurance thresholds

Biometric data will now be valid for 59 months, and minimum travel insurance coverage is being reviewed upward.

• Faster visa suspension mechanisms

New rules allow rapid, decisive visa-policy sanctions against third countries in response to security threats, migration surges, or misuse of visa-free regimes.

• Multi-year multiple-entry visas expanded

Frequent applicants may now receive long validity multiple-entry visas up to 1, 3, or 5 years under the new “visa cascade” rule.

Benefits of applying for a Schengen visa

Some of the benefits of applying for a Schengen visa are as follows:

• Travel to 29 countries with one visa: Explore multiple European destinations without the need for separate visas.
• No internal border checks: Move freely across Schengen countries without passport control between member states.
• Stay up to 90 days: Enjoy travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
• Multiple-entry options available: Apply for single, double, or multiple-entry visas based on your travel needs.
• Boosts visa success for future travel: A history of approved Schengen visas may support visa applications for countries like the U.S., Canada, or the UK.
• Ideal for multi-country itineraries: Perfect for travellers planning European road trips, cruises, or business tours.
• Widely accepted by embassies worldwide: Applications can be submitted from your country of residence, making it accessible for legal residents across the globe.

Eligibility Criteria for a Schengen Visa

To qualify for a Schengen Visa, you must:

• Be a national of a country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen Area
• Hold a valid passport (must be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay)
• Provide proof of the purpose of your visit (e.g. tourism, business, family visit)
• Show evidence of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of your stay
• Have valid travel medical insurance covering a minimum of €30,000
• Demonstrate strong ties to your country of residence (e.g. job, family, property)
• Submit proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.)
• Have no entry ban or alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS)
• Not pose a threat to public health, security, or immigration rules within the Schengen Zone

Schengen Visa Requirements

The requirements for a Schengen visa are as follows:

• Completed visa application form (Type C – Short-Stay Visa)
• Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay)
• Two recent passport-size photographs (meeting Schengen photo specifications)
• Proof of travel purpose (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
• Flight reservation or travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter from host)
• Travel medical insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letter)
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc., if applicable)
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa centre, if required)

Steps to apply for a Schengen visa

You can follow the below steps to apply for a Schengen visa:

Step 1: Determine the visa type and main destination
Step 2: Check eligibility and gather required documents
Step 3: Schedule an appointment at the relevant embassy or visa centre
Step 4: Submit the application and biometrics
Step 5: Pay the visa fee
Step 6: Wait for application processing
Step 7: Collect your passport with the visa decision

Schengen Visa Processing Time

The standard processing time for a Schengen Visa is up to 15 calendar days from the date of application submission. However, depending on your individual case or additional document checks, it may take up to 30 or 60 days.

Schengen Visa Fees

The table below has a breakdown of the Schengen visa fees:

Type	Cost
Adult	€ 90
Children aged 6 to 12	€ 45
Children under age 6	Free

How can Y-Axis help You?

As the leading overseas immigration consultancy in the UK, Y-Axis has been providing dedicated immigration assistance to its customers for more than 25 years. Our team of visa and immigration experts will give end-to-end guidance for all your immigration needs:

• Analysing your profile and suggesting the best-suited visa options for you
• Gathering the correct set of documents required for a successful visa application
• Advising on your overseas immigration
• Get you updates and follow-ups on your visa application process
• Advising you on getting permanent residency in the country in you desired country