If you intend to travel to Europe for tourism, business, or family reasons, you might have to obtain a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa allows you to enter and stay in one or more of the 26 Schengen nations for a certain period of time, often up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To apply for a Schengen visa, you must fill out and submit a Schengen visa application form, along with additional supporting papers, to the competent official in your country of residence.

We will walk you through the Schengen visa application process step by step in this article. We will explain:

• The different types of Schengen visas and application forms.
• How to accurately complete the Schengen visa application form.
• What documents are required and how to submit the Schengen visa application form.
• How to pay the Schengen visa application fee and what happens if your visa is refused.
• How to follow the status of your Schengen visa application and what to do once you’ve received your visa.

By following these steps, you will be able to apply for a Schengen visa with confidence, avoiding common mistakes that could cause your application to be delayed or denied.

Types of Schengen Visas and Application Forms

There are various types of Schengen visas available based on the purpose and duration of your travel. The most popular are as follows:

1. Short-stay visa (C)

This is the most popular type of Schengen visa. It allows you to enter and stay in one or more Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This visa is applicable for tourism, business, or family visits. If you need to travel frequently within the Schengen Area, you can apply for a multiple-entry short-stay visa.

2. Long-stay visa (D)

This is a national visa that allows you to enter and stay in one Schengen country for a period of more than 90 days. You can use this visa to work, study, or reunite with relatives. Depending on the rules of each country, you may be allowed to travel within the Schengen Area with this visa.

3. Airport transit visa (A)

This is a type of Schengen visa that allows you to travel through the international transit area of a Schengen country’s airport without entering its territory. If you have a connecting flight to a non-Schengen country and are from a country that requires an airport transit visa, you may need this visa.

To apply for any of these visas, you must first download and complete a proper Schengen visa application form. The forms can be found on the official websites of the Schengen countries or on the Schengen Visa Info portal. Here are the links to the visa application forms for each type:

Short-stay visa application form

Long-stay visa application form

Airport transit visa application form

Make sure you download and print the relevant form for your visa type and fill it out completely and accurately.

Read Also: How to Get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK from South Africa

How to Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application Form

There are 37 fields on the four pages that make up the Schengen visa application form. Depending on your situation, certain fields are required and some are optional. The form’s key sections and fields, as well as information on how to complete each one, are included below:

Section 1: Application for

In this section, you must specify whether you are seeking a short-stay (C), long-stay (D), or airport transit visa. You must also specify if you want one, two, or multiple entries. Finally, enter the number of days you want to stay or transit.

Section 2: Applicant’s personal information

You must provide your personal information here, such as your name, date and place of birth, nationality, gender, marital status, and national identity number (if applicable). You must also give information about your travel documents, such as your passport number, date of issue and expiration, and issuing authority. If you are a minor, you must additionally provide the name and address of your parent or legal guardian.

Section 3: The applicant’s address and contact information

You must enter your home address, email address, and phone number here. You must also include your current occupation as well as the name and address of your employer (or educational institution if you are a student).

Section 4: The main purpose(s) of the journey

You must select one or more of the options that best characterize the reason(s) for your visit to the Schengen Area. For example, tourism, business, visiting family or friends, cultural, sports, official visits, medical reasons, study, or transit.

Section 5: Itinerary and destination(s)

In this section, you must provide information about your travel plans within the Schengen Area. You must indicate the destination member state(s), which is the country or countries where you want to spend most of your time. You must also indicate the member state of first entry, which is the country from which you will enter the Schengen Area. Finally, you need to indicate your intended date of arrival and departure from the Schengen Area.

Section 6: Inviting a person(s) or organization(s)

In this section, you must provide information about the person(s) or organization(s) who invited you to visit the Schengen Area. If you are visiting someone for personal reasons, such as a family member or friend, you must include their name, address, email address, phone number, and relationship to you. If you are visiting an organization or institution for business purposes, you must include their name, address, email address, phone number, and the name and position of the contact person.

See Also: German Study Visa Requirements and Application: A Comprehensive Guide

Section 7: Means of Support

In this section, you must explain how you plan to pay for your travel and stay in the Schengen Area. You can specify whether you will pay for it yourself or whether someone else (such as a host, company, organization, or other) will sponsor you. You must also state what type of support you or your sponsor have available, such as cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, prepaid accommodation or transportation, or other (please describe). 

Section 8: Permit for final destination entry

If relevant, you must provide information on whether you hold an entry permit for the final country of destination outside the Schengen Area. You must state who issued it, when it is valid from and until, and what its number is.

Section 9: Previous Schengen visas

In this section, you must indicate if you have received any Schengen visas in the last three years and whether your fingerprints have previously been acquired for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa. You need to indicate the dates of validity, the number of entries on your previous visas, and the date of your fingerprint collection, if applicable.

Section 10: Signature

In this section, you must sign and date the form to confirm that the data you provided was accurate and comprehensive to the best of your knowledge. Additionally, you must state that you are aware of the consequences of giving inaccurate or incomplete information or of disobeying visa laws and regulations.

These are the main parts and fields of the Schengen visa application form. More specific instructions on how to fill out the form can be found on the website of the Schengen Visa Info portal or the website of the embassy or consulate where you will submit your application.

How to Submit the Schengen Visa Application Form

After completing the Schengen visa application form, you must submit it to the appropriate official in your country of residence, together with other supporting documents. Depending on your situation, this could include the following:

1. The embassy or consulate of the Schengen country in which you want to spend the majority of your stay (the main destination)
2. The embassy or consulate of the Schengen country into which you will first enter (the first entry point)
3. The embassy or consulate of any Schengen country if you have no main destination or first entry point.
4. A visa facility that has been authorized by the embassy or consulate to process visa applications.
5. An online portal if the embassy or consulate offers an electronic application system.

On the website of the Schengen Visa Info portal or the website of your destination country’s embassy or consulate, you can find out which authority is in charge of processing your visa application.

You must submit your Schengen visa application form at least 15 days before your desired date of travel but no more than six months in advance. Check with the embassy or consulate before submitting, because some countries may allow you to submit your application earlier or later.

When submitting your Schengen visa application form, you must also provide a collection of supporting documents confirming your identity, trip purpose, itinerary, means of support, and other relevant information. The specific documents needed will vary based on your situation and target country, but in general, they will include:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity period of at least three months beyond your scheduled date of departure from the Schengen Area.
• A current passport-sized photo that meets the photo requirements for the Schengen visa.
• A travel medical insurance policy that includes at least 30,000 euros in coverage for emergency medical bills and repatriation in the event of illness or accident in the Schengen Area.
• A round-trip flight reservation or ticket showing your Schengen Area entry and exit dates.
• A proof of accommodation reservation or an invitation letter from a host indicating where you will stay during your visit.
• A proof of financial means that shows you have enough money to cover your expenses throughout your stay, such as bank statements, payslips, tax returns, or sponsorship letters.
• A proof of employment or education status that demonstrates you have a solid job or study program in your country of residence, such as an employment contract, a leave approval letter, a student enrollment letter, or a school certificate.
• A proof of travel purpose, such as a business invitation letter, conference registration, cultural event ticket, medical certificate, study acceptance letter, or family relationship certificate, demonstrating why you are visiting the Schengen Area.
• A proof of previous travel history, such as old passports with stamps and visas, trip itineraries, hotel bookings, or photos, demonstrating that you have traveled abroad before and adhered to visa laws and regulations.

Read Also: Mega Million Jackpot Analysis: How to Win Big in the Lottery

Depending on your situation and destination country, you may also be required to provide other documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, parental consent letter, criminal record certificate, biometric data consent form, or an integration agreement. You can find out more about the exact documents needed for each type of visa and each destination country by visiting the Schengen Visa Info portal or the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

When you submit your Schengen visa application form and supporting documents, you must also schedule and attend a visa interview at an embassy, consulate, or visa center. The interview allows the visa officer to verify your identity and information, as well as ask you questions about your trip plans and intentions. The interview is typically 10 to 15 minutes long and is conducted in English or the language of your target country.

To prepare for the visa interview, you should:

• Review your Schengen visa application form and supporting documentation to ensure they are complete and accurate.
• Make copies of all your documents and store them in a folder for quick access.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your planned appointment time and dress appropriately.
• Bring all originals and copies of your documents, as well as your passport and visa fee receipt.
• Be kind and respectful to the visa officer, and answer all questions honestly and boldly.
• Provide additional information or clarification if requested by the visa officer.
• Avoid giving inaccurate or incomplete information or documents, since this could result in visa refusal or cancellation.

By following these tips, you will be able to successfully submit your Schengen visa application form and attend the visa interview, increasing your chances of having your visa approved.

Read Also: How to Get 1k Followers on TikTok in 5 Minutes

How to Pay the Schengen Visa Application Fee

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must pay a non-refundable visa application fee to cover the administrative costs of processing your application. The fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your specific circumstances; however, it is typically:

• 80 euros for a short-stay visa (C)
• 50 euros for a long-stay visa (D)
• 60 euros for an airport transit visa (A)

Some applicants may be excluded from paying the fee or may pay a reduced fee, such as:

• Children under six years old
• Schoolchildren, students, and accompanying teachers who travel for educational or research purposes 
• Researchers who travel for scientific research purposes
• Non-profit organization representatives who travel for cultural, sporting, or religious activities
• Family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals who exercise their right to free movement
• Diplomatic and official passport holders who travel for official purposes

You can learn more about Schengen visa application fee exemptions and discounts by visiting the Schengen Visa Info portal or the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

When you submit your application form and supporting documents at the embassy or consulate or at the visa center, you must pay the Schengen visa application fee. The charge can be paid in cash, by credit or debit card, by bank transfer, or by postal order, depending on the payment methods authorized by the authority. You will be given a receipt that you must keep as evidence of payment and present at the visa interview.

If your visa is refused or cancelled, you will not receive a refund. However, you have the option of appealing the decision or reapplying for a new visa with new fees. More information on how to appeal or reapply for a Schengen visa can be found on the Schengen Visa Info portal’s website or on the website of the embassy or consulate where you applied.

How to Track Your Schengen Visa Application Status

You must wait for a decision on your application after submitting your Schengen visa application form, paying the fees, and attending the interview. The processing period varies according to your situation and destination country, but it usually takes 15 days from the date of submission. It may, however, take longer in some cases, such as:

• If your application is incomplete or incorrect and requires additional information or documentation
• If your application is complicated and requires additional examination or consultation
• If you submit your application during busy travel seasons or holidays when visas are in high demand
• If your application is affected by unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, natural disasters, or security threats

You can check the status of your Schengen visa application online or offline to see how far it has progressed and when it will be ready for collection. Depending on where you applied, you can track your status in a variety of ways, including:

See Also: What channel is Lifetime on DirecTV?

i. Online

You can use an online tracking facility provided by the embassy or consulate where you applied for the visa. To check your status, enter your passport number and date of birth, or your application reference number and surname. The link to the online tracking tool can be found on the website of the authority where you applied.

ii. Offline

You can contact the embassy or consulate where you applied for a visa via phone, email, fax, or in person. To check your status, enter your passport number and date of birth, or your application reference number and surname. The contact information for the authority where you applied can be found on their website.

iii. SMS

When your passport is available for pickup, you will receive an SMS message on your mobile phone. When you submit your application form, you will be required to register for this service and pay an additional fee. You will receive an SMS with a code that you must present at the collection site along with your receipt.

iv. Email

When your passport is ready for pickup, you will receive an email notification at your email address. When you submit your application form, you must include your email address. Along with your receipt, you will receive an email containing a code that you must present at the collection point.

You can use any of these methods to check the status of your Schengen visa application at any moment during the processing period. However, you should avoid contacting the authority too frequently, as this may cause delays or difficulty.

Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen visa might look complicated and challenging, but it does not have to be. By following the steps and tips provided in this article, you will be able to fill out and submit the Schengen visa application form with ease and confidence. You will also be able to pay the money, track your status, and pick up your visa easily.

Remember that the Schengen visa application form is the main document that determines whether or not you will receive your visa. So make sure you fill it out carefully and accurately and include all necessary supporting documents proving your identification, travel purpose, itinerary, means of support, and other relevant information. Also, prepare thoroughly for the visa interview and be prepared to answer all questions honestly and boldly.

By doing so, you will increase your chances of getting your Schengen visa approved and enjoy your trip to Europe.

We hope you found this article useful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the section below. We’d love to hear from you.