Frequently asked questions

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. With one Schengen visa, you can travel freely between all 29 member states for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Bulgaria and Romania became full members on 1 January 2025.

From 11 June 2026, the Schengen short-stay visa fee increased to €90 for adults (previously €80) and €45 for children aged 6–12 (previously €40). Children under 6 remain exempt. These are consular fees only — service provider fees (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS) typically add €30–€50 on top. Travel insurance (€20–€60) is also required.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in the last quarter of 2026 (Q4 2026). Following launch, there will be a 6-month transitional period during which ETIAS will not be strictly mandatory, then a 6-month grace period of leniency. Full strict enforcement is expected around late 2027. ETIAS costs €7 for travelers aged 18–70, is free for under-18s and over-70s, and is valid for 3 years (or until passport expiry). It applies to citizens of approximately 60 visa-exempt countries.

Yes. The EES became fully operational on 10 April 2026 across all Schengen external borders, after a 6-month phased rollout that began on 12 October 2025. EES electronically registers your entry, exit, and biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) when crossing Schengen external borders, replacing manual passport stamps. It applies to all non-EU short-stay travelers, whether they need a visa or not.

The standard processing time is 15 calendar days. It can be extended to 45 days in cases requiring additional checks. Apply at the earliest 6 months before your trip and at the latest 15 calendar days before departure. The Netherlands often has the longest delays — plan 4–6 weeks ahead.

Standard documents: valid passport (3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages, issued in last 10 years); completed application form; 2 biometric photos (35×45 mm, recent); travel medical insurance with €30,000+ coverage; flight reservation (round-trip); accommodation proof; bank statements (last 3 months); employment proof or business registration; cover letter explaining purpose; travel itinerary. Specific categories may need invitation letter, school enrolment, medical referral, etc.

Top reasons: insufficient justification of purpose; insufficient financial means; doubt about intention to leave Schengen before visa expires; missing or insufficient travel medical insurance; false or fraudulent supporting documents; previous immigration violations; unreliable accommodation booking; inadequate travel itinerary. Average refusal rate across Schengen in 2024 was about 16%, with significant variation between countries.

Apply at the consulate of the country that is your main destination (where you spend the most days). If you visit several countries equally, apply at the consulate of the country you enter first. The consulate must be in your country of legal residence.

Biometric data (10 fingerprints + facial image) collected for a Schengen visa application are stored in the VIS (Visa Information System) for 59 months (just under 5 years). If you apply again within this period, you typically don't have to provide them again — but consulates may still ask for them in case of doubt.

A Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV) lets you enter the Schengen area as many times as you wish during its validity, as long as you respect the 90/180 rule. Under the 'cascade' principle introduced in 2020, frequent travelers with a positive visa history can be issued MEVs valid for 1, 3 or 5 years.

Yes. Each Schengen country has its own appeal procedure. The refusal letter explains the timeframe (typically 30 days) and the authority to appeal to. France: appeal to the CRRV (Commission de recours contre les décisions de refus de visa) within 30 days. Germany: 'Remonstration' to the consulate, then administrative court. Italy: appeal to TAR Lazio within 60 days.

A Visa D (national long-stay) is issued for stays over 90 days, typically for studies, work, family reunification, or research. Unlike the uniform Visa C, fees and requirements vary by country (typically €60–€150). It's valid only for the issuing country at first; once you receive your residence permit, you can travel freely in Schengen.