VR tim| September 25, 2020 | 0 comments
When filling out your visa application form to visit Europe, you may have come across the term "Schengen". Have you ever wondered what "Schengen" means? What is the Schengen area? What is the Schengen area? Read this article to learn more about the Schengen area of countries, the map and the list of countries that are part of it!
WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY SCHENGEN AREA COUNTRIES?
The 'Schengen area' consists of a group of European countries that have no restrictions on tourist travel within their territory. With the Schengen agreement, these countries abolished all types of border controls along their borders in order to facilitate the travel of tourists to other countries of the Schengen area. This means that the whole area functions as one country, where you only need one 'Schengen' visa to travel through the member countries of the Schengen area.
The Schengen Agreement, which introduced the concept of free movement between member countries and abolished all restrictions along their borders, was signed in the small wine town of Schengen in Luxembourg. So if you were curious why it's called 'Schengen', here's the explanation!
HISTORY of the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 between five European countries with the intention of removing all border restrictions. The founding signatories were Luxembourg, West Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands - five member countries of the then 10 European Economic Community (EEC).
The most important decision made through the agreement was the abolition of joint border controls between these member countries. Proposals were also made to remove vehicle security checks, which would allow travelers to easily cross the border.
All countries that were part of this agreement became known as Schengen countries, and the territory that contained these countries was called the Schengen area. Although it initially started with five countries, many more countries have joined the Schengen area. There are currently 26 member countries and several other territories and micronations. The last country to join the list of Schengen countries was Liechtenstein in 2011.
The agreement introduced a common Schengen visa system in 1995, resulting in cross-border freedom for visitors as long as they had a Schengen visa. Thus, in effect, an area was created that can be considered as one country where you can travel without multiple visas for each country – only one Schengen visa for the entire area! Furthermore, recently the rules of the Schengen Agreement have been incorporated into the rules of the European Union, since most of the Schengen countries are members of the EU.
CENSUS OF SCHENGEN AREA COUNTRIES
The 26 countries that are currently members of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal , Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
From this list, four Schengen countries - Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Iceland and Norway - are not members of the European Union. Therefore, they are officially known as countries associated with the Schengen activities of the EU. This means that these countries are obliged to accept the decisions made by the EU, even if they are not part of it. Two of these non-EU members, Norway and Iceland, are members of the Nordic Passport Union.
In addition to these countries, the Schengen area also includes the Caribbean islands belonging to France and three European microstates — Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican. Those territories and micronations have open or semi-open borders for visitors.
Although Ireland and the United Kingdom have negotiated an opt-out, they continue to follow the systematic rules of the Schengen area along with other EU member states.
Austria | Liechtenstein |
Belgium | Lithuania |
Czech Republic | Luxembourg |
Danish | Malta |
Estonia | Netherlands |
Finnish | Norway |
France | Poland |
Germany | Portugal |
Greece | Slovakia |
Hungary | Slovenia |
Island | Spain |
Italy | Sweden |
Latvia | Switzerland |
The Schengen area is home to more than 4,000,000 people and covers more than 4,000,000 km². If you have never been to the Schengen area before and want to discover this beautiful part of the world, here is a guide to each of the countries that are part of the Schengen area to help you decide.
Austria
Austria has an area of 83,871 km² and a population of 8,891,388. During 2018, there were 306,133 visa applications for Austria, and of that total number, 19,098 (6.2%) were rejected. It is a country worth visiting at any time of the year. You can ski in winter and hike in the Alps in summer. It has everything from stunning architecture to incredible national parks. It has famous cities like Vienna and Salzburg and lesser known places like Worthersee and Kaprun. Wherever you go or whatever you do in Austria, you will love it from the first moment.
Belgium
With an area of 30,528 km², Belgium may not be large, but it is full of interesting things to see and do. The Gothic-style Grand Palace of Brussels is a sight to see or go to one of the city's most photographed attractions - Mannekin Pisa. Stroll through Bruges and see the beautiful architecture of the main squares or simply wander along the canals and see if you can find the most beautiful street in town. It is a popular place to visit, with more than 200,000 visa applications received in 2018. Brussels is a destination that will surprise you!
Czech Republic
There is a reason why the Czech Republic is one of the most visited countries in Europe. It has an area of 78,866 km² and you'll find beautiful cities like Prague and Brno to explore, as well as delicious food and drink to enjoy. Try Oblogne chlebíčky or Kolace if you have a sweet tooth. If you want to get back to nature, the Czech Republic has it all, from the stunning Snezka Mountains to the beautiful forests of Šumava National Park – perfect for walking or cycling! In 2018, the Czech Republic was one of the 10 easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa with 4.7% of rejected applications out of a total of 662,902. This means that more than 95% of requests are approved. A large number of approved visa applications for a beautiful country - maybe you should visit it!
Danish
Denmark ranked 10th out of the top 10 Schengen visa receiving countries, with 7% of the 164,003 visa applications rejected. There are more than 5.5 million people who call Denmark home, and with an area of 43,094 km², there are sure to be plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Silkeborg is surrounded by beautiful forests and lakes that are great for exploring. There are more than a few charming towns like Copenhagen, Aarhus and Ribe where you can shop till you drop, party the night away or visit tourist attractions like the AROS museum or the Wadden Sea National Park.
Estonia
In 2018, 127,561 applications were received, of which 1.6% were rejected. This is a small percentage of rejections and means that Estonia is the second easiest country to get a Schengen visa. Estonia covers an area of 45,338 km² and has everything - medieval cities, islands and national parks. You won't go far wrong if you take a trip to Tallinn with its beautiful old town and bustling nightlife. There are beaches on Parnu where in the summer months you will be among the 1,322,920 locals enjoying the sun. Karula and Lahemaa National Parks with stunning bays and forests to discover! Estonia is a fascinating and fun destination for all tastes.
Finnish
Why not try Finland? It has 338,145 km² and many charming lake towns such as Hameenlinna and the Åland Islands. You will be glad you decided to visit. There is also a lot of culture, so if you like music or art, museums or architecture, you have come to the right place. There are stunning natural attractions to see, such as the Aurora Borealis or Korvatunturi, where, according to legend, Santa Claus lives! Finland received 769,049 visa applications in 2018 and just over 13,000 were rejected, meaning more than 98% were issued. Don't delay your trip to this beautiful country any longer!
France
France's size of 551,695 km² means there is something for everyone. If you're looking for romance, the Seine River is the perfect place to spend the night with your loved one. Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for an impressive view of Paris or head to Bordeaux to sample some of the impeccable wines on offer. You can visit the historic center of Strasbourg or the gardens and cathedral of Bourges. In 2018, 629,997 visa applications were rejected out of 4,010,604, but don't let that discourage you! Apply today because there's no end to the exciting things to do in France!
Germany
Every inch of Germany's 357,050 km² has something interesting or exciting to see and do. In the north, you'll find wilderness with rolling hills and a coastline that comes alive with tourists all year round. The West is where you'll find wine country and treat yourself to a bottle or 2. Beautiful forests await your exploration in central Germany and Berlin, one of Germany's many lovely cities in the east. Go south to the forest and lake areas. In 2018, 2,056,296 visa applications for Germany were received, and only 9.1% were rejected – a small percentage considering the number of applications!
Greece
In 2018, 4.9% of visa applications were rejected, which means that Greece was the 9th easiest country to get a visa. Greece is a popular destination because it is easy to get a visa. Not only that, with almost 132,000 km², it is a fascinating country to visit. There are beautiful islands - perfect for lazy days on beautiful beaches or swimming in the azure blue sea. There are beautiful villages and spectacular gorges to explore, as well as hundreds of ancient ruins and temples. The food is delicious too – why not try a Greek salad washed down with a glass or 2 of Retsine!
Mađarska
Hungary has an area of 93,030 km² and a population of 10,522,246 and has many beautiful cities like Budapest and Gyor that have everything you could want in a destination. In 2018, there were some228,793 visa applications were received, and only 17,762 were rejected. there are mbenefits for culture lovers, and cafes, restaurants and bustling nightlife for those who like to eat and drink. In nature you will find impressive caves in Aggtelek or head to Bukk to see the impressive Carpathians.
Island
Iceland has joined the list of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa and with a rejection rate of 1.7% in 9,334 applications received in 2018, this country has reached the 3rd place. If you are looking for an amazing experience, go to Iceland! It is a country like no other. In Iceland's area of 103,000 km², you will find surreal landscapes with lava fields and huge glaciers that will amaze you. Take a trip to Lagoa Azul – a geothermal spa – and relax in the hot blue water. Or head to Landmannalaugar in the middle of Iceland for exceptional beauty like you've never seen before!
Italy
In 2018, there were 1,844,140 visa applications for Italy and 15,882 (7.4%) were refused in another popular country to visit. With an area of 301,318 km², Italy is known as a beautiful country due to its incredible coastline, lakes and mountains. You can walk along the Cinque Terra, ski in Cortina d'Ampezzo or visit one of the picturesque Umbrian villages such as Perugia or Gubbio. Italy also has many historical attractions such as the Colosseum in Rome or Pompeii near Naples. The food is also fantastic with a range of traditional dishes such as pizza and pasta. Don't let the population of 60,627,291 put you off, it only adds to the charm and makes it one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe!
Latvia
Latvia is another country where the success rate of visa applications is high. In 2018, it was the fourth easiest country to get a visa with almost 99% of applications approved. Latvia has an area of 64,589 km² and is a fascinating country with towns and cities to explore. Visit the capital, Riga, where you can explore the beautiful old town or Sigulda with its castles and other historical attractions. For those who like being outdoors, there are opportunities for walks in beautiful forests as well as a wide coast with white sand beaches. There is something incredible to see and do in this beautiful destination!
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is only 160 km² and only 37,910 people live there. Despite its small size, especially compared to some of its larger European neighbors, there is still plenty to see and do. There are beautiful castles and churches like those in Balzers. You might want to visit the mountains in Triesenberg or the Roman ruins in Nendeln. Or you can head to Vaduz for traditional food in a cozy restaurant. Whatever you do, you will find that Liechtenstein is a beautiful country to visit.
Lithuania
In 2018, Lithuania received 353,059 Schengen visa applications, of which 4,701 were rejected, representing a rejection rate of 1.3%. This meant that this country with its 65,300 km² was the easiest country to get a visa. Lithuania is a European country that may not be high on your list of places to visit, but you should consider it. The capital is Vilnius, which has a beautiful old town, where the architecture is out of this world. Lithuania also has a coast and locals flock to Palanga in the summer to enjoy the warm weather and white sandy beaches. There are also national parks where you can walk, cycle or simply enjoy the scenery.
Luxembourg
Another country with a high success rate in obtaining visa applications, Luxembourg, received 10,876 applications and only 401 were not issued. With an area of 2,586 km² and borders with Belgium, France and Germany, Luxembourg has many natural beauties. There are many hiking trails such as the Mullerthail Trail where you can see impressive rock formations, streams and castles along the way. There are parks for walking or relaxing. In the capital of Luxembourg, you can visit the fortified castle, which offers an excellent view of the city.
Malta
Malta lies in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. It has an area of only 316 km² and a population of 439,248 inhabitants. In 2018, more than 30,000 Malta visa applications were received and more than 25,500 were accepted. The capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the many historical buildings you can find in the city. Malta is also good for coastal walks, especially in Sliema. You also have the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino which are home to most of Malta's nature and beauty.
Netherlands
With a population of 17,059,560 and an area of 41,526 km², the Netherlands is a country you will likely visit again and again. The sheer number of people in attendance gives Amsterdam and Rotterdam a bustling atmosphere with plenty of cafes and bars where you can enjoy a few drinks after a day of sightseeing. You also have cities like Maastricht with its medieval center and Kinderdijk with its famous windmills. A good way to get around and see everything is to rent a bicycle, which is a very popular means of transportation, especially in cities. During 2018, there were 682,484 with an acceptance rate of 87%, making the Netherlands a preferred destination for many travelers
Norway
Norway has an area of 385,155 km² and only on a part of that area one of the most impressive things you can see in Norway is the Aurora Borealis or Aurora Borealis. It will make your jaw drop - no matter how many times you see it. Indeed, Norway is full of amazing things - midnight sun, beautiful fjords and much more. Cities like Oslo will give you their dose of culture and nightlife, and Bodo is the place to go if you want to visit the Lofoten Islands. Norway has a very low rejection rate of 9.5% of the 164,591 visa applications received in 2018.
Poland
Last year, with 526,517 applications received and a rejection rate of 3.2%, Poland was the 5th easiest country to get a Schengen visa approved. There is no end to what Poland can offer its visitors. Visit culturally rich cities or see fantastic landscapes, caves and mountains. You have the museums and theaters of Warsaw or the market in Krakow. Take a dark tour of Auschwitz or enjoy the forests, beaches and lakes that can be found throughout the country. Poland's 312,683 km² has something for everyone!
Portugal
Portugal has a lot to offer and you can do whatever you want there. It covers an area of 92,391 km² and you have mountains to hike, deserts to explore and beaches to swim. Portugal is also an important surfing destination. Albufeira is the main tourist spot, but you can detour in towns like Évora and Beja. You can also eat international food and a wide variety of local dishes such as Bacalhau (cod) and leitão (roast pork) and combined with local wine it will be a real pleasure! In 2018, 266,516 visa applications were received, and of that number, more than 83% were accepted!
Slovakia
In 2018, Slovakia was the 7th easiest country to obtain a Schengen visa, with just under 96% of the 26,797 applications approved. It has an area of 49,037 km² and it's amazing what you can find in Slovakia. Visitors will find their own little piece of paradise. Architecture lovers will be attracted by Bratislava with its Gothic and Baroque buildings. Culture lovers can visit museums and palaces in Košice to learn more about the country's history. There are also the High Tatras for adventure and sports addicts who can play on the slopes in winter or hike in summer.
Slovenia
When traveling in Europe, don't forget about Slovenia. The coast and Karst are full of hills and caves, and the coast of the Adriatic Sea is beautiful. There are more than 2,000,000 people living in Slovenia who will be more than happy to help you or simply make friends. On Slovenia's 20,273 km² you will find mountains, lakes and vineyards where you can try some of the locally produced wines. Head to Ljubljana and Piran for culture, cathedrals and castles. In 2018, 26,403 applications were received for Slovenia, and 23,771 were accepted.
Spain
In 2018, there were 1,701,379 visa applications for Spain and only 9.3% were rejected. Spain has an area of 510,000 km² and is another European country that seems to have it all - mountains to ski, beaches to relax and fantastic cities to explore. Not only that, it has a coastline that stretches for several hundred kilometers with stunning resorts and beautiful hiking trails. Experience Barcelona for its architecture or Seville for its culture and everything in between, you'll need more than one trip there!
Sweden
Sweden has 9,971,638 inhabitants and an area of 449,964 km², and in 2018 more than 88% of the 253,292 applications were accepted. In this beautiful country, if you want nightlife, shopping and all that the city has to offer, visit Stockholm or Linkoping. If you're looking for an adventurous holiday, head to one of Sweden's 30 national parks, where you can hike through forests and along streams. There are opportunities for skiing or bird watching. Whatever you like to do, you will find it in Sweden!
Switzerland
Switzerland is an amazing destination for travelers who want to head to Europe. There are 41,285 km² full of cultural cities with numerous museums, medieval castles, carnivals and festivals. Bern has a great nightlife with plenty of bars and clubs, and Interlaken is the place for you if you like skydiving or rafting. With 556,520 visa applications received in 2018 and 92.6% approved, get your visa today because there really is so much to see and do in this beautiful country!
Here it is, a guide through all 26 countries of the Schengen area. It's up to you to decide which one to visit first!
Statisticsquoted on the official website of the European Union
If you plan to get yourvisa flight reservation without paymentTo apply, just follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Visit aVisa reservationwebsite to select the right package
- Submit your travel details and pay online
- Receive an itinerary by email
10 EASIEST SCHENGEN VISA COUNTRIES TO APPLY AND GET A SCHENGEN VISA
When applying for a Schengen visa, the requirements are the same regardless of which consulate you use; however, the application process varies slightly from consulate to consulate. But when we look at the different countries that make up the Schengen area, there are some that have a fantastic visa record. With that in mind, let's take a look10 easiest Schengen countriesto obtain a Schengen visa.
Island | Slovakia |
Finnish | Luxembourg |
Lithuania | Greece |
Estonia | Poland |
Latvia | Czech Republic |
29 COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF SCHENGEN YOU CAN TRAVEL TO WITH A SCHENGEN VISA
If you get a visa to travel within the Schengen area, did you know that other countries that are NOT part of itSchengen areaDO THEY ALLOW entry with your schengen visa? It makes trips around the world including countries inEuropean Union(EU) much easier for citizens who need a visa. So why not take advantage of these visa waiver rules and travel to more placesnon-Schengen countriesthan you planned!
Albania | Jamaican |
Andora | Mexico |
antigua i barbuda | Moldova |
Argentina | of Montenegro |
Belarus | Nicaraguan |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | North Macedonia |
Bulgaria | Oman |
Colombia | Filipinke |
Croatia | Train |
Cyprus | Romania |
Dominican Republic | Sao Tome and Principe |
Savior | Serbia |
Gibraltar | Peru |
Guatemala | Georgia |
Honduras |
POSSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE SCHENGEN AREA:
There are some other members of the European Union that are likely to be part of the Schengen area countries. This includes Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. Although these countries have expressed their desire to be included in the Schengen area, their status is still not resolved for several reasons. It is mostly a long list of regional and political issues that still need to be resolved in these regions, such as the dispute over Cyprus or concerns related to the influx of illegal migrants.
Without a doubt, there are very strict qualification criteria that need to be met to become a Schengen country, such as showing that they can take responsibility for controlling the external border of the area and that they use the Schengen Visa Information System. It is also important that these countries demonstrate their cooperation with other Schengen countries, maintaining a high level of border security, as well as their willingness to follow Schengen rules.'
Likewise, there are some other territories, including Madeira, the Azores and Guadeloupe, which are located on the European continent but are not yet part of the Schengen Agreement. In the future, they are obliged to join the Schengen area. So, they currently follow all the rules implemented by the Schengen Agreement. The assessment for their inclusion in the Schengen area is based on air border security, visas, police cooperation and personal data protection in those countries. They can be members of the Schengen area countries after completing the evaluation and fulfilling these requirements.
This is everything you need to know about the Schengen countries in one capsule. I hope this information will help you a lot during your trip to the Schengen area. Rest assured, your tour will surely be exciting, as your itinerary can include everything from the most glamorous cities to rustic European villages and mystical landscapes!
Now, the only thing stopping you from a long-awaited vacation in your favorite Schengen countries is probably the visa application process. We know that applying for a Schengen visa can be quite a daunting task. So, if you need any help while applying, just contact us.
YesVisa reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no-objection letter templates to our clients from USA, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and worldwide . we also offeritinerary visa leta,travel health insurance,hotel reservations for visa,Mark check seen,tourist guides,visa interview guides,Whole packageand much more. Feel free to find out more about how we can help you with our visa servicescontact ustoday.
Last updated: September 25, 2020
FAQs
Schengen area - Visa information for Schengen countries - Visa reservation? ›
Making your appointment
In order to make your appointment, you will need to go to the website of the embassy or consulate that you dealing with and use their online booking system and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. If they do not have an online booking system, you can phone or email them.
Making your appointment
In order to make your appointment, you will need to go to the website of the embassy or consulate that you dealing with and use their online booking system and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. If they do not have an online booking system, you can phone or email them.
Once you have all the documents you need for your Schengen visa application, make an appointment at VFS Global. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. Apply no later than 45 days before your trip.
Why are there no appointment slots for Schengen Visa? ›It is not possible to get a London appointment for any Schengen country to get a visa, this is because companies are buying all the appointments and selling them for £250-£500 (just for the appointment before the visa fees). Meaning only rich people who require visas can go to the Schengen area.
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.
- Luxembourg – with a rejection rate as low as 1.2 percent out of total 2,383 Schengen visa applications received.
- Slovakia – 2.7 percent out of 3,886 applications.
- Lithuania – 2.8 percent out of 24,764 applications.
The processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days according to the Schengen Visa Code.
How do I get a Schengen Visa from the US? ›- Visa application form – completely filled with the required information. ...
- A valid passport or Travel document. ...
- US residence permit. ...
- Photo – taken within the last three months. ...
- A cover letter. ...
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary.
When making travel plans to Schengen countries, it is important to consider the processing time for Schengen visas. Fastest Schengen Visa processing time: Less than 72 hours. Slowest Schengen Visa processing time: More than 15 days.
How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa in USA? ›It usually takes around two weeks or 15 days to process a Schengen Visa from the U.S.A.. It may - however - take as long as 30 or even 60 days in exceptional circumstances.
What to do if visa appointments are not available? ›
If there are currently no appointments available, please go back to the scheduling system at a later time. Our office typically schedules additional appointment slots on a rolling basis depending on the demand for appointments. Therefore, we recommend you check the appointment system periodically for availability.
How can I book visa appointment fast? ›- Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule an appointment online for the earliest available date.
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.
Which country gives fastest Schengen visa? ›The country with the fastest Schengen visa processing time is Lithuania. Places like Germany and France get many visa applications because they're very popular with tourists and business travelers.
Why am i not able to book an appointment on VFS? ›In case you are unable to book an appointment via the website, you should reach out to our Contact Centre. For more information on how to contact us, please refer to our Contact page.
Can you get a visa same day? ›Thankfully, fast visa expediting is available at most foreign consulates for U.S. citizens who plan to travel abroad within a couple of weeks or less. Visa processing times can be rushed in a few days to as rapidly as the same day.
How can I get my Schengen Visa at the earliest? ›. The application must, in principle, be submitted to the Consulate at least 15 days before the intended journey and cannot be lodged earlier than six months before the start of the intended journey. You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.
How strict is the 90 day Schengen Visa? ›You can stay 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area. calculated individually for each of these states. For instance, after a 90-day stay in the Schengen area, the person can immediately travel to Croatia and stay for another 90 days there. The 180-day reference period is not fixed.
Can I get multiple entry Schengen Visa first time? ›The first time you apply for a Schengen visa, you will only be granted a “single entry” visa. If you are able to obey the rules of this Schengen visa, in subsequent Schengen visa applications you may be able to apply for a “multiple entry” visa.
Do US citizens need a Schengen visa? ›With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.
Can you get a Schengen visa from any country? ›
Can I apply for a Schengen Visa from a foreign country? To apply for a visa to Europe you must be either a citizen of the country you are in, or on a valid residence permit issued by that country. Most of the countries do not accept Schengen visa applications from non-residents.
How long is US visa valid for Schengen visa? ›Although multiple-entry visas are valid for longer periods - six months to five years - you may only spend 90 days (duration of stay on your visa sticker) in the Schengen Area within a rolling 180-day period (known as its validity period). The validity period of your visa indicates how long you can use your visa.
How much does Schengen visa cost in dollars? ›Schengen Visa Category | Visa Cost in EUR | Visa Cost in USD* |
---|---|---|
Adult | €80 | $84 |
Children between 6-12 years of age | €40 | $42 |
Children younger than 6 years of age | Free | Free |
Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Russia | €35 | $37 |
A U.S. citizen may remain in any Schengen country (or travel between various Schengen countries) as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.
What is the best time of year to apply for Schengen visa? ›However, the Schengen rules clearly say that the earliest you can apply is three months prior to your planned travel to the Schengen Zone, and the latest is two weeks prior to your trip. You are highly recommended to apply for a Schengen visa as early as you can.
Can we apply Schengen visa online? ›Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. All Schengen applicants are kindly requested to fill in the online application forms according to VIDEX format, which can be found above.
How long does rush processing take for Schengen visa? ›Standard Processing will take around 30 days to complete. Rush processing will complete your application within 30 days. Super Rush processing will complete your application within 30 days.
Which country is most difficult to get visa? ›- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Western Sahara.
- Somalia.
- North Korea.
Applying for a Schengen Visa in 2023 is not an easy task, as it has never been. There are lots of documents to be collected, an interview to be attended and even a fee to be paid, which right now is 33 per cent higher than it was before the pandemic.
Can Schengen visa be rejected? ›Some of the common causes of Schengen visa rejection are missing or incorrect documents, not enough money to cover your trip or a lack of travel purpose. In this article, we'll help you understand why your Schengen visa application may have been rejected and what steps you can take to improve your chances next time.
What is the best time to book visa slots? ›
What Is The Best Time To Book US Visa Slots? For nonimmigrant visa applicants in India, it is advised that you make a booking three months in advance of their intended travel date.
What is the process of scheduling this visa appointment? ›- Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online! ...
- Step 2 - Find the embassy nearest to you! ...
- Step 3 - Pay the non-refundable application fee. ...
- Step 4 - Schedule your visa appointment! ...
- Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Interview. ...
- Step 6 - Pick up your passport with visa.
You can expect to be at the Embassy or Consulate for approximately two to three hours. The interview with a consular officer is the last step in a two-step process and typically lasts just a few minutes. Prior to the interview staff will collect, data-enter and review your application.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa from VFS? ›The processing time of a Schengen visa application takes in accordance with the Schengen Visa Code up to 15 calendar days after reaching the embassy (not after the submission at the VFS Visa Application Center).
How are agents able to book visa appointment? ›- Agents collect user credentials to book a visa slot.
- As agents have access to multiple login accounts, they can log in multiple times using multiple user accounts.
- As soon as the visa slots are available, they book them and book for their other clients.
Click on the "Schedule Appointment" button below to select an available date and time for an appointment. Enter the 10-digit barcode number from the last page of your printed electronic visa application form into the Barcode Number field, and then click "Submit". Select an available appointment date from the calendar.
How long is the shortest Schengen visa? ›The Schengen visa is a short stay visa and takes the form of a sticker affixed to the travel document. The definition of “short stay” is a stay of "90 days in any 180 days period". This means that the total duration of stay is of maximum 90 days, in any period of 180 days.
Which Schengen long stay visa is easiest? ›- Luxembourg. Luxembourg, a hidden gem in northern Europe, had the lowest rejection rate in 2021. ...
- Slovakia. ...
- Lithuania. ...
- Czech Republic. ...
- Latvia. ...
- Finland. ...
- Hungary. ...
- Estonia.
Estonia, Malta and Slovenia rejected the most number of Schengen visa applications from India, while Germany, Italy and Hungary accepted the most, Economic Times reported citing the recent Schengen visa statistics. Estonia rejected the highest share of visas from India in 2022 - 56 per cent of 1,986 applications.
What is the cheapest Schengen country? ›Bulgaria is one of the cheapest Schengen countries and one of the most beautiful! It can be visited during any time of year, as this country offers a variety of winter sports opportunities and pristine beaches for the ultimate summer getaway.
Which is the fastest golden visa in Europe? ›
- Fastest residency by investment programs in Europe.
- Spain Golden Visa Program: 2—3 months.
- Permanent residency in Cyprus: 3+ months.
- Austria residence permit: 4‑8 months.
- Permanent residency in Malta: 6‑8 months.
- Greece Golden Visa program: 6 months.
- Switzerland residence permit for financially independent persons: 6+ months.
What should I know about the appointment? Appointments are made available for booking up to 90 days from current date. If message “No Slots Available” is displayed, you should try again in a few days' time. You can only book one appointment per person (no duplicate appointment allowed by the system).
Why are there no slots for Schengen visa? ›It is not possible to get a London appointment for any Schengen country to get a visa, this is because companies are buying all the appointments and selling them for £250-£500 (just for the appointment before the visa fees). Meaning only rich people who require visas can go to the Schengen area.
How can I get fast appointment in VFS Global? ›If you wish to schedule an appointment via email, you can do so by using the web form. Please note: VFS Global will only collect your Personal Information for the sole purpose of scheduling an appointment.
Can I walk in for Schengen visa? ›If you need to travel urgently, miss your pre-booked appointment, or simply cannot book an appointment at your preferred date and time, the Walk-in Without Appointment service, available for select countries, allows you to submit your visa application on a day you choose.
What is the quickest visa to get? ›The US student visa (F-1 visa) is one of the fastest visas to process. In fact, the study permit is often processed directly before your embassy interview.
How often does VFS release appointments? ›Schengen Visa appointment will be released every Sunday at 10:00 hrs; customer are requested to login in the appointment module at 10:00 hrs to book an appointment.
How do I get a Schengen visa from the US? ›- Visa application form – completely filled with the required information. ...
- A valid passport or Travel document. ...
- US residence permit. ...
- Photo – taken within the last three months. ...
- A cover letter. ...
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary.
We have experienced an unprecedented demand for international travel post lifting of Covid-led travel restrictions, causing delay in visa processing as well as availability of application slots.
Why VFS slots are not available? ›What should I know about the appointment? Appointments are made available for booking up to 90 days from current date. If message “No Slots Available” is displayed, you should try again in a few days' time. You can only book one appointment per person (no duplicate appointment allowed by the system).
How fast can I get a Schengen visa in USA? ›
It usually takes around two weeks or 15 days to process a Schengen Visa from the U.S.A.. It may - however - take as long as 30 or even 60 days in exceptional circumstances.
What is the fastest processing time for Schengen visa? ›When making travel plans to Schengen countries, it is important to consider the processing time for Schengen visas. Fastest Schengen Visa processing time: Less than 72 hours. Slowest Schengen Visa processing time: More than 15 days.
Does a US citizen need a Schengen visa? ›With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.
Which country gives the longest Schengen visa? ›If you want to go to a one-day conference in the Netherlands and a two-day conference in France, your purpose of travel is the same for both countries. Apply for a visa for France, because you will be staying there the longest.
How early can you apply for Schengen visa? ›The application must, in principle, be submitted to the Consulate at least 15 days before the intended journey and cannot be lodged earlier than six months before the start of the intended journey. You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.
Is tourist visa open for Schengen? ›You only need to apply for a Schengen visa as a tourist if you are a citizen of countries that don't have a visa liberalization agreement with the EU. The Schengen states have agreed on common rules for issuing short-stay Schengen visas, which are valid within the entire Schengen area.
How do I get an early appointment at VFS? ›If you wish to schedule an appointment via email, you can do so by using the web form. Please note: VFS Global will only collect your Personal Information for the sole purpose of scheduling an appointment.
How do you get visa slots? ›You can book your US embassy visa appointment using your barcode and fee receipt. Once you are done with booking your US student visa appointment, you need to start with an F-1 visa slot booking for the VAC (biometrics: photograph + fingerprint) at least a day before the interview.
Is VFS taking appointments? ›Partnering with governments across the world, we support visa applicants through the biometric collection process. If you're ready to arrange your biometric submission appointment, see below to begin the next part of the process.