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Schengen Visa for Tourist or Business Visit

→ EU Citizenship → SCHENGEN VISA

Table of Contents

Schengen Area Countries

The Schengen Zone is a collective of 29 European nations that permit seamless travel within their borders using a single Schengen visa. See the List of Schengen Area countries:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

Types of Short-Stay Visas

  1. 1. Airport Transit Visa (Type A): This Schengen visa is for travelers passing through the international zone of a Schengen airport en route to a non-Schengen destination. It allows you to stay in the airport transit area without entering the Schengen countries, enhancing security and easing immigration control.
  2. 2. Short-Stay Visa (Type C): The most common Schengen visa, the Type C permits visitors to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s ideal for tourism, business trips, family visits, or multi-country travel across the Schengen zone.
  3. 3. Long-Stay Visa (Type D): If your plans involve staying longer than three months in a specific Schengen country—for work, studies, internships, or family reunification—you’ll need a Type D visa. This visa is issued by the individual country where you intend to reside.

Entry Options

  • Single Entry - Enter the Schengen Area once. After leaving, the visa becomes invalid, even if it’s still valid.
  • Double Entry - Enter twice within the visa’s validity period, allowing for one re-entry after an initial departure.
  • Multiple Entry - Unlimited entries and exits within the visa’s validity, provided the 90/180-day rule is respected.

Countries Requiring a Schengen Visa

A short-term Schengen visa is necessary for travelers visiting the following nations:

  • Afghanistan
  • South Africa
  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Belarus
  • Burma/Myanmar
  • Bolivia
  • Botswana
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Comoros
  • North Korea
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Cuba
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Dominican Republic
  • Egypt
  • Ecuador
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Fiji
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Iran
  • Jamaica
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Lesotho
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Maldives
  • Mali
  • Morocco
  • Mauritania
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Palestine
  • The Philippines
  • Qatar
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Suriname
  • Swaziland
  • Syria
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turkey
  • The United Kingdom (except for British residents who are not British citizens*)
  • Uganda
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

 

What Documents Do You Need?

  1. 1. Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure.
  2. 2. Residence Permit or Card: If applicable.
  3. 3. Completed Schengen Visa Application: Signed and filled out correctly.
  4. 4. Photographs: Two recent, passport-sized color photos meeting specific standards.
  5. 5. Travel Insurance: Covering medical expenses up to €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen zone.
  6. 6. Flight Itinerary: Confirmed Flight bookings for your trip.
  7. 7. Proof of Funds: Evidence demonstrating sufficient financial means
  8. 8. Purpose of Visit: Such as invitation letters or hotel bookings.
  9. 9. Previous Visas: Copies of any past Schengen visas.
  10. 10. Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservations or host invitations.
  11. 11. Supporting Documents: Employment verification, bank statements, or other relevant proofs of stability.

Photo Requirements

The passport sized photograph requirements are:

  • Recent (no older than 6 months)
  • Measuring 35–40mm in width
  • Close-up of your head and top of your shoulders, with your face occupying 70–80% of the image
  • The picture should be sharp, clear, and of high quality, free from ink marks, creases, blurriness, or pixelation
  • The lighting should be balanced—neither too dark nor too light—and your skin tones should appear natural
  • Ensure you are looking directly at the camera, and the photo is printed on high-quality paper at a high resolution with proper brightness and contrast
  • Photos should be in color, with your eyes open and clearly visible—no hair covering your face
  • Face straight toward the camera, not tilted or turned, with both sides of your face visible
  • Background should be plain and light-colored, and the lighting must be even, avoiding shadows, reflections, flash, or red-eye effects
  • If you wear glasses, ensure your eyes are clearly visible with no reflections, tinted lenses, or heavy frames that cover your eyes
  • Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons, and your entire face,from chin to forehead and both sides must be clearly visible
  • Photo should feature only you, with no other objects or people
  • Look directly at the camera, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and not smiling

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

At VisaConnect, in 2026, our expert visa advisors are ready to assist you. With offices in Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, and London, we streamline the process by offering:

  • Visa eligibility assessments
  • Guidance on which country’s consulate to apply through
  • Assistance with completing your Schengen Visa Application form
  • Review of supporting documents
  • Help in securing travel insurance
  • Appointments scheduling at the relevant embassy or consulate
  • Submission and tracking of your application

Let VisaConnect guide you through the Schengen visa process smoothly and efficiently—your gateway to exploring Europe’s most exciting destinations!

Schengen Visa Fees

Applicants must pay a non-refundable Schengen Visa fee, which varies depending on the visa type:

  • Short stay (up to 90 days) = €90
  • Long stay (over 90 days) = €99
  • Children aged 6-12 years = €45
  • Children under 6 = Free
  • Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus = €35
  • Educational or research travel (with proof) = Free

In addition, VisaConnect charges a Visa Agency fee for advice and assistance with your Schengen visa application, preparation of supporting documents and check and review of application.

Security Rules

To be granted a Schengen visa, applicants must meet certain security requirements:  

  • Not be flagged for non-admission in the Schengen Information System (SIS).
  • Not pose a threat to public order, security, or international relations.
  • Comply with the 90/180 rule, limiting stays to 90 days within any 180-day period.

VisaConnect London UK Office

Contact VisaConnect's Consultants at our London, UK office below:

71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom

Telephone: (+44) 20 3807 8879        

VisaConnect Hong Kong Office

Contact VisaConnect's Consultants at our Hong Kong office below:

21st Floor, CMA Building
64 Connaught Road Central
HONG KONG

Telephone: (+852) 3840 9107

VisaConnect Singapore Office

Contact VisaConnect's Consultants at our Singapore office below:

7 Temasek Boulevard
No. 12-07 Suntec Tower One,
SINGAPORE, 038987

Telephone: (+65) 3105 1536

VisaConnect Australia Office

Contact VisaConnect's Consultants at our Sydney, Australia office below:

Suite 19, 103 George Street
Parramatta
NSW 2150
AUSTRALIA

Telephone: (+61) 2 9151 7350

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply for the Schengen Visa?

Apply 6 months before your trip, but no less than 2 weeks prior.

When does VisaConnect make a Consulate Appointment?

We assist our cients to arrange an appointment 2-3 weeks prior to your intended dates of travel.

Where do I submit my application?

At the consulate or visa center of your main destination country within the Schengen zone.

How long does processing take?

Typically, 15 days. In complex cases, it may extend up to 30 or even 60 days.

When will I receive my visa?

Once approved, you’ll be informed of your collection date from the embassy or consulate.

How long can I visit the Schengen Area for?

Up to 90 days in any 180 days period.

What types of Schenege Entry Visas are there?

Single entry, Multiple entry or Airport Transit visa.

How many countries are there in the Schengen EU Zone?

There are 29 Schengen countries.

At which country's consulate do I apply at?

To apply for a Schengen visa, submit your application at the consulate of the country you plan to visit. If visiting multiple countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you'll stay the longest. If your stays are equal in length, apply at the consulate of the first country you’ll visit.

How long must my passport be valid for?

Passport Expiry datye must be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area.

Will my fingerprints be taken?

Yes, usually your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application.