1.

Figure out which Schengen visa type you need

Depending on the purpose under which you need to enter the Schengen Area, you can apply for one of the
following Schengen visa types:
 Transit visa
 Tourism visa
 Visa for Visiting Family or Friends
 Business visa
 Visa for Culture and Sport activities
 Visa for Official Visits
 Study visa
 Visa for Medical Reasons

2. Find out where you need to apply

Depending on how your destination country in Schengen has regulated visa submission in your country of residence, you will
have to file your Schengen visa application at one of the following:
 Their embassy
 One of their consulates
 A visa center to which the embassy of your destination country has outsourced visa submission
 The embassy / consulate of another Schengen state to which the embassy of your destination country has outsourced visa
submission
By your “destination country”, we mean the country where you need to lodge your application, according to the Schengen
rules.
These rules are as follows:
 If you are going to visit only one Schengen country, file your application at the embassy / consulate / visa center of that
country
 If you are going to visit more than two Schengen countries, file your application:
o At the embassy / consulate / visa center of the country where you will spend most days, if you will be spending unequal
amount of days in each
o At the embassy / consulate / visa center of the country where you will step first, if you will be spending an equal amount
of days in each

3. Find the most suitable time to apply

Due to the time that the Schengen embassies/consulates worldwide need to process a Schengen visa, you have an
appointed period within which you can file your visa application.
The allowed period to apply for a Schengen visa is as following:
 The earliest you can file a visa application: six months before you start your planned trip.
 The latest you can file a visa application: at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
 The recommended time to file a visa application: at least three weeks before your trip.

4. Book an appointment
Book a Schengen visa appointment in order to proceed with your application.
Most of the countries give you the chance to book an appointment online. On the other hand, in others you will need
to book the appointment in person, at the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
5. Fill out the visa application form
Download the application form and fill it correctly and honestly.
The Schengen visa application form has the same format no matter which country’s visa it is that the applicant is applying
for.
You will have to give the following information on your Schengen visa application form:
 Your personal information,
 Information on your background,
 Your purpose of wishing to enter the Schengen Area,
 Other details regarding your trip.
In order to complete and submit the form correctly, pay attention to the following tips:
 Download the latest form of the application since that is the only form accepted.
 Make sure you fill out every required gap. Here you can find some clear instructions on how to fill-in the visa application
form.
 Do not leave any columns blank. If you feel that, there are columns that do not correspond to your case, fill them with NA
(No Answer).
 Remember to print the form twice. Sign both of the copies at the end.
 If you are a minor, your parents have to submit a written consent and sign in the corresponding column of the application
form.

6. Gather the required documents

The required documents are a crucial part of your visa application. Usually, these documents are categorized into two
groups.
The first group is of the standard required documents, which include:
 The visa application form.
 Valid passport.
 Two identical photos.
 Travel insurance policy. You can easily purchase it online from AXA Schengen or Europ Assistance.
 Round trip reservation or flight itinerary  with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.
 Proof of accommodation.
 Proof of financial means, etc.
The other group is of the visa specific requirements. These documents and their specifications differ from one visa type to
the other. In addition, some of the Schengen member states have their own extra requirements for visa applicants.
Check our list of documents required for the Schengen visa application, which includes the standard requirements, as well as
the visa-specific requirements for each visa type.
7. Attend the visa interview
On the day of your appointment, show up on time at the facility where you will be interviewed. There you will meet a visa
consular to whom you need to hand the collected documents, as required.
During the interview, you will be asked personal questions about your whereabouts, the intended trip and other travel details.
Make sure your answers are firm and correct, and that they comply with the information in the application form and the other
documents. The interview may last around 10-15 minutes.
Some of the questions you might be asked during the Interview
 Which countries in the Schengen, are you planning to visit?
 Do you have any family members or friends living in Europe?
 What is the purpose of your visit?
 Who will pay for your visit?
 Are you married? If yes, what does your spouse do? For how long have you been married?
 Do you have any children? If yes, how old are they, what do they do?
 How long are you going to stay in Europe?
 Where are you going to stay?
 What is your educational qualification?
 Which company do you work for?