Schengen Visa

What is a Schengen visa

A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, covering 29 Schengen countries.

Schengen visas come in 3 forms:

• Single-entry visa– permits a one-time entry into the Schengen Area.
• Multiple-entry visa– allows multiple visits within the visa's validity.
• Airport transit visa – for transiting through the international zone of a Schengen airport, without entering the Schengen Area. (Some travellers may be exempt from this requirement.)

How long can you stay?

A Schengen visa allows you to stay within the entire Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This means that, over a rolling 6-month timeframe, your total stay cannot exceed 90 days.

Multiple-entry visas can be granted, with validity up to 5 years, depending on your travel history and nationality. Even if you hold a 1–5 year multiple-entry visa, you can never exceed 90 days in any 180-day window

Where to apply

You must apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate or visa applicant center (VAC) of the country you intend to visit or sometimes via external service providers such as VFS Global.

• If visiting one Schengen country: Apply at that country's consulate.
• If visiting multiple Schengen countries:

1. Apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time.
2. If time is equally divided, apply at the consulate of the first country of entry.

When to Apply

Apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date. You can apply up to 6 months in advance (or 9 months for seafarers).

Appointments may be required in advance at the consulate or VAC.

• Processing time: Decisions are typically made within 15 calendar daysof submitting the application. In some cases, this period may be extended to 30 or even 60 days.

What documents are needed to apply?

1. Valid Passport

• Must be valid at least 3 months beyond your return date.
• Must have at least 2 blank pages.
• Previous passports (if any) and copies of past Schengen visas are recommended.

2. Visa Application Form

Fully filled and signed. Available online or at the consulate/VAC.

3. Photographs
   Two recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm).
   Taken within the last 6 months.
   White background, 80% face coverage, no headgear unless religious.
4. Travel Medical Insurance
   Must cover at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries.
   Should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation (including in case of death).
5. Proof of Purpose of Visit
   Examples: Invitation letter, travel itinerary, business meeting agenda, etc.
6. Proof of Financial Means
   Recent 3–6 months' bank statements.
   Proof of income: salary slips, ITR, sponsorship letter (if applicable).
   Minimum funds required vary by country (e.g., €50–100/day).
7. Proof of Accommodation
   Hotel bookings or invitation letter from a host (with ID/residence proof).
8. Flight Reservations

Confirmed round-trip tickets or travel itinerary showing entry and exit dates.

9. Biometric Data

Fingerprints will be collected at the VAC or consulate.
Valid for 5 years unless changed (e.g., new passport or name).

How much does a visa cost?

• €90 for adults
• €45 for children aged 6-12
• €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus
• €67,50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.

An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres, which collect applications on behalf of consulates in some cases. The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.

How long does the application take to process?

The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days. This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.

Entry Conditions & Border Control

• A visa does not guarantee entry—frontier authorities may still refuse entry if you fail to demonstrate purpose, funds, or security.
• Entry checks are enhanced using systems like Schengen Information System(SIS) and Visa Information System (VIS) (soon complemented by EES and ETIAS).

Summary Table

Category	Details
Application Window	From 6 months to 15 days before intended trip
Procedure Time	15 days standard; can extend to 30–60 days
Where to Apply	Consulate of main destination or first entry country
Documents Needed	Passport (3+ months validity), form, photo, insurance, supporting docs
Biometrics	Collected unless submitted within past 59 months
Fees	EUR 90 standard, reduced/waived for children or specific cases
Stay Validity	Up to 90 days per 180-day period
Entry Conditions	Entry may be denied despite visa if conditions not met

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Schengen Visa

1. Who needs a Schengen visa?

Nationals of non-EU and non-Schengen countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with the EU must obtain a short-stay visa for trips up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

2. How early can I apply for a Schengen visa?

You can apply no earlier than 6 months before your planned trip and no later than 15 days before departure. For seafarers, applications may be lodged 9 months before the intended travel.

3. How long does it take to get a decision?

• Standard processing: 15 calendar days.
• Extended review: up to 30 or 60 days, if more checks are required.

4. How long is a Schengen visa valid?

• Valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Depending on your travel history, you may receive a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa(valid up to 5 years). But even if you hold a 1–5 year multiple-entry visa, you can never exceed 90 days in any 180-day window.

5. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. You must have travel medical insurance covering at least:

• Emergency medical expenses,
• Hospital treatment, and
• Medical repatriation (including in case of death).

6. What are the fees for a Schengen visa?

• EUR 90: Standard fee.
• EUR 45: Children between 6–12 years.
• Free: Children under 6 years.
  Some categories (students, researchers, representatives of NGOs, humanitarian cases) may also be exempt.

7. If I get a visa, am I guaranteed entry?

No. A Schengen visa only permits you to travel to a border post. Border authorities may refuse entry if:

• You cannot explain your travel purpose,
• You lack sufficient funds,
• Your documents are invalid, or
• You pose a security risk.

8. Do children need to provide fingerprints?

No. Children under 12 years are exempt from biometric fingerprinting.

9. What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?

For stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a national long-stay visa or residence permit from the country where you intend to live or work.

10. Where can I apply?

At the embassy/consulate of:

• The country of your main destination(where you spend the most days), or
• If stays are equal, the country of first entry.

11. Do Schengen countries have different visa rules?

Yes—Schengen short-stay (type “C”) rules are harmonized by EU law, but each of the 29 Schengen countries publishes its own checklists, proofs of means, appointment rules, representation arrangements, and submission channels. You should always follow the instructions on the official site of the country you’ll spend the most time in (your “main destination”).

Below is a country-by-country official starting point for short-stay/Schengen visa information. Use these pages to find the exact checklists, fees/exemptions, where to lodge, and processing notes for your case.

Official visa pages by Schengen country (A–Z)

• Austria– Federal Ministry for European & International Affairs (Visa C). Identity Malta
• Belgium– FPS Foreign Affairs (Visas). Estonian Embassy in Washington
• Bulgaria– Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Schengen/visa info after accession). Netherlands Worldwide
• Croatia– MFA visa portal & Schengen application guidance. Crovisagov.hr
• Czechia– Official short-stay (Schengen) visa information. gov.cz
• Denmark– The official immigration portal (short-stay visa). Ny i Danmark
• Estonia– MFA: application for a Schengen visa. Foreign Ministry of Estonia
• Finland– MFA/Finland Abroad: what a Schengen visa is & how to apply. Suomi ulkomaillaUlkoministeriö
• France– France-Visas (official wizard & country-specific lists). France-Visas
• Germany– Federal Foreign Office: short-stay/Schengen guidance. Auswärtiges Amt
• Greece– Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Schengen/visa information. gr
• Hungary– Embassy pages on short-stay (“C”) Schengen visas. mfa.gov.hu
• Iceland– Government of Iceland: visa to Iceland (Schengen). is
• Italy– Official “Visa for Italy” portal (short-stay). esteri.it
• Latvia– MFA: applying for a short-stay Schengen visa & documents. mfa.gov.lvMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
• Liechtenstein– Visas handled by Switzerland’s representations. org
• Lithuania– MFA/consular pages on Schengen visas & types. Embassy of Lithuania in India
• Luxembourg– Guichet.lu (government portal): short-stay/entry visa. Guichet Public Luxembourg
• Malta– Identità (Government of Malta) visa information. Vistos
• Netherlands– Government of the Netherlands (Netherlands Worldwide): short-stay visa. esteri.it
• Norway– UDI (Directorate of Immigration): visitor/Schengen visa. Mae
• Poland– Polish MFA/consular pages for Schengen visas. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Portugal– MFA (vistos.mne.gov.pt): Schengen/short-stay. mfa.gov.lv
• Romania– Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) visa portal/info after joining Schengen. diplomatie.belgium.be
• Slovakia– MFA (visa information incl. type C). MZV
• Slovenia– Government portal: entry & residence (short-stay C) + checklists. Portal GOV.SI
• Spain– Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Schengen/short-stay info. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Sweden– Swedish Migration Agency: visitor visas. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Switzerland– FDFA/consulate network; online applications via swiss-visa.ch. EDA+1

 

Bottom line

• The core legal framework(application timing, biometrics, travel-medical insurance requirement, decision deadlines, appeal rights, etc.) is common across Schengen and described by the European Commission.
• But checklists, proof-of-means levels, appointment systems, representation, and document formatscan differ by country (and sometimes by consulate). Always follow the official page of your main destination from the list above—and the specific mission that will take your file.

How Can-X Immigration (Punjab) Can Help?

Applying for a Schengen Visa requires strict attention to eligibility, travel documentation, and compliance with embassy/consulate requirements. At Can-X Immigration, we prepare your application with precision to ensure it meets Schengen standards and minimizes the risk of refusal.

Our team reviews your travel purpose, financial proof, and supporting documents, organizes your itinerary, and ensures your application package is complete and accurate. For applicants facing challenges—such as limited travel history, prior refusals, or complex personal circumstances—we provide tailored strategies to strengthen your case.

With Can-X Immigration, you gain confidence knowing your Schengen Visa application is managed by professionals. Let us help you travel smoothly across Europe without unnecessary delays or stress.