Schengen Visa Guide 2026

• The standard adult visa fee is €90 (increased from €80 in mid-2024; some sources show minor variations by consulate/currency, e.g., around $98–107 USD equivalent).

• Children 6–11 years: €45 (half price).

• Children under 6: Free.

• Exemptions may apply for certain categories (e.g., family of EU citizens, students, diplomats).

• Processing time: Usually 15 days, but up to 45+ days in peak periods.

• Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are required for most applicants (first-time or if not taken in last 59 months).

• All documents should be originals + copies where required. Incomplete applications are a top reason for rejection.

Core / Mandatory Documents (Required for All Schengen Short-Stay Visa Applications – Type C)

1. Visa Application Form

   • Completed and signed harmonized Schengen visa application form (download from official consulate site or fill online via VIDEX where available).

   • For minors: Signed by parent/legal guardian.

   • Required: Yes (original + any copies specified).

2. Passport Photos

   • 2 recent biometric passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm).

   • White/light background, ICAO standards: full face, neutral expression, no glasses/headwear (unless religious), high quality.

   • One often glued to the form.

   • Required: Yes.

3. Passport / Travel Document

   • Original valid passport + photocopies of data page and previous visas.

   • Must be: Issued within last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen, at least 2 blank pages.

   • Required: Yes.

4. Travel Medical Insurance

   • Valid across entire Schengen area.

   • Minimum coverage: €30,000 for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.

   • Must cover the entire duration of stay.

   • Required: Yes (proof/certificate from approved insurer).

5. Proof of Purpose of Travel

   • Depends on visa type:

     • Tourism: Detailed travel itinerary, planned activities.

     • Business: Invitation letter from company, conference registration, trade fair ticket.

     • Visit/family/friends: Invitation letter (sometimes notarized/official form), host's passport/ID copy, proof of relationship.

     • Other: Relevant documents (e.g., medical treatment letter, short course enrollment).

   • Required: Yes (specific to purpose).

6. Proof of Accommodation

   • Hotel bookings/reservations (covering all nights), rental agreement, or host invitation letter with accommodation details.

   • Must be verifiable (e.g., confirmed bookings, not just inquiries).

   • Required: Yes.

7. Financial Proof / Proof of Sufficient Means

   • Bank statements (last 3–6 months, stamped/signed where required).

   • Salary slips, tax returns, employment contract.

   • If sponsored: Sponsor letter + their financial docs + proof of relationship.

   • Amount varies by country (typically €50–€120 per day/person). Show you can cover stay + return.

   • Required: Yes.

8. Travel Itinerary / Flight Reservations

   • Round-trip flight reservations (not necessarily paid tickets; dummy/reservation confirmations accepted by most).

   • Showing entry/exit dates and main destination.

   • Required: Yes.

Additional / Recommended Documents (Often Required or Helpful to Avoid Rejection)

• Proof of Ties to Home Country (to show intent to return)

  • Employment letter (no-objection certificate from employer stating position, salary, leave approval, intent to return).

  • Property ownership documents, land deeds.

  • Family ties proof (marriage/birth certificates).

  • School/college enrollment letter (for students).

  • Status: Recommended / Often required.

• Old Passports

  • If applicable: Previous passports with past visas/travel history.

  • Status: If relevant.

• Visa Fee Payment Proof

  • Receipt of payment (€90 adult standard; varies slightly by location).

  • Required: Yes.

• Other Depending on Case

  • For minors: Birth certificate, parental consent (if traveling alone/with one parent), custody documents.

  • Residence permit (if applying from country of residence, not citizenship).

  • Cover letter explaining trip purpose (helpful in many cases).

Quick Tips for Success:

• Submit everything in order, labeled clearly.

• Ensure consistency across documents (dates, names, itinerary).

• Apply 3–6 months in advance if possible (minimum 15 days before travel).

• Check for country-specific harmonized lists (e.g., via EU home-affairs site or consulate).

For the most accurate and up-to-date list tailored to your nationality and destination, visit:

• Official EU site
  Consulate/Embassy website of your main destination country

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• Visa center (VFS Global, etc.) for your location.