Europe consistently ranks as the most popular travel destination on the planet. And if you too are traveling to Europe - be it for vacation, work, school, or even to make it your new home - chances are you’ll need to have a Schengen visa first.

This guide will give you all the information needed for your Schengen visa application.

What is a Schengen visa (and do I need one)?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows eligible travelers to enter the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is issued by the Schengen country responsible for examining the application and is generally valid throughout the Schengen Area, subject to the conditions stated on the visa.

The Schengen Area currently comprises 29 European countries. It includes most EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Whether you need a Schengen visa or not will mostly depend on your nationality, the purpose of your trip and the length of your stay.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

EU citizens and nationals of Schengen countries do not need a Schengen visa to travel within the Schengen Area.

Citizens of certain non-EU countries are also exempt from the visa requirement for short stays under EU visa-waiver rules. If you are unsure whether a visa is required for your nationality, check the European Commission's current list before planning your trip.

For nationals of countries subject to the EU visa requirement, a Schengen visa is required for a short stay in the Schengen Area.

Visa requirements may also depend on your specific circumstances. For example, residence status, the purpose of travel or family relationships with EU citizens may affect which rules apply.

Important: Visa-free does not necessarily mean that no travel authorization will be required. As of August 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational and applications are not being collected. The European Union currently expects ETIAS to start operating in the last quarter of 2026, but the specific launch date has not yet been announced. ETIAS is a travel authorization for nationals of visa-exempt countries, not a visa.

What type of Schengen visa do I need?

When applying, you may encounter several visa categories and entry options, depending on the purpose and length of your stay:

• Short-stay visa (Type C, the standard Schengen visa): for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, including tourism, visiting family or friends and certain business trips.
  
• Multiple-entry visa (not a separate visa type, but an entry option that may be granted with a Type C visa): allows eligible travelers to make several trips during the visa's period of validity, subject to the conditions attached to the visa.
  
• Airport transit visa (Type A): required for citizens of certain countries who transit through a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area, where applicable.
  
• Long-stay visa (Type D, a national visa rather than a Schengen short-stay visa): generally required when you intend to stay in a particular country for more than 90 days.

AXA can tell you all about the different types of Schengen visas and which one suits your European travel needs best too.

What documents do I need for a Schengen visa?

The documents required for a Schengen visa application generally include a valid passport, a completed application form, a passport photo, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, an itinerary and travel medical insurance when required.

The exact documents can vary depending on your nationality, the country handling your application and the purpose of your trip.

Schengen visa document checklist

Here is a checklist of the documents an applicant may need to provide:

• Your passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of exit from the Schengen area. It must also contain at least 2 blank pages)
  
• A photocopy of your passport's biographical page and, where applicable, copies of previous visas or other travel documents.
  
• Proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying, if applicable.
  
• A duly completed and signed Schengen visa application form (which AXA can also help you with)
  
• A recent passport photo meeting the applicable Schengen visa photo requirements.
  
• Proof of travel medical insurance, when required.
  
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel confirmation, rental agreement or other evidence of where you intend to stay.
  
• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements, proof of income or other accepted evidence.
  
• Documents relating to the purpose and conditions of your trip, including your itinerary and, where relevant, booking confirmations.
  
• Additional supporting documents depending on your personal circumstances and travel purpose.

Do I need to provide flight and hotel bookings?

You may need to provide evidence of your travel arrangements, such as an itinerary and proof of accommodation. Depending on the consulate and your circumstances, this may include a hotel booking, rental agreement or other evidence showing where you intend to stay.

Do not assume that a paid, non-refundable flight booking is always required. Check the specific instructions of the embassy or consulate handling your application before making non-refundable arrangements.

Additional documents by travel purpose

Depending on the nature of your trip, you may need to provide supplementary documents beyond the standard checklist.

These examples are not exhaustive. The documents you need to provide may vary depending on the destination country, your nationality and your individual circumstances.

What documents are required for minors?

In case your little ones are going to Europe, their parents (and/or legal guardians) will usually need to provide:

• the standard visa application form completed and signed, when possible, by both parents or guardians;
• a birth certificate;
• a parental authorization or consent letter;
• copies of the parents' or guardians' passports;
• proof of the child's relationship with the accompanying adult;
• a court order or other custody document, where applicable.

Important note: Keep in mind that — along with all the options above — the actual documentation may still vary slightly from country to country (and depending on your particular situation). So it’s always best to double-check with the official website of the European Commission — as well as those of your destination and home countries — to make sure you have everything you need.

How much money do I need to be granted a Schengen visa?

Proof of sufficient financial means is an important part of the Schengen visa requirements. However, there is no single minimum bank balance that applies to every Schengen visa applicant.

Each Schengen country sets reference amounts for sufficient means of subsistence. The amount may depend on factors such as the length and purpose of your stay and your accommodation arrangements.

You may need to provide:

• recent bank statements;
• proof of regular income;
• an income tax return;
• proof of employment;
• evidence of prepaid accommodation or other expenses;
• or, where applicable, a sponsorship letter and supporting documents from your sponsor.

Some consulates may specify how recent financial documents must be or whether bank statements should be stamped by the bank.

Because reference amounts and documentary requirements can change, check the latest requirements published by the embassy or consulate of your destination country before you submit your application.

You can also consult AXA's guide to Schengen visa means of subsistence for additional information.

What security and biometric requirements apply to Schengen visa applicants?

Schengen visa applicants must comply with the requirements established by the EU Visa Code and the relevant national authorities.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include providing biometric data, such as a fingerprint, when you submit your application. Applicants may be exempt from fingerprint collection in specific circumstances. The visa authorities will determine whether you need to provide biometric data.

You must also comply with the conditions of your visa, including the permitted duration of stay. A short-stay visa generally allows you to stay for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The 180-day period is a rolling period. It is not reset at the beginning of a calendar year. Overstaying the permitted period can have consequences for your current or future travel and visa applications.

How do I apply for a Schengen visa?

Once you have gathered the documents required for your Schengen visa, you must submit your application to the consulate responsible for your main destination, or through an authorized visa application center where applicable.

AXA can happily help you with dozens of comprehensive, step-by-step guides on how to get a Schengen visa from your particular country as well.

Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

If you are required to provide travel medical insurance with your Schengen visa application, your policy must meet specific requirements under EU rules.

It generally needs to:

• provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage;
• be valid throughout the Schengen Area;
• cover the relevant period of your stay;
• cover emergency medical treatment and repatriation, including in the event of death.

For applicants requesting a multiple-entry visa, proof of travel medical insurance must cover the period of the first intended visit. Applicants must also be aware that they need appropriate insurance for subsequent stays.

Limited exemptions apply to certain categories of applicants. If you are unsure whether you need to provide proof of insurance, check the requirements of the consulate handling your application.

AXA Schengen offers travel insurance plans designed to meet the insurance requirements for a Schengen visa. AXA currently offers Basic, Essential, Premium and Annual plans, with different levels of medical coverage and additional benefits depending on the plan selected.

AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

If you are preparing to come to one of the 29 European countries of the Schengen Area and need travel insurance, explore AXA Schengen's available insurance options and check which coverage corresponds to your visa requirements.

AXA Schengen Basic

Up to €30,000

Basic coverage for Schengen visa requirements

AXA Schengen Essential

Up to €100,000

More comprehensive coverage for a European trip

AXA Schengen Premium

Up to €2,000,000

Higher medical coverage and additional guarantees

AXA Schengen Annual

Up to €100,000

Multiple trips during a one-year period, subject to the plan's conditions

All these Schengen insurance plans can be refunded in case of visa refusal, subject to the applicable terms and conditions and the required supporting documentation.

Compare our Schengen travel insurance plans

Related articles

The following guides can help you prepare for different stages of the Schengen visa process:

• How to apply for a Schengen visa
• How much does a Schengen visa cost?
• How to track your Schengen visa application
• Different types of Schengen visas

FAQ

What documents are required to obtain a Schengen visa?

The core checklist includes a passport that meets the validity requirements, a completed and signed visa application form, a recent passport photo, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, an itinerary and travel medical insurance when required.

Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality, purpose of travel and individual circumstances.

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

The standard Schengen visa fee is currently €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12.

Reduced fees and exemptions apply to certain categories of applicants. Additional service fees may also apply when an external service provider handles your application.

Check the latest fee information from the relevant embassy or consulate before submitting your application.

Can I get a Schengen visa online?

The EU is moving towards a digital Schengen visa application process, but applicants may still need to appear in person for certain steps, including biometric data collection where applicable.

The exact procedure will depend on the stage of implementation and where you are applying. Check the latest instructions for your application location before applying.

Can I work or study with a Schengen tourist visa?

No. A short-stay Type C visa issued for tourism does not in itself authorize you to work or undertake long-term studies. Depending on your plans, you may need to apply for the appropriate national visa or residence permit.

What should I do if my Schengen visa is refused?

If your visa application is refused, the refusal decision should explain the reasons for the decision and provide information about the applicable appeal procedure. You can also submit a new application, provided you address the reasons for the previous refusal. The applicable appeal procedure depends on the Schengen country that examined your application.

AXA, meanwhile, will refund you in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation — that is an official explanation as to why your visa was refused (from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).