Schengen Visa: everything you need to obtain it + your mandatory insurance
Starting from €4.90
Compliant with Schengen visa requirements
Fully refunded in case of visa refusal
What Is the Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a uniform short-stay visa issued by a member state and valid throughout the entire Schengen Area. It allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism, business, or family visits. It does not permit work or residency.
Established by the European Union, the Schengen Visa harmonizes entry conditions across 29 European countries. Once issued by one country, it allows free movement throughout the entire zone without additional border checks at internal borders. It may be issued for a single entry or for multiple entries.
What the Schengen Visa Allows — and What It Doesn't
- A stay of up to 90 days, consecutive or spread out, within any 180-day period
- Free movement throughout the entire Schengen Area
- A range of purposes: tourism, business travel, visits to family or friends, short-term training
- It does not grant the right to reside in a Schengen country
- It does not allow you to work (except under specific, limited authorizations)
- The application must be submitted before your trip: it cannot be obtained upon arrival
Visa Validity ≠ Length of Stay
The validity period is the window during which you may enter the Schengen Area (e.g., January 1 through December 31). The authorized length of stay is the total number of days you may spend there within that window — generally up to 90 days within 180. A single-entry visa becomes invalid as soon as you leave the zone for the first time.
Does the Schengen Visa Guarantee Entry into the Schengen Area?
No. A valid visa does not automatically guarantee entry: the final decision rests with border authorities, who may deny access if they have doubts about the purpose of your stay or find your documentation insufficient. Also worth noting is the limited territorial validity visa, which only allows travel between certain specifically authorized countries.
What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a free-movement zone made up of 29 European countries that have abolished border controls at their internal borders. It is the largest borderless travel area in the world (over 1.66 million square miles / 4.3 million km²). Once inside, travelers can move from one country to another without going through passport control.
It includes the majority of European Union countries (except Ireland and Cyprus) and four EFTA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Keep in mind: the Schengen Area, the European Union, and the Eurozone do not overlap exactly — a country can belong to one without belonging to the others.
Good to know: internal border controls may be temporarily reinstated, only for reasons validated by the EU (serious threat to public order or internal security).
Do I Need a Schengen Visa?
Nationals from more than 100 non-EU countries need a Schengen Visa for stays of fewer than 90 days. Citizens of EU/Schengen countries and roughly 60 visa-exempt countries (including the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom) do not — but will need ETIAS once it comes into effect.
Who Needs a Visa
Most visitors coming from outside the Schengen Area: Africa, North Africa, most of Asia and the Middle East, among others. Check whether your nationality is affected →
Who Does Not Need a Visa
- EU / Schengen area citizens and their family members
- Holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country
- Nationals of the ~60 countries under visa exemption agreements (United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom…)
Even if visa-exempt, these travelers must: hold a passport issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months beyond their stay; not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period; comply with the Entry/Exit System (EES) as of October 2025; and hold an ETIAS authorization once it comes into effect.
Living outside the Schengen area? You can still apply for a Schengen Visa; whether you need one depends on your nationality — check with the consulate of your destination country.
Types of Schengen Visa
There are three main types of Schengen Visa: the airport transit visa (Type A), the short-stay visa (Type C, the most common), and the national long-stay visa (Type D). Type C can be issued for single or multiple entries.
| Type | Purpose | Duration | Reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A Airport Transit |
Transiting through a Schengen airport without entering the territory | Duration of the layover | Stopover en route to a non-Schengen country |
| Type C Short Stay |
The most requested — entry into the Schengen area. Available for multiple entries | ≤ 90 days / 180 days | Tourism, business, family visits, short-term training |
| Type D Long Stay / National |
Criteria specific to each country | 3 to 12 months | Studies, work, family reasons |
Stopping over in a Schengen country? If you remain in the international transit zone of the airport on your way to a non-Schengen destination, a transit visa (Type A) may be sufficient depending on your nationality. As soon as you leave that zone, a Schengen Visa (Type C) is required.
How do you apply for a Schengen Visa?
To apply for a Schengen Visa: 1) identify the type of visa, 2) gather the required documents, 3) purchase the mandatory travel insurance, 4) schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or an authorized visa center, 5) submit your application and pay the fees. Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before departure.
Where to submit your application
At the embassy or consulate of your destination country. For multi-country trips, apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or the country of first entry. Some services are handled by authorized visa centers (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International).
Entering through a country other than the one that issued your visa? That's allowed: the Schengen Visa permits free movement throughout the entire zone, provided you can justify your itinerary and the purpose of your stay if asked at a border check.
What documents are required for a Schengen Visa?
Required documents for a Schengen Visa include: a completed and signed application form, a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay, two recent passport-size photos, proof of a round-trip ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, and a travel insurance certificate (mandatory).
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiration date, with 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photos meeting official requirements
- Letter explaining the purpose of your trip
- Proof of round-trip ticket reservation
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Compliant travel insurance certificate (mandatory) → covered by AXA
Proof of sufficient financial means
You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your stay (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.). Minimum amounts vary by country. If needed, a financial guarantee letter from a sponsor may be provided instead.
Special cases
- Minors traveling alone or with an adult: passport, copy of birth certificate, parent or guardian's ID and signature, and an exit authorization if applicable.
- Passport expiring soon: it must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your stay — renew it before applying for the visa if necessary.
Schengen Visa Fees and Processing Times
The short-stay Schengen Visa costs €90 for adults, €45 for children ages 6–12, and is free for children under 6. Expect approximately €30 in service fees when applying through an authorized visa center. Processing time is around 15 days, and up to 45 days during peak season.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult fee (Type C) | €90 |
| Children ages 6–12 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Authorized center service fee (VFS/TLS) | ~€30 additional |
| Processing time | ~15 days (up to 45 during peak periods) |
| Minimum submission before departure | 15 days (ideally 3 weeks to 6 months in advance) |
Fees verified and current as of August 2026 — €90 rate in effect since June 2024, per EC Regulation 810/2009. The EU reviews fees approximately every 3 years; the next revision is expected around 2027 and should be confirmed at that time. Neither visa fees nor service fees are refunded in the event of a denial.
The 90-Day Rule Within a 180-Day Period
A Schengen Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. The validity of the visa (the window during which you may enter) is separate from the authorized duration of stay (the actual number of days you may remain). A single-entry visa becomes void as soon as you leave the Schengen Area.
Can a Schengen Visa Be Extended or Renewed?
In general, no — you cannot extend or renew a Schengen Visa without first leaving the Schengen Area. An exceptional extension may be granted for humanitarian, medical, or force majeure reasons, provided you submit the appropriate supporting documentation.
What Should You Do If Your Schengen Visa Is Denied?
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision or submit a new application based on the reason provided. The good news? Your AXA Schengen insurance is fully refunded upon presentation of the official rejection letter, within 5 to 7 business days.
Mandatory travel insurance for the Schengen Visa
The EU requires travel insurance to issue a Schengen Visa. Without it, the visa will be denied. Coverage must include at least 30,000 euros in medical expenses, emergency hospitalization, and repatriation, and must be valid across all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay. AXA Schengen meets all these requirements starting at $4.90.
EU requirements (Visa Code, Art. 15)
| EU Requirement | AXA Schengen |
|---|---|
| Medical coverage ≥ 30,000 euros | ✓ Up to 2,000,000 euros (Premium) |
| Emergency hospitalization | ✓ Included |
| Medical repatriation / death | ✓ Included |
| Valid in all Schengen countries | ✓ + EU, United Kingdom, micro-states |
| Full duration of stay | ✓ Up to 180 days |
| Accepted by consulates | ✓ Accepted by all embassies |
| Refund if Schengen Visa is denied | ✓ Full refund |
AXA quality and peace of mind, accessible to everyone
Four plans that meet Schengen Visa requirements: three for a single trip, with prices and coverage tailored to your budget; one annual plan for frequent travelers.
Is there an electronic or online Schengen Visa?
Currently, there is no fully electronic Schengen Visa. The application process can be partially digitized (form submission, appointment scheduling, online tracking), but submitting your application and providing biometric data still require an in-person visit. A fully digital Schengen Visa is expected by 2030.
Don't confuse this with ETIAS. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization, but it applies only to travelers who are visa-exempt — it is not an electronic visa. If your nationality requires a visa, you must still go through the standard procedure at the consulate or an approved visa application center.
ETIAS, EES: what you need to know
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals (stays under 90 days). It does not replace the Schengen Visa — it is an online pre-screening before departure, for nationalities already exempt from visa requirements. The EES (Entry/Exit System) has been recording border crossings since October 2025.
Visa requirements by Schengen country
Requirements vary slightly depending on your destination country. Check the requirements for the country where you will submit your application. Looking for the easiest path? See which Schengen countries grant visas most easily.
Frequently asked questions about the Schengen Visa
Who needs a Schengen Visa?
Nationals from more than 100 non-EU countries staying fewer than 90 days. EU/Schengen citizens and roughly 60 visa-exempt countries do not need one (though they will need ETIAS).
How much does a Schengen Visa cost?
€90 for adults, €45 for children ages 6–12, free for children under 6, plus approximately €30 in service fees through an authorized visa application center.
What travel insurance is required for a Schengen Visa?
A policy covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation, valid throughout the entire Schengen Area. AXA Schengen meets all of these requirements, starting at €4.90.
How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?
Processing typically takes around 15 days, and up to 45 days during peak season. Submit your application at least 15 days before your departure date.
What should I do if my application is denied?
You can appeal the decision or reapply. AXA Schengen insurance is fully refunded within 5 to 7 business days.
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