DATE: 7/11/2025
Planning a trip to Europe? All your question about the Schengen visa answered!
One of the most common questions people ask when planning a trip abroad — be it for vacation, work, school, or even a new life — is whether or not they’ll need a visa. And when planning a trip to Europe, chances are the visa they’re talking about is none other than the Schengen visa. After all, the Schengen visa is often that one precious key that hundreds of millions of international travelers need in order to open the door to the majority of the European continent.
Fortunately, Schengen travel insurance experts AXA have all you need to know about the Schengen visa (and all it entails) too! And our comprehensive guide below is therefore guaranteed to not only help you have that key in your hand - but to also make your upcoming trip to one, two, or even dozens of European countries as smooth as can be!
FAQ about the Schengen Visa
What is the Schengen area?
First off, let’s start with the geography (and brief history). The Schengen area was established in 1985 with the signing of the Schengen Agreement, which, in turn, was designed to allow visa-free travel for citizens of a number of European countries.
Since then, it has grown to encompass a territory of over 400 million square miles and comprises over two dozen nations within mainland Europe (and a few beyond). And, thus, the Schengen Zone today represents the largest area in the world where one can travel freely.
The Schengen Area includes the majority of countries in the European Union (except for Ireland and Cyprus), as well as four countries of the European Free Trade Association (i.e., Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
IMPORTANT: However, in recent years, some border controls between Schengen countries have been temporarily reinstated — for reasons validated by the European Union (and mainly having to do with internal security). But fear not! AXA can also tell you which European countries may be reinstating border controls (and why) too.
PRO-TIPS: The geography of Europe as a whole can often be complicated, which is also why AXA can help you further wrap your head around:
Which European countries are not in the Schengen
and
The key differences between Europe, the EU, the Schengen Zone, the Euro Zone, and the EEA.
What is the Schengen visa (and what can I do with one)?
Per the Schengen agreement, nationals of the Schengen Zone (and the European Union) are permitted to travel to, from, and throughout the Schengen Area visa-free.
The Schengen visa, meanwhile, is a mandatory travel document for nationals of a large number of “third countries” (i.e., those not in the European Union) wishing to travel to the Schengen area.
It is a uniform visa established by the EU, and its eligibility criteria are harmonized across all Schengen countries - meaning that the application requirements are the same everywhere for all travelers.
What is the difference between a traditional visa and a Schengen visa?
A traditional visa typically refers to a visa issued for entry into a single country. And it, therefore, usually restricts travel anywhere beyond that one nation.
A Schengen visa, on the other hand, allows for travel within all Schengen Area countries. In other words, a Schengen visa simplifies travel to, from, within, and between dozens of European countries on a single permit.
What are the dos and don’ts of a Schengen Visa?
And, once you have one, here’s what you can (and can’t) do in Europe:
- A Schengen visa allows you to stay in and/or travel across the entire Schengen area.
- It authorizes a maximum stay of 90 days (**consecutive or distributed over a period of 180 days*** total) in one or any of the Schengen Area member states.
- It can be issued for a single entry or for multiple entries
- Reasons for being issued a Schengen visa include tourism, business trips, visits to relatives, short training courses (i.e., an internship), and/or certain one-off paid activities - such as an artist tour, a sporting competition, a conference, or seasonal employment (provided that a temporary work permit has been obtained before departure).
PRO HEADS-UP:
- The Schengen visa does not, however, grant the right to residency in a Schengen Area country.
- The Schengen visa does not allow work.
- The Schengen visa application must be made before the trip, as it is not possible to obtain one on arrival in Europe (except in rare cases).
What are the different types of Schengen visas?
And now here’s a quick breakdown (with links) as to what options of a Schengen visa you have to choose from:
- The short-stay (aka Type C or “tourist”) visa is the most common Schengen visa, and it allows travel to (and throughout) all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- However, if you’re planning more than one trip to Europe, you’ll need what’s known as a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
- If you’re just passing through, you might need to opt for a Type A (aka ATV or “airport transit”) visa. It allows citizens of non-Schengen states to wait for a connecting flight and/or transit through Schengen airports (and is mandatory for many).
- If, on the other hand, you’re planning to stay in a European country for more than three months, you’ll likely need a national (aka Type D) visa.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A Type D, however, is technically not a Schengen visa, and adheres to the specific requirements and criteria set forth by the particular European nation where you wish to stay.
*BONUS PRO-TIP: For example, hoping to stay in the most visited country on Earth for a while? AXA can help you easily apply for a Type D visa for France!
- And, finally, going to Europe to earn some cash, attend a business event, or study? Then you can also apply for a work, business, and/or student visa accordingly.
NOTE: However, keep in mind that not all of these are necessarily Schengen visas in the traditional sense either.
PRO-TIP: Still not sure which one you might need? No worries! AXA can help you further understand which Schengen visa best suits your travel needs too!
Can I travel freely within all Schengen Area countries with a Schengen visa?
In theory, yes. Unless you have a Schengen visa with limited territorial validity. In this (not very common) case, you’ll only be able to travel between the countries specified by said visa.
What is the difference between the validity period of a Schengen visa and the authorized length of stay?
Good question. And here’s a clear-cut answer.
The visa validity period corresponds to the period during which you are authorized to enter the Schengen area (for example, from January 1st to December 31st).
The length of stay authorized, on the other hand, specifies the total number of days that you can spend in the Schengen Zone during this period — i.e., generally up to 90 days over a period of 180 days.
How can I calculate the maximum permitted stay of 90 days out of 180 days for a Schengen visa?
Great question! Because, ultimately, that “90 days out of 180 days” rule is often somewhat confusing for most.
So to help you understand it better, AXA has compiled a clear and comprehensive guide (aka “calculator”) on:
The 90/180-day Schengen visa rule
It should help you know the exact number of days you’re allowed (and/or still have left) in the Schengen area - anytime, anywhere!
Can I enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times with a short-stay/Type C Schengen visa?
Well, that depends. For example, a single-entry Type C Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area only once. And once you leave, the visa becomes invalid (IMPORTANT: and that’s even if its validity period has not expired!).
However, a multiple-entry visa allows several round-trips — so long as the total length of stay does not exceed 90 days out of 180 (so see our links to visa types above to get the full picture!)
If my flight has a layover in a Schengen country, do I need a Schengen visa or a transit visa?
That also depends, and mainly on both your itinerary and your nationality. For instance:
- If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country and your final destination is also outside the Schengen Area, depending on your nationality, you might need to apply for the aforementioned airport transit visa (aka “Type A” or “ATV”).* And that’s even if you are only staying in the international area of the airport for a connecting flight.
- If you need to leave the airport (i.e., to change airports, take a connecting bus/train located in a Schengen country, and so on), then you are technically entering the Schengen Zone. And in this case, nationals subject to visa requirements must apply for a Short-stay Schengen visa (type C) beforehand.
In short, as soon as you leave the international zone of the airport, a Schengen visa of some sort is required.
*EU PRO-TIP: Along with our links above, you can also consult the official EU list of nationalities affected by the airport transit visa.
Can I renew or extend my Schengen visa without leaving the Schengen Area?
Generally speaking, no. You cannot extend or renew your Schengen visa without leaving the Schengen area.
An exceptional extension may, however, be granted for humanitarian, medical, or “force majeure” reasons. But this procedure is rare and subject to specific supporting documentation.
Does a Schengen visa guarantee my entry into Europe?
Oh, if it were only all so simple… But, unfortunately, a Schengen visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the Schengen zone.
The final decision rests with the actual border authorities, as they reserve the right to refuse entry even with a valid visa (especially in case of doubts about your reasons for entry/stay and/or an inadequacy in the other documents presented).
But know that AXA is both doing all we can to help and rooting for you!
Which Schengen countries issue visas?
Any and all Schengen Area member states can issue a Schengen visa. Moreover, once a Schengen member nation issues the visa, said visa is universally valid for any and all the other countries within this European zone.
List of Schengen countries (in 2025):
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Norway
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
PRO-TIP: Meanwhile, AXA can help you with individual Schengen visa applications for each of the Schengen countries above too!
Who needs a Schengen visa?
With the signing of the Schengen Agreement, the European Union also established its own unique Visa Code — one that requires most visitors from outside the Schengen (and/or the European Union) to have a Schengen visa to cross any of the Schengen Zone's many borders. And/or to stay in the area for up to 90 days.
This applies to citizens of over a hundred countries - aka “third-country” nationals (including all African nations, most Middle Eastern ones, China, India, Russia, and so on).
Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa?
Meanwhile, you can visit the Schengen visa-free if you are:
- A citizen of one (or more) of the Schengen countries
- A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area member country
- A citizen of one (or more) of the non-Schengen European Union member countries (see link above)
- A national of one (or more) of the non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU (these include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 50 more nations).
Fortunately, the European Commission also provides full lists of the nations exempt and not exempt from the Schengen visa.
IMPORTANT: Although these third-country nationals do not need a visa for the Schengen Area, they must nevertheless comply with the following conditions:
- Possess a passport issued less than 10 years ago and whose validity extends at least 3 months beyond the planned end date of their stay.
- Stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180 days
- Comply with the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (aka EES) (as of October 2025)
- Have an electronic travel authorization, aka ETIAS (as of the last quarter of 2026, in theory - but more on that below too).
PRO-TIP: Still have doubts? Fear not - AXA can also gladly help you answer one of the most common European travel questions in the world:
Do I need a Schengen visa?
*And if you do, we can totally help you apply below too, so read on!
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa from abroad?
Generally speaking, applicants should apply at the consulate or embassy of the Schengen country they plan to visit first (or the one where they will spend the most time).
And to help you find your way, the EU also graciously provides a full list of EU/Schengen Consular contacts worldwide.
In certain cases, you can also apply via a visa application center — that is, one outsourced by and officially accredited by the embassy/consulate of your destination country (such as VFS Global, for example).
The process generally involves filling out a visa application form, submitting the required documents (see below), and then coming in for an in-person interview (including for biometric collection).
Can I apply for a Schengen visa online?
Yes and no. That is, these days, a good chunk of your application for a Schengen visa can indeed be done online (i.e., filling in the initial application form, booking an appointment, following up, etc.).
However, the complete submission of documents, biometrics collection, and pick-up of the visa itself will still require physical visits.
The EU does plan to fully digitise the Schengen visa process into a 100% online procedure - on a single European platform - but only by 2030.
Can I enter the Schengen Area with a Schengen visa issued by a country other than the one I am entering?
Yes, you usually can enter the Schengen Area through a country other than the one that issued your Schengen visa (as it is, again, designed to allow free movement throughout the area).
However, you must be able to justify your itinerary and the purpose of your stay. Because in the event of a security check, the Schengen authorities will need to verify the consistency between your visa and your actual trip to ensure compliance with Schengen rules.*
*PRO-TIP: But fear not! To make sure you know where to apply, AXA can also help you understand the Schengen visa First Port of Entry rules in no time!
How to apply for a Schengen visa?
As mentioned above, most of the steps to the Schengen visa application process are fairly straightforward and universal. A quick breakdown?
…and, well, hope for the best!
PRO-TIP: And, of course, don't panic! You’ve also got AXA’s comprehensive
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Schengen visa
at your fingertips!
What are the required documents for obtaining a Schengen visa?
To get a Schengen visa, you’ll generally be asked to provide:
If applicable to your particular case, you might also need to show more paperwork, such as:
PRO-TIP: That’s a non-exhaustive list (with plenty of links to help you gather all the necessary papers!). But just to be sure you don’t miss anything, consult AXA’s full list of
Documents required for a Schengen visa.
What Schengen visa documents are required for children travelling alone (or accompanied by an adult)?
- The minor's identification documents (i.e., passport)
- A copy of the minor's birth certificate
- Valid identification of the parents or legal guardian(s), with signature(s)
- An authorization to leave the country - signed by both parents or the legal guardian(s) - if the minor is travelling alone (or with only one parent)
- If applicable, a court decision granting parental authority or guardianship
PRO-TIP: These requirements may vary depending on the Schengen country concerned - so it’s best to consult the embassy or consulate for more detailed information regarding the little ones.
My passport is expiring soon, can I still apply for a Schengen visa?
A very common question indeed. And, in theory, you can — but it depends on your definition of “soon.” Because according to Schengen requirements, your passport must be valid not only for your entire trip - but also for at least three months after your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
If it is not, your best bet is to renew it ASAP (i.e., before applying for a visa).
How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?
Processing wait times vary (due to a number of factors*) but generally takes around 15 days. However, in certain cases, it may take up to a month or two. So make sure to reach out to your embassy, consulate, and/or visa application center if in doubt.
*BONUS PRO-TIP: Meanwhile, AXA can also help you with the timing with our in-depth guide to Public Holidays in Europe!
How far in advance should I apply for a Schengen visa?
You should apply for your Schengen visa no later than 15 days and no sooner than six months before your planned date of departure. But make sure you give yourself plenty of time to gather all the necessary paperwork (and attend the in-person interview).
How much is a Schengen Visa?
The price of a Schengen Visa is standardized across all Schengen countries (and is, therefore, universal worldwide). However, it does vary based on your age and marital status. Namely, children aged 6 to 12 pay half the standard fee, while children under 6 visiting the Schengen — as well as spouses of EU citizens — can get the Schengen visa for free.
Schengen visa prices* also tend to be reviewed by the European Commission every three years or so - based on criteria such as inflation and the average cost of treatments.
*PRO-TIP: To learn more about the latest, see our Schengen visa cost guide.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in mind that you submit your visa application via an approved visa center, you will have to pay additional service fees.
What are the additional fees if the application is processed through an authorized visa application center?
If you submit your visa application through an authorized service provider (such as VFS Global), additional service fees usually apply.
These fees cover - among other things - file management, appointment scheduling, and biometric data collection. The actual cost, of course, varies depending on the country and application center, but averages around €30.
IMPORTANT HEADS-UP: In case of visa refusal, neither Schengen visa fees nor visa center service fees are refunded (PRO-TIP: However, AXA’s are in most cases!).
What to do if your Schengen visa application is refused?
If your Schengen visa application is refused, you can either contest the decision or submit a new application. It will all ultimately depend on your particular situation - and the Schengen authorities.
PRO-TIP: But to help make sure it doesn’t come to that, AXA can also gladly tell you how to best avoid Schengen visa refusal in the first place!
Which travel insurance is accepted for a Schengen visa?
In order for your Schengen visa application to be accepted, you must first have a travel insurance plan that:
- is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
- has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation – including in case of death)
- covers you in all Schengen member states
- is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
IMPORTANT!: Embassies, consulates, and visa application centers do not offer travel insurance for the Schengen visa. This means that you will need to take out a plan with a private travel insurance company. Said company, however, must be licensed by the consular authorities of the member states of the Schengen area, and your plan must have been purchased before you submit your visa application.
PRO-TIPS: AXA has more about the specific travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa too (such as the numbers and reasons behind them). However, rest assured that all of AXA’s plans meet those requirements (and then some)!
And, so - to that end - before you start applying for your Schengen visa and looking at flights, be sure to take a minute and
compare all of AXA’s Schengen travel insurance options
and
get a free, zero-obligation AXA quote too!
Because with AXA, you're one big step closer not only to being granted a Schengen visa but to the countless wonders of Europe and the Schengen itself!
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