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Schengen Visa Application: Step-by-Step Guide

Navigate the VFS Page and follow the instructions to receive all the information you need about the type of visa you require.

To book an appointment: Book an appointment | vfsglobal

  1. Check if You Need a Visa
    • Find out if your country of citizenship requires a Schengen visa for short visits (see the List: Annex 1) .
  2. Choose Your Main Destination
    • Pick which Schengen country you’ll spend the most time in.
    • If time is equal in multiple countries, apply at the consulate of the country you’ll enter first.
  3. Prepare Your Documents
    • Complete and sign the Visa Application Form.
    • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, minimum 2 blank pages).
    • Passport-size photo (as per official standards).
    • Travel medical insurance.
    • Proof of reason for travel and accommodation.
    • Evidence of financial means.
    • Proof of intention to return home.
    • Any extra documents requested by the consulate.
  4. Book Your Appointment
  5. Submit Your Application
    • Hand in required documents and biometric fingerprints.
    • Pay the visa fee.
  6. Wait for Processing
    • Standard processing time: up to 15 days (can be up to 45 days in complex cases).
  7. Receive Your Decision
    • Approved: Get your visa and ready to travel.
    • Refused: You’ll get a letter explaining the reason and how to appeal.

 

Visa Costs 

Depending on the popruse of you travel the cost of the Visa Vary, please verify on the VFS Page

The visa fee shall be waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories:

(a) children under six years;
(b) school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training.
(c) researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
(d) representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations.

The visa fee may be waived for:

(a) children from the age of six years and below the age of 12 years;
(b) holders of diplomatic and service passports;
(c) participants aged 25 years or less in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events, organised by non-profit organisations.

 

PLEASE NOTE

Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine need to provide full names of mother and father and it must result from a birth certificate or Consular declaration.

THE INFORMATION OUTLINED ABOVE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH CHANGES.

THIS CONSULAR ADMINISTRATION HAS FULL AUTHORITY TO EVALUATE AND REQUEST ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, IF DEEMED NECESSARY, IN ADDITION TO WHAT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED. FURTHERMORE, THE APPLICANT, IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT SUBMITTING ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ISSUANCE OF ANY PARTICULAR VISA

Insights
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    Category Duration Who needs it? Rules & Validity
    Short-stay visa (Schengen visa) Up to 90 days in any 180-day period Non-EU nationals from countries that require a visa Valid for all 29 Schengen countries; allows multiple entries as long as total stay ≤ 90 days per 180-day window
    Visa-free entry Up to 90 days in any 180-day period Nationals of countries with EU visa-free agreements (e.g. USA, UK passport holders, etc.) No short-stay visa needed; same 90/180-day rule applies
    National long-stay visa / residence permit More than 90 days Non-EU nationals who wish to study, work, or reside long-term in a Schengen country Issued by the individual country; rules vary depending on purpose of stay