Schengen Visa: application, types, conditions and procedures

The Schengen visa, the key to travelling in Europe

The Schengen visa is an indispensable official document for third-country nationals wishing to visit one or more states in the Schengen area. It allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, whether for tourism, business travel, family visits or short studies.

Good to know: in the near future, an ETIAS authorization will replace the visa for certain short stays. A simple online ETIAS form will suffice if your country is eligible.

What are the different types of Schengen visa?

Airport transit visa (type A)

This visa is required for passengers from certain countries who transit through a Schengen airport without crossing the border. It authorizes access to the international zone of the airport only.

This visa applies in particular to nationals of Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc.

Exemptions: diplomatic passport, visa or residence permit from an EU/EEA member state, certain family or professional cases.

Short-stay visa (type C)

This is the most popular visa. It allows one or more entries into the Schengen area, with a maximum total duration of 90 days. It is issued for the following reasons:

• Tourism: vacation or discovery of one or more European countries
• Business travel: participation in trade fairs, conferences, meetings
• Private tours: joining friends and family
• Events: cultural, sporting or artistic
• Short-term studies: short courses or internships

This visa is required for most countries in Africa, Asia and South America, as well as for countries such as China, India and Russia.

Long-stay visa (type D)

This visa is for people wishing to reside for more than 90 days in a member country of the Schengen area. It is issued for :

• Working (local contract or secondment)
• Studying (universities, specialized schools)
• Family reunification
• Conduct scientific research
• Settling in for the long term (life project, retirement, etc.)

Each country sets its own conditions. So check with the embassy of the country concerned (France, Germany, Spain, etc.).

Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?

Anyone who is not a citizen of a visa-exempt country and wishes to :

• Transiting through an airport in the Schengen area
• Visit one or more European countries
• Residence in a Schengen country for more than 90 days

The list of countries subject to visa requirements can be consulted on the official website of the European Commission.

Where can I apply for a Schengen visa?

Applications must be submitted to the embassy, consulate or visa center of the main destination country. If you are visiting more than one country, you must apply to the State :

• where you’ll be spending most of your time, or
• through which you will first enter the Schengen area.

When to apply?

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the trip (and at least 15 days before the planned departure date).

What documents should I provide?

For your application to be accepted, you must submit :

• Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after date of return)
• Completed application form
• One passport-size photo
• Travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 (repatriation, medical expenses)
• Proof of accommodation, financial resources and return ticket
• Your fingerprints, collected during the appointment

Schengen visa prices

Fees vary according to the age of the applicant:

• 90 € for adults
• 45 € for children aged 6 to 12
• Free for children under 6 and certain categories (students, researchers, etc.).

Additional fees may be charged by private service providers (VFS Global, TLScontact…).

Processing time

In general, the application is processed within 15 working days.
However, this can take up to 45 days in the event of in-depth verification or missing documents.

Schengen or ETIAS visa: which to choose?

As soon as ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) comes into force, travelers from many Schengen visa-exempt countries will no longer need a short-stay visa. They will simply need to obtain an electronic authorization online before departure.

The ETIAS does not replace the long-stay visa (type D).