Sections
A Schengen visa permits non-EU nationals to visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period[1]. As of 11 June 2024, the standard fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11; children under 6 are exempt[2][3]. Certain nationalities pay a reduced €35 fee under facilitation agreements[3]. Your passport must remain valid at least three months beyond your departure date, and you need travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000[1][4]. Begin by determining which Schengen country to apply through based on your main destination.
What You Receive
Valid Entry Permit for Schengen Area
A Schengen visa grants non-EU nationals the right to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to countries within the Schengen area [1]. The visa comes in three forms: single-entry, multiple-entry, or airport transit, depending on your travel needs [1].
Multiple-Entry Option for Repeat Visits
Multiple-entry visas allow several visits for as long as the visa remains valid [1]. In 2025, 51.7% of issued Schengen visas (5.3 million out of 10.3 million) permitted multiple entries [5].
Coverage Across All Schengen States
The visa is valid throughout the territory of all Schengen member states, enabling seamless travel across participating countries [6]. Your passport must remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area [1].
Required Travel Medical Insurance
Schengen visa applications include mandatory travel medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation with minimum coverage of €30,000 [1][4]. The insurance must remain valid throughout your entire stay across all Schengen states [6].
Standard Processing and Fee Structure
The visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged six to below 12 years as of 11 June 2024 [2]. Children aged 0–5 years are exempt from fees [3], and nationals of certain countries benefit from a reduced fee of €35 under visa facilitation agreements [3].
How to Obtain a Schengen Visa
- Determine visa type and destination
Identify which Schengen country to apply through based on your main destination or longest stay. Choose between a single-entry visa (one visit), multiple-entry visa (several visits during validity), or airport transit visa if only connecting through Schengen airports[1]. A Schengen visa permits stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period[1].
- Check passport validity
Verify your passport remains valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area[1]. For multiple-entry visas, the passport must be valid 3 months after leaving the last Schengen country you visit[1].
- Arrange travel medical insurance
Purchase insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation with minimum coverage of €30,000[4]. The policy must be valid across all Schengen States and cover your entire intended stay[6]. For multiple-entry applications, insurance must cover the first visit; you'll sign a declaration acknowledging the need for coverage on subsequent trips[6].
- Gather supporting documents
Prepare proof of travel purpose, evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses, and documentation showing intent to leave the Schengen area before visa expiry[7]. Consulates assess credibility of your travel plans and financial capacity during the application review[7].
- Pay the visa fee
Submit the application fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6–11, and no fee for children under 6[2][3]. Nationals of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine pay a reduced fee of €35 under visa facilitation agreements[3].
- Submit application and await decision
File your application at the consulate or visa center of the destination country. Processing times vary by consulate and season. In 2025, consulates received over 12 million applications with a global refusal rate of 14.6%[5]. There is no automatic entitlement to visa issuance; each case is evaluated individually[7].
- Receive visa and verify details
Once approved, check the visa sticker in your passport for entry type, validity dates, and permitted duration of stay. In 2025, 51.7% of issued visas allowed multiple entries[5]. Confirm all details match your travel plans before departure.
Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
Obtaining a Schengen visa involves several risks and limitations. Firstly, there is no legal entitlement to a visa, meaning applications can be denied based on insufficient proof of travel purpose, financial resources, or intent to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires[7]. In 2025, the global refusal rate for Schengen visas was 14.6%, which indicates that many applicants face challenges in securing approval[5].
The Schengen visa fee increased to €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11 as of 11 June 2024[2]. This increase may affect budgeting for travel plans. Additionally, specific nationalities benefit from reduced fees of €35 under visa facilitation agreements, which may not be widely known[3].
Travel medical insurance is mandatory, requiring coverage of at least €30,000 for emergency medical care and repatriation[4]. This insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen area and cover the entire stay[6]. Failure to meet these insurance requirements can lead to application rejection.
If a visa needs to be canceled or a refund is sought, the process varies by consulate and is generally not guaranteed. Applicants should verify cancellation policies before applying. Always ensure that all documents are accurate and complete to minimize risks of denial or delays.
Before you go
- How much will a Schengen visa cost?
As of 11 June 2024, a Schengen visa costs €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11[2]. Children under 6 are exempt from fees[3]. Nationals of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine pay a reduced fee of €35 under visa facilitation agreements[3].
- How much does a 10 year Schengen visa cost?
A 10-year Schengen visa does not exist. Schengen visas permit stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period[1]. Multiple-entry visas allow several visits during the visa's validity period, but the maximum stay per visit remains 90 days within 180 days[1]. The standard fee for any Schengen visa is €90 for adults[2].
- How can I get a 1 year Schengen visa?
A 1-year Schengen visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing several visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period[1]. Apply through the consulate of your main destination country, provide proof of travel purpose and sufficient funds, and purchase travel insurance covering your first visit[6][7]. In 2025, 51.7% of issued Schengen visas permitted multiple entries[5].
- Can I get a Schengen visa in 2 days?
Processing times vary by consulate, season, and application volume. Standard processing typically takes longer than 2 days. In 2025, consulates received over 12 million applications[5], which can extend processing times during peak periods. Apply well in advance of your travel date to account for potential delays.
- Who needs a Schengen visa?
Non-EU nationals require a Schengen visa to make short, temporary visits to the Schengen area[1]. EU citizens and nationals of certain countries with visa-waiver agreements do not need a visa. Check with the consulate of your destination country to confirm whether your nationality requires a Schengen visa.
- How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?
Processing times vary by consulate, season, and individual case complexity. In 2025, consulates processed over 12 million applications[5], and high volumes can extend wait times. Apply several weeks before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for document review and decision-making.
- What should I do if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, review the refusal letter to understand the specific reasons. In 2025, the global refusal rate was 14.6%[5]. You may reapply with additional documentation addressing the consulate's concerns, such as stronger proof of travel purpose, financial resources, or intent to leave the Schengen area[7]. Some consulates allow appeals; check the refusal notice for instructions.
Explore More Visa Resources
Discover additional information and guides to assist you.