Guide to applying for a Schengen Visa: Steps to secure your travel permit

The Schengen Visa opens the door to unrestricted travel across the 27 countries within the Schengen Area, but navigating its application process can be daunting, owing to its extensive requirements and elaborate paperwork. This is where our Schengen Guided Visa service comes into play, offering expert assistance to streamline your application journey and increase your chances of approval.

We're working under the assumption that you're familiar with what a Schengen Visa entails by now. However, if you're in need of a refresher, we invite you to explore our detailed guide on the Schengen Visa Below, find your essential checklist for applying for your Schengen Visa.

Step 1 - Determine your eligibility

To determine your eligibility for a Schengen Visa, review the visa requirements of the country you plan to visit within the Schengen Area. This includes assessing your purpose of travel, duration of stay, and your country of residence's relationship with the Schengen Agreement. Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate of your destination country for specific eligibility criteria and instructions.

Additionally, our Visa Checker Tool is available to help you assess your eligibility for the Schengen country you wish to visit and initiate your application process.

Step 2 - Choose the right type of visa

There are different Schengen Visa types, varying according to your travel purpose and duration of travel. There are tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and transit visas, among others. It’s essential to apply for a visa that suits your trip's purpose better.

If you're not sure which one you need, read all about the different types of Schengen Visas, to help determine which one best fits your travel plans.

Step 3 - Determine which country you'll apply for the Schengen Visa

You can visit 27 countries with the Schengen Visa, but which one should you apply for a visa for? There are a few aspects to consider:

• If you visit only one country, you must apply for this specific country's Schengen Visa. For example, if you're planning a two-week vacation exploring only Italy, you must apply for an Italy Schengen Visa.

• If you're going to visit several Schengen members but will spend more days in one of them, apply for the country where you'll be staying the longest. For example, if you plan to travel to Europe, spending 5 days in Italy, 5 days in the Netherlands, 5 days in Greece, and 10 days in Spain, you must apply for a Spain Schengen Visa.

• If you're visiting many Schengen countries and will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, you must apply for the country where you'll enter the Schengen Zone. For example, if you plan a trip where you'll stay 5 days in France, 5 Days in Germany, 5 days in the Czech Republic, and 5 days in Spain, and the first country you'll visit in Europe is Austria, you must get an Austria Schengen Visa.

Once you know which country you'll apply for a Schengen visa, you're ready to apply!

Step 4 - Prepare your documents

The exact documents required may vary depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying from. Here are some of the most common required documents:

• Visa application form: Complete the online application form. You can do this via our website or mobile app. Once you're done, sign it and bring it to your visa appointment.

• Two photographs: Taken within the last three months.

• Valid passport: Valid for at least three months after the arrival date. It should also have at least two blank pages and have been issued within the last ten years.

• Fingerprints (only if you are older than 12): You must provide fingerprints during your visa appointment unless you've been granted a biometric Schengen visa within the last 59 months.

• Travel itinerary: Include details like your return flight, hotel accommodations, or tour schedules in this document.

• Financial statements: Bank statements, employment contracts, or salary slips demonstrating sufficient financial means to pay for your trip.

• Travel insurance: You'll need a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for emergency medical treatment and repatriation in case of an emergency.

• Invitation letter: If visiting friends or family members. You shouldn't have any problem getting your Schengen Visa application approved if you meet these basic requirements.

Watch our in-depth video on the challenges of applying by yourself compared to some of the benefits of applying with iVisa.

Step 5 - Apply for your Schengen Visa

Applying for a Schengen Visa with us is easy and straightforward! Just follow these three simple steps:

• Complete the simplified visa application form with personal and travel information. We'll send you a PDF guide to help you through the process.

• Double-check your information and pay our service fee using your debit, credit card, or PayPal. Remember, the government visa fee must be paid separately at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre (VAC).

After completing the Schengen Visa application form, you must book an appointment at one of the visa application centers. Don't worry; your iVisa expert will provide all the necessary instructions. Read here for tips on how to ace your Schengen Visa appointment.

• Attend a visa interview appointment with all the required documents. Don't worry - we'll send you a document checklist and step-by-step instructions beforehand to ensure you're fully prepared. That's it! Once you've completed these three steps, sit back and wait for your visa to be approved.

How long does it take to process the Schengen Visa?

Our visa processing time to get your application ready and flawless, including the documents review and booking your visa appointment, is 30 days.

The government timeframe to process your Schengen Visa application is 15 days.

Schengen Visa application status: Track your Schengen Visa application

To track your Schengen Visa application, follow these steps:

• Reference number: After submitting your visa application, you will receive a reference number. Keep this number safe, as it's crucial for tracking the status of your application.

• Embassy or consulate website: Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate where you applied for your visa. Many embassies offer an online tracking feature where you can enter your reference number to view your application status.

• Third-party visa processing centers: If you applied through a third-party visa processing center (such as VFS Global), check their website for a tracking feature. You'll need to input your reference number and possibly other personal information.

• Email notifications: You may receive updates through email. Ensure you check the email address provided during the application process regularly, including the spam folder.

• Contact directly: If online tracking is not available or you need more detailed information, you can contact the embassy or visa processing center directly. Use the contact information provided on their official website to inquire about your visa status.

If you apply with us our visa experts will help you track your application via online chat, or WhatsApp.

Tips to fill out an error-free Schengen Visa Application

Filling out a Schengen Visa application can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the requirements and procedures. To ensure that your application is error-free, here are some tips to follow:

• Read the instructions carefully: Read the instructions on the application form and the manual guide we'll send you. Ensure you understand the requirements, including the documents that must be submitted.

• Provide accurate and complete information: Provide accurate and complete information. Double-check your answers to make sure they have all the necessary information.

• Be consistent: The information you provide on the application must be consistent with the information on your supporting documents. For example, your name should be spelled the same way on your passport, application, and other documents.

• Submit all required documents: Check the list of required documents that we'll send to you and ensure you have all of them at your visa appointment.

• Submit your application promptly: Submit your application well before your intended travel date. This will give you ample time to correct errors or provide additional information.