Schengen Visa Requirements
Last verified: 3 min read
Who needs a visa for Europe
Quick Facts
A Schengen Visa application requires your passport, completed form, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and a cover letter.
Insurance €30,000 min
Photos 35×45mm
Bank Statements 3-6 months
Processing 15-45 days
Do You Need a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa (Type C) allows citizens of visa-required countries to visit any of the 30 Schengen Area countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Whether you need a Schengen visa depends on your nationality. Over 130 countries require their citizens to get a visa before traveling to Europe's Schengen Area.
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Valid passport — Must have at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date and be issued within the last 10 years.
- Travel insurance — Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all Schengen states.
- Proof of funds — Bank statements from the last 3–6 months showing you can support yourself during your stay.
- Confirmed itinerary — Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from your host in Europe.
Schengen Visa at a Glance
Cost €80 Adults (€40 children 6-12)
Processing 15-45 days Calendar days
Max stay 90 days Per 180-day period
Covers 30 countries All Schengen members
Countries That Need a Schengen Visa
Citizens of over 130 countries need a Schengen visa to visit Europe. Some of the most common visa-required nationalities include:
- Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal
- Africa: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Algeria, Tunisia
- Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia
- Former Soviet: Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan
- Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica
Basic Requirements for All Applicants
If you need a Schengen visa, you will need to meet these basic requirements:
- Valid passport: At least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure, issued within the last 10 years
- Clear purpose: Tourism, business, family visit, medical treatment, or other legitimate reason
- Sufficient funds: Proof you can support yourself during your stay
- Travel insurance: Minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies
- Return ticket: Proof of onward travel or return to your home country
- Accommodation: Hotel bookings or invitation letter from a host
Visa Requirements FAQs
How do I know if my country needs a Schengen visa?
Use our nationality checker above, or check the EU's official visa requirements list. Generally, citizens of most African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries need visas, while citizens of the Americas, Oceania, and some Asian countries (Japan, South Korea, and others) are visa-exempt.
What's the difference between a Schengen visa and ETIAS?
A Schengen visa is for citizens of visa-required countries and involves an embassy application with documents and interviews. ETIAS is a simpler online authorization for visa-exempt countries, costing €20 and approved within minutes. They serve different nationalities.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa online?
No, you cannot apply online. Schengen visa applications must be submitted in person at an embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center (like VFS Global or TLS Contact). You will need to provide biometrics and attend an interview.
Do children need a Schengen visa?
Yes, children of visa-required nationalities need their own Schengen visa. The fee is reduced to €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. They'll still need to appear in person for biometrics if over 12.
Is a Schengen visa valid for all 30 countries?
Yes. Once granted, a Schengen visa allows you to travel freely between all 30 Schengen member states during its validity period. You do not need separate visas for each country you visit.
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