Schengen Visa FAQs
FAQs
Q1. What are the required documents for a tourist visa to Europe?
The required documents for a European Schengen tourist visa include a completed application form, a passport valid for 3 months beyond departure with two blank pages, and two recent photos. You will also need a confirmed flight itinerary, accommodation proof, travel medical insurance (min. €30,000 coverage), proof of financial means, and a cover letter.
Q2. What is the average processing time for Schengen visas submitted via visa agencies?
When you apply for a Schengen visa through professional Schengen visa agents, the average processing time is 10–15 working days (after your biometric appointment).
Q3. What type of travel medical insurance is accepted for a Schengen application?
Accepted travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa must provide a minimum of €30,000 in coverage and be valid across all 29 Schengen member states. It should cover the entire duration of the stay. It should include medical repatriation and emergency hospital care.
Q4. Can I use an online platform to track my Schengen visa application status?
Yes. You can track your application online using the reference number provided by the embassy. You will also get reference numbers from visa centres like VFS or BLS.
Q5. Which countries can I visit with a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa covers 29 European countries. These nations, comprising 25 European Union states and four non-EU members (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), have abolished internal border checks.
Q6. What is the current Schengen visa fee for adults and children?
The standard Schengen visa fee for adults is €90, while for children aged 6 to 11, it is €45. Children under 6 years old are generally exempt from the visa fee.
Q7. Can I get a five-year Schengen visa?
Yes. You can get a 5-year multiple-entry visa. An applicant needs to have at leat 2-3 multiple entry visa before with established, compliant travel histories. This is done under the Schengen cascade system.
Q8. Which countries are in the Schengen visa?
The Schengen Area includes 29 European countries. It covers most of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It includes recent additions like Bulgaria and Romania.
Q9. What countries are in the EU but not in Schengen?
Non-Schengen countries in the EU include the UK, Ireland, and most Balkan nations, plus Eastern European states like Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
Q10. How long is the Schengen visa valid for?
A Schengen visa allows stays for 90 days within any 180-day period. Multiple-entry visas can be valid for 1 to 5 years.
Q11. What are Schengen tourist visa processing models?
VFS Global and BLS International are the most common processing partners for the Schengen visa. They do not decide the visa outcome. Some countries do not use VFS or BLS. They require applicants to apply directly through the consulate/embassy.
Q12. Which countries fall under VFS Global for the Schengen visa?
Major destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and many more fall under VFS Global.
Q13. Which countries use BLS International for Schengen visas?
Most notably, BLS International provides services for Spain, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Italy.