How to apply for a Schengen visa step by step?
Apply for a Schengen visa by choosing the right embassy, gathering documents, booking an appointment, attending the interview, and paying the fee. Most decisions take 15 to 45 days.
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Schengen visa application - step by step
Step 1: Choose the right consulate
Apply to the consulate of your main destination - the country where you will spend the most time. If your stay is evenly split, apply to the consulate of the country you enter first.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Prepare a valid passport with 3+ months validity beyond your return date, completed Schengen visa application form, biometric passport photo, travel insurance covering 30,000 EUR, hotel bookings, return flight reservations, bank statements, and proof of employment or income.
Step 3: Book your appointment
Book an appointment with the embassy or its outsourced visa center, such as VFS Global, BLS International, TLScontact, or VisaMetric. Slots fill up quickly during peak travel seasons - book as early as possible.
Step 4: Attend your visa interview
Attend your appointment in person to submit documents, give biometric data (fingerprints and a photo), and answer questions about your trip. Bring originals plus two copies of every document.
Step 5: Wait for your decision
Most decisions are made within 15 calendar days. Complex cases or peak seasons may extend processing to a maximum of 45 days.
Step 6: Collect your passport
Once a decision is made, you will be notified to collect your passport from the visa center. You can also opt for courier return for an extra fee. Always check the visa sticker for accuracy before leaving.
Application fee and processing time
The Schengen visa fee is 90 EUR for adults and 45 EUR for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are exempt. Visa center service charges add roughly 25 to 40 EUR depending on the country and provider.
Important: Always book refundable hotel reservations until your visa is approved. trip1 lets you reserve hotels with flexible cancellation policies so you do not lose money if your visa is delayed or denied.
Schengen visa application - FAQ
Apply to the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or the one you enter first if stays are equal. Gather your documents, book an appointment at the embassy or its visa centre, then attend in person to hand in your papers and give fingerprints and a photo. Most decisions come within 15 days.
You need a passport valid at least three months after you leave the Schengen area, issued in the last 10 years with two blank pages, plus the application form, a photo and travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000. Consulates also ask for hotel bookings, a return flight reservation, bank statements and proof of employment or income.
The visa fee is EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11 and free for children under 6. Visa centres such as VFS Global, BLS International and TLScontact add their own service charge, and courier return of your passport costs extra. The fee is not refunded if your visa is refused.
There is no single Schengen amount: each country sets its own daily minimum for money to live on. The Netherlands, for example, asks for EUR 55 per person per day. Your bank statements should cover that for every day of your stay, on top of your accommodation and flights. Check the consulate of your main destination for its figure.
No, not for tourist stays of up to 90 days. US and UK citizens can visit France and the rest of the Schengen area visa-free, with a passport valid at least three months beyond their stay. They only need a visa to stay longer, work or study. ETIAS, the EU's planned travel authorisation, is not running yet.