Short-stay tourism in the Schengen area (max 90 days / 180).
Process
Schengen short-stay tourist visa — step by step
A single Schengen visa covers 27 countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Apply at the consulate of the country you will spend the most nights in (main destination).
Last updated: 2026-08-31
Identify the correct consulate
Apply at the consulate of your main destination — the Schengen country where you will spend the most nights. If no clear main destination, apply at the consulate of the country you enter first. Some consulates outsource intake to a visa centre (VFS Global / TLScontact / BLS).
Book an appointment
Book early — peak summer slots at popular consulates can be gone weeks ahead. Book through the consulate or its accredited visa centre. Keep the confirmation; you will need it at the door.
Prepare your documents
Passport (valid 3+ months after return, issued within 10 years), completed and signed application form, biometric photo, travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000, proof of accommodation, round-trip transport booking, proof of means (bank statements ~3 months), employment/study letter, and a cover letter explaining the trip. Some consulates require notarised translations.
Submit in person & biometrics
Attend the appointment in person. Fingerprints (if not already captured in the last 59 months) and a live photo are taken at the visa centre. Pay the fee (€90 adult, €45 child 6-12). Children under 12 and some categories are exempt from fingerprints.
Wait for the decision
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 in individual cases. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have the visa. Track status online via the visa centre reference number.
Collect your passport
Collect in person or have a listed person collect it with authorisation. Check the visa sticker immediately: validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay. Report any error before you leave the centre.
Where you are most likely to get stuck
- !Booking non-refundable flights before the visa is issued — many consulates explicitly warn against this; a reservation or hold is enough.
- !Wrong main-destination consulate causes a refusal to accept the application.
- !Insurance must cover the whole Schengen area and the full stay at €30,000 minimum.
- !Visa duration can be shorter than requested — never assume the sticker says 90 days.
General information, not legal advice; rules change — verify with official sources.
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