Schengen Visa Application is the first thing which comes to mind when we think to explore almost half the Europe without applying for a visa again and again for each country. Schengen zone is the agreement between 26 countries in which you get a single visa stamp on your passport and you can explore freely between all these countries. Since the agreement is between multiple countries, getting a visa is a little time consuming, difficult to understand and requires a lot of research if you’re applying by self. In order to avoid even a minute mistake and risk your visa getting rejected, we recommend you to apply through an expert visa service like Blinkvisa.
Blinkvisa will execute the Schengen visa application process and handle all documentation, scrutinization, and arrangement of proper documents. In addition, you’ll get complete 100% cashback on entire visa fees.
What exactly is Schengen Visa?
Schengen visa, which is stamped on your passport provides you access to 26 countries from Schengen Zone. Basically you have to apply once for this visa and when it’s approved, you get access to whole 26 countries where you can travel and explore freely without any restrictions. You only have to show documents at border check posts. The countries which you have access to are:
| Austria | Belgium | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland |
| France | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Iceland | Italy |
| Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands |
| Norway | Poland | Portugal | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain |
| Sweden | Switzerland |
What is a Schengen Visa Application?
A Schengen visa application is a process of applying for the Schengen visa in which you fill-up the required forms, arrange documents, and complete the required formalities.
Application Form
Schengen is an amalgamation of 26 countries, but as per the agreement they all share the similar requisites no matter which country you apply from. Hence the application form is the same:
While applying, if your visa got rejected; you have two options:
- You can apply again from the consulate from a neighbouring country
- You can appeal for the rejection if you believe that your visa got denied incorrectly
Types of Schengen Visa on Application
Broadly Schengen visa has been categorized into 3 main groups:
- Universal Schengen Visa (USV)
- Type “A” or Airport Transit Visa
- Type “C” or Short Term Visa
- Limited Territorial Visa
- National Visa or Type “D”
USV is most popular as travellers who wish to explore the countries can apply for Short Term Visa. You can read more about the types of Schengen visas here.
Purpose of Visit
In addition to the type of visa you require, it is also mandatory to choose the purpose of your visit. The available options are:
- Tourism
- Business
- Visiting Family or Friends
- Cultural
- Sports
- Official Visit
- Medical Reasons
- Study
- Transit
- Airport Transit
- Others
Please note that you may require additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit.
Application Process for Schengen Visa
The process for applying for a Schengen visa for any country is almost the same with just slight variation. And for certain nationals, few other documents may be optional.
The process for applying may be a little tedious but if you go through Blinkvisa, we make it an extremely easy and smooth process for you. The basic process for Schengen Visa Application is the following:
- Decide or understand what type of visa you need, as well as in which category of ‘Purpose’ it fits.
- Find out at which Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Centre you need to apply. This depends on your nationality as well as your current residing country.
- Book the appointment either via phone, email, online, or in-person depending on the country’s set procedure.
- Download the Schengen Visa Application form. Print two copies, fill both of them and sign at the end.
- Gather all the required documents as per listed on Schengen Visa Documents.
- Now the crucial part of the process is attending the interview. Arrive on time and make sure you are prepared and relaxed. Answer all the questions correctly as per the document and be confident.
- Pay visa fees. The fee is the same for all the Schengen countries. Read more about Schengen Visa Fees.
- Wait for the application revert. You’ll get notification by email and by text message
If the visa gets approved, make sure you understand the visa label. It will mention countries you can visit, number of entries, expiry date, etc.
If for some reason, the visa was not approved, you can either appeal the rejection if you believe it was denied mistakenly or you can apply again from a neighbouring country.
Note:
- Make sure you apply 15-30 days prior to the intended date of travel. Unforeseen circumstance or lack of proper documents may sometimes delay the process.
Fees for Schengen Visa
The visa fee for Schengen as of now:
| Euro (€) | USD ($) | INR (₹) | Proposed from 02-02-2020 | |
| Adult | 60 | 70 | 4595.30 | € 80 |
| Child (6-12) | 35 | 38.90 | 2680.60 | € 40 |
| Child (Below 12) | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Important Notes
- The currency conversion rate may be different at the time you apply.
- The fees may be increased from 60 and 35 to 80 and 40 for adults and children respectively, effective from 02 February 2020.
Schengen Visa Documents Required
Please read documents required for a Schengen visa in order to prepare accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for a visa from the country where I am not a resident?
Yes, provided you give a valid reason on why you’re doing so.
2. How long does the visa procedure take?
At least 15 working days are required but we recommend 30 days, just to be on the safe side.
3. What documents do I need for the application of visa?
Please read Documents Required.
4. What if my visa gets rejected? Will my fees be refunded?
If your visa gets rejected for any reason, you may appeal against rejection if you believe everything was correct. In any case, visa fees is non-refundable.
5. Does Schengen visa 90/180 rule clock get reset every year?
No, Schengen 90/180 rule doesn’t reset any given date in the year. Although it does reset when a visa status is changed; like from student visa to regular visa.
