Schengen short-stay visa: general requirements and documents
A Schengen short-stay visa allows eligible non-EU nationals to make a temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The responsible consulate and exact document list depend on the main destination and country of legal residence.
General eligibility points
Use these as research prompts. Meeting them does not guarantee a successful application.
- Your nationality requires a short-stay visa for the intended Schengen visit.
- The intended stay is normally no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.
- You apply through the consulate of the main destination, following its local procedure.
- You can evidence the purpose of travel, accommodation, financial means and intention to leave.
Document checklist
The exact evidence depends on the route and circumstances.
- A passport normally valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen area.
- A completed visa application form and an ICAO-compliant photograph.
- Travel medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation and repatriation.
- Evidence of the purpose of travel, accommodation and sufficient financial means.
- Evidence of intention to return and any additional documents required by the responsible consulate.
Use the correct destination and application office
Follow the official European Commission information and the destination office responsible for the applicant’s place of legal residence.
Four preparation steps
Check whether a visa is required
Identify the responsible destination country
Follow that consulate’s document list
Apply between 6 months and normally at least 15 days before travel
Check the current European Commission rules
Government requirements can change. Use these official pages as the authoritative source.
Schengen short-stay visa FAQs
Is there one application office for every Schengen trip?+
No. The responsible country is determined by the destination, longest stay and, for equal stays, first country visited.
How much is the standard fee?+
The general fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12, with exemptions and different rates for some categories and nationalities.
How long does a decision take?+
The normal processing period is 15 days, but it can be extended to 45 days where further examination is needed.