Schengen Visa Checklist, Tips & Guide

 


When you apply for the Schengen Visa, here are certain things you need to be aware of. This is also their basic checklist that applies to all Schengen applications.

1.         Schengen Visa application form is available online for free. Certain countries coordinate with VFS to process visas and you can apply online for the same (and then print the application form for submission)

2.         Schengen Visa application fees is 60 Euros, payable in your local currency (as of August 2018)

3.         If the visa application is processed by VFS, you will have to pay additional fees to VFS

4.         Travel Insurance of 30,000 Euros is required. Get your travel insurance here

5.         Insurance Advice: Policy should include repatriation coverage.

6.         2 Pieces of photographs as per these specifications are required

7.         Your travel document (passport) should be valid for at least 3 months after your return from the Schengen country and must be issued within the last 10 years. Must also have 2 blank pages.

8.         Booked flight tickets

9.         Hotel Reservations or funds to prove you can arrange accommodation.

o          Consider reserving flights and hotels at Schengen visa Itinerary (trusted website for booking and itineraries)

10.       Detailed day by day itinerary of your stay (include tours, activities, sightseeing location)

11.       Include an application letter applying for Visa

12.       Bank statements (up-to 3 months), pension and pay slips, proof of funds

13.       Include a letter from your employer stating your salary, position and job start date

In all visa applications, no medical tests are required. However, bio-metrics and photographs are mandatory. After submitting your bio-metrics, these results are valid for 52 weeks. Within 52 weeks, if bio-metrics were captured, it is NOT mandatory to submit visa application in person. They can be mailed by post as well.

In short, your first Schengen visa application will be submitted in person. Subsequent visa applications can be mailed, provided your bio-metrics were recorded. In terms of “when” you can submit your application, 3 months is the time-frame. You cannot submit your documents months in advance.  Visa decisions are made within 15 days of application submission.


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