How to apply for a Schengen visa step by step?
In short
- Apply 4 to 6 weeks before your trip at the consulate of the country you will spend the most time in, or your first entry point if your stay is split evenly.
- Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but extensions to 45 or 60 days are common during peak seasons or for additional review.
- The application fee is 90 EUR for adults and 45 EUR for children aged 6 to 12, with additional service fees from visa centers like VFS Global or BLS.
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 45 days, with rare extensions up to 60 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.
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Schengen visa application - FAQ
Apply at least 15 days before your trip and no more than 6 months in advance. Most consulates recommend applying 4 to 6 weeks ahead to allow buffer time for processing and any document follow-up.
Some Schengen countries now offer partial online applications, but most still require an in-person visit to a consulate or visa application center to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and a photo.
You can appeal the decision or reapply with a stronger application. Common rejection reasons are weak ties to your home country, insufficient funds, or unclear travel intent. Address those points directly in any reapplication.
Apply to the consulate of the country that is your main destination. If you will spend equal time in multiple Schengen countries, apply to the consulate of your first point of entry.
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