What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.

Key Features:

Unified Visa Policy: The Schengen visa allows free movement across all member countries without internal border checks.
Short-Stay Only: It is not a work permit or long-term residency visa. You cannot legally work in most Schengen countries with this visa unless explicitly stated.
90/180 Rule: You can stay for 90 days within any 180-day period, which means once you've spent 90 days in the area, you must leave and wait until enough days "reset" before re-entering.

Countries in the Schengen Area (as of 2025):

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
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

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

U.S. passport holders: Do not need a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days).
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA: Many do require a Schengen visa

Types of Schengen Visas:

Type C (Short Stay): Most common; for tourism, business, visiting family, etc.
Type A (Airport Transit): For transiting through Schengen airports.
Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV): Allows travel only to specific Schengen countries.
National Visa (Type D): Long-term visas for study, work, or residence—valid in a specific country.

How to Apply:

Determine where to apply: Typically the consulate of the country you're spending the most time in.
Gather documents: Passport, itinerary, travel insurance, proof of accommodation and funds, etc.
Book an appointment and attend an interview.
Pay the fee: Usually around €80 for adults.