Visitor visas & travel documents

Choose the correct visa category

A short visitor trip, airport transit and a long-stay study route have different requirements. For a multi-country Schengen visit, identify the main destination by purpose or length of stay; first entry applies when no main destination can be established.

• Check the official visa finder for your nationality, residence, purpose and duration.
• Apply through the mission responsible for your lawful residence and its local jurisdiction rules.
• A Schengen short stay generally falls within a maximum 90 days in any 180-day period. Your granted visa can be more restrictive.
• For university study, use our study-visa and country guides instead of treating a visitor checklist as an admissions route.

Plan the application window

The European Commission says to lodge a Schengen application no earlier than six months before travel and ordinarily at least 15 days before departure. The usual decision period is 15 days and can extend to 45 days. This is not an appointment or turnaround guarantee.

• Allow extra time to obtain documents and find an appointment.
• Use the current checklist from your responsible mission, not a checklist for another nationality or application location.
• Complete the official form and follow the mission’s submission instructions; filling a form does not book an appointment.
• Avoid committing to non-refundable travel before checking the mission’s booking-evidence requirements.

Prepare a consistent file

The exact evidence depends on your category and mission. Typical topics include identity and residence, trip purpose, itinerary, accommodation, finances, insurance and your circumstances at home.

• Use truthful documents and explain inconsistencies. Do not alter financial or employment evidence.
• Keep names, dates and itinerary details consistent across the application.
• Attend biometrics or an interview yourself when required.
• Separate government fees, application-centre charges, optional services and our agreed support fee. Payment for support does not influence a visa decision.

Choose your official application route

These links are for checking visitor-visa instructions. Residence means where you lawfully live, not simply the airport you fly from. Confirm eligibility and jurisdiction on the mission’s website first.

Common questions