Schengen Visa Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about traveling to 29 European countries with a single Schengen visa — now including Bulgaria and Romania. Requirements, application process, and expert tips.
Schengen 90/180 Day Calculator
Track your stays across all 29 countries and avoid overstay penalties.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement signed in Schengen, Luxembourg, it allows over 450 million citizens to travel freely within the area. Bulgaria and Romania joined for air and sea borders in March 2024 and fully (including land borders) in January 2025.
For travelers from outside the Schengen Area, a single Schengen visa allows entry to all 29 member countries. This means you can fly into Paris, take a train to Amsterdam, drive to Berlin, and cruise to Copenhagen—all with one visa.
All 29 Schengen Countries
Types of Schengen Visas
Type A - Airport Transit Visa
For travelers passing through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area.
Type C - Short-Stay Visa (Most Common)
For stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Used for tourism, business, family visits, or short courses.
Type D - National Long-Stay Visa
For stays longer than 90 days. Required for work, study, or family reunification. Issued by individual countries.
Schengen Visa Requirements
Required Documents
- Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay)
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent passport photos
- Travel health insurance (€30,000 min)
- Proof of accommodation
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of financial means
- Employment/enrollment letter
Application Process
- 1Determine which embassy to apply at (main destination country)
- 2Schedule an appointment at the embassy/VFS
- 3Complete the application form online
- 4Gather all required documents
- 5Attend the visa interview
- 6Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults)
- 7Wait for processing (up to 15 days)
- 8Collect your passport with visa
Processing Time & Fees
Processing Time
- • Standard processing: 15 calendar days
- • Extended (peak season): Up to 45 days
- • Apply: 6 months to 15 days before travel
Visa Fees (2026)
- • Adults: €80
- • Children (6-12): €40
- • Children (under 6): Free
- • VFS/TLS service fee: ~€25-35 (additional)
Important Notes
- • 90/180 Rule: You can stay maximum 90 days within any 180-day period in the entire Schengen Area.
- • Main Destination: Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time.
- • First Entry: While not strictly required, it's recommended to enter through the country that issued your visa.
- • Insurance: Travel insurance must cover all Schengen countries, not just your destination.
- • Biometrics: First-time applicants must provide fingerprints at the visa application center.
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