Schengen Area Overview
The Schengen Area is a zone of 27 European countries that have abolished passport controls. A Schengen Type C visa allows tourism, business visits, or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Which embassy do I apply to?
- Apply to the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most nights
- If equal time in all countries: apply to your first point of entry
- Processing times vary by embassy — apply well in advance
Core Document Requirements
The standard Schengen document package typically includes:
Always verify the complete list on the official embassy website of your destination country.
Financial Proof Standards
Financial documentation is the most common reason applications are refused. Officers look for consistency, legitimacy, and sufficiency.
What to Prepare
- Bank statements for the last 3–6 months (6 is safer)
- Consistent balance — no sudden large deposits right before applying
- Evidence of regular income (payslips, employment letter)
- Self-employed: tax returns, business registration, accountant letter
- If sponsored: sponsor bank statements + signed declaration
Cover Letter Strategy
Your cover letter addresses the four core concerns of every embassy officer:
Be specific. Where, when, for what reason. Avoid generic statements.
Reference your financial documents explicitly. Give context for your financial situation.
Employment, property, family — list every tie explicitly. This is often underwritten.
Reference your attached itinerary. Show the trip is planned in advance.
Travel Itinerary
A visa-ready itinerary includes:
- Entry and exit dates
- City-by-city day plan with accommodation addresses
- Activities or venues for each day (specific, not generic)
- Budget estimates consistent with your financial proof
- Logical route (credible travel order between cities)
Refusal Prevention
The most common reasons Schengen applications are refused:
- Insufficient or inconsistent financial proof
- Vague or missing cover letter
- No clear ties to home country
- Accommodation gaps in the itinerary
- Non-compliant travel insurance
- Document inconsistencies (dates, names, addresses)
After a Refusal
A refusal is not permanent. Your refusal letter must state the reasons. Use that information to build a stronger application:
- Read the refusal letter carefully — each reason is specific
- Identify what was missing (financial, ties, purpose)
- Gather stronger supporting documents for each issue
- Rewrite your cover letter to address the refusal directly
- Allow time — submitting too quickly with the same package rarely succeeds
Quick FAQ
- How long does Schengen visa processing take?
- Typically 15 calendar days, but can vary significantly by embassy and season. Apply early — ideally 6–8 weeks before travel.
- Can I travel to all 27 Schengen countries with one visa?
- Yes. A valid Schengen visa allows travel within the entire Schengen Area.
- Do I need booked (paid) flights, or just a reservation?
- Most embassies accept a reservation confirmation. Avoid purchasing non-refundable flights before your visa is approved.
- What if I am self-employed?
- Self-employed applicants should provide business registration documents, 6 months of bank statements, most recent tax return, and ideally an accountant letter confirming income.