Schengen Visa Requirements
Who needs a visa for Europe
A Schengen Visa application requires your passport, completed form, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and a cover letter.
- Insurance
- €30,000 min
- Photos
- 35×45mm
- Bank Statements
- 3-6 months
- Processing
- 15-45 days
Do You Need a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa (Type C) allows citizens of visa-required countries to visit any of the 30 Schengen Area countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Whether you need a Schengen visa depends on your nationality. Over 130 countries require their citizens to get a visa before traveling to Europe's Schengen Area.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Valid passport — Must have at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date and be issued within the last 10 years.
Travel insurance — Minimum coverage of €€30.000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all Schengen states.
Proof of funds — Bank statements from the last 3–6 months showing you can support yourself during your stay.
Confirmed itinerary — Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from your host in Europe.
Schengen Visa at a Glance
- Cost
- €80
- Processing
- 15-45 days
- Max stay
- 90 days
- Covers
- 30 countries
Adults (€40 children 6-12)
Calendar days
Per 180-day period
All Schengen members
Countries That Need a Schengen Visa
Citizens of over 130 countries need a Schengen visa to visit Europe. Some of the most common visa-required nationalities include:
Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal
Africa: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Algeria, Tunisia
Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia
Former Soviet: Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan
Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica
Basic Requirements for All Applicants
If you need a Schengen visa, you will need to meet these basic requirements:
- Valid passport: At least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure, issued within the last 10 years
- Clear purpose: Tourism, business, family visit, medical treatment, or other legitimate reason
- Sufficient funds: Proof you can support yourself during your stay
- Travel insurance: Minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies
- Return ticket: Proof of onward travel or return to your home country
- Accommodation: Hotel bookings or invitation letter from a host