If you plan on extending a visit to a Schengen area in Europe, you’ll likely need to obtain a Schengen Visa.
In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know on how to apply for a Schengen Visa online.
To start, there are 29 countries that are part of the Schengen area.
This includes 23 of the European Union (EU) member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
More recently, Bulgaria and Romania have also been added to the list of countries within the Schengen area.
If you plan on spending up to 90 days in one of these countries, you’ll need to apply for this visa.
Island hopping through Greece for a few months? Spending an extended summer in Spain?
It’s important to understand what the requirements are for this visa type and how you can go about obtaining one.
Schengen Borders
Why is the Schengen area so important to travelers? It’s governed by what is known as the Schengen Borders Code.
This set of rules allows travelers from 29 different countries to travel freely between certain borders.
Only one visa is required when traveling between these countries.
1.25 billion journeys are estimated to be made throughout this area every year by Europeans.
For those who aren’t members of the European Union, this area is still open for travelers.
However, this is where the Schengen Visa comes into play.
Schengen Visa Online Application – Requirements
If you’re a tourist or a non-EU national traveling to any of the countries in the Schengen area, you’ll be required to adhere to visa rules and regulations.
This is also true for travelers from countries that don’t have visa-free agreements with the EU.
One such regulation for staying in a Schengen territory country is to receive a “short stay” visa known as the Schengen Visa.
Schengen visas allow travelers to enter a country anywhere in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day time frame.
Of these 90 days, your entry into the country will be considered your first day within the Schengen area.
Your date of exit will be considered your last day within the Schengen area.
You’ll want to be sure to begin your application process at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your intended travel.
So, what’s the best way to go about applying for this visa type?
Learn How to Apply for a Schengen Visa Online
Before you begin the application process, you’ll need to determine your main destination country as Schengen Visas are applied for at the country’s consulate.
While Schengen Visas can currently only be applied for at the consulate of your desired destination country, the European Council has begun to facilitate an online procedure for future applicants.
The new rules for an online system were adopted by the EU in November 2023.
This online application process will be operational in 2028, making the entire Schengen Visa process easier for travelers and individual states.
The new online system will simplify visa procedures through digital means.
This is just one of the advantages of an online Schengen visa application.
The two main differences between current application procedures will include the application process as well as the visa itself.
With the new system, visas will become digital. Instead of a sticker, visa holders will receive a signed barcode.
Furthermore, all main and supporting application documents and fees will be submitted online.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa Online – Schengen Visa Requirements
Before the new scheme is put into place in 2028, you’ll want to be familiar with current application requirements.
Much of the required information will remain the same for this visa application.
To begin, you’ll want to gather the follow documents:
- Current passport
- Visa application form
- Recent photo compliant with ICAO standards
- Proof of financial means such as bank statements
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation during your stay
- Documentation proof as to purpose of your stay
Your fingerprints will also be collected upon submission of your application.
Certain consulates may request additional information, however, the list above encompasses much of the required documentation.
If you’re unsure what specific documents are required for your country, be sure to reach out to the consulate of that country for confirmation prior to your appointment.
Schengen Visa Processing Time and Fees
The general processing time of this visa application is about 15 days.
This time frame may vary if the consulate with which you apply requires additional documentation or information.
If so, the time frame may be extended anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
Schengen visa fees will depend on factors such as age or location.
For adults in general, the Schengen Visa application fee is 80€.
For applications from Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Belarus, the application fee will be 35€.
As a reminder, it is recommended to submit your fully completed application to the required Consulate at least 15 days prior to the start of your journey.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to cut it too close, you can submit a Schengen visa application form earlier, but submission can be no longer than 6 months prior to the beginning of your journey.
Schengen Countries List
As a quick reminder, here are all member countries of the Schengen area:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
If you plan on traveling throughout any of these countries for up to 90 days, you’ll need to obtain a Schengen Visa.
Further information for each member country can be found at their respective websites.
Simply navigate to the plus sign halfway down this page.
There you will be able to find information from the website of each Schengen country.
Spain’s, for example, is located here.
Ready for the Online Schengen Visa Application in 2028?
By taking this visa type and moving the application online, the Council of the European Union has effectively established an improved way for travelers to obtain this visa.
Upon its implementation, all relevant data will be entered online.
This will include copies of passports, travel documentation, health insurance coverage, and more.
The application fees for this visa will also be payable online at that time.
By moving the process online, in-person appearances at the relevant consulates will be made redundant.
When the new system rolls out, in-person appearances will only be required for people who haven’t applied before, people without recent bio-metric data, or people with new travel documentation.
For those who intend to stay in a country within the Schengen area for more than 90 days, other visa types may be applicable.
However, if you’re currently looking to apply for a Schengen visa, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
We work hand in hand with a legal team who can help gather all necessary documentation to apply for a visa on your behalf!
Luckily, the upcoming online Schengen visa application will make the process simpler and more accessible for everyone.
Looking forward to upcoming travels and needing some help with a current visa application process before you fly out?
Curious to know more about the upcoming 2028 process for the online Schengen visa application?
We’re standing by to help!
We’d love to help you get organized before you jet off on your next world adventure.
What is the Schengen visa?
It is a “short stay” visa that allows travelers to stay and travel among the various Schengen States for up to 90 days with only one visa.
How long will it take to receive my Schengen visa?
You can expect a minimum 15 day turnaround before receiving your visa. Some applications may take longer, ranging anywhere from 30 to 60 days. It’s a good idea to plan ahead to ensure you have your visa before you begin your travels.
When will I be able to apply for my Schengen visa online?
The new online system will be rolled out to travelers in 2028!
