FAQ

A short-term visa allows you to stay or transit within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Additionally, an airport transit visa is issued for passing through the transit areas of airports in Schengen countries. Generally, a Schengen visa enables you to travel to any of the Schengen countries within its validity. This visa is not suitable for stays longer than 90 days, employment, or establishing a business in a Schengen country.

Family members of EU citizens who have exercised their right to free movement (i.e., the EU citizen is residing in or traveling to a country other than their country of origin) benefit from a special process. The main conditions for eligibility include:

• The EU citizen must have exercised their right to free movement.
• The family member (applicant) must fall under one of the categories covered by Directive 2004/38/EC.
• The family member (applicant) must either accompany or join the EU citizen in the Schengen destination country.

You must submit your Schengen visa application at the consulate of the country you intend to visit. If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, you should apply at the consulate of the country that is your primary destination (where you will spend the most time or where your main purpose of stay is). If you will spend equal time in different Schengen countries, you should apply at the consulate of the country whose external border you will cross first upon entry.

Generally, you can cross any Schengen border with a visa issued by any Schengen country. However, holding a short-term visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. For more details, refer to FAQ number 16 regarding border controls.

A Schengen visa is a short-term visa attached to your travel document. A "short stay" is defined as "90 days in any 180-day period," meaning that the total stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day timeframe.

A single-entry visa allows only one entry into the Schengen Area, indicated on the visa sticker as "1" under "Number of Entries." A double-entry or multiple-entry visa permits two or more entries during its validity, marked as "02" or "MULT" on the visa sticker.

Typically, a decision on a Schengen visa application is made within 15 calendar days after submission. In some cases, this may extend to 30 or even 60 days.

Applications cannot be submitted more than six months before the intended travel date. It is recommended to apply at least 15 calendar days before your planned visit.

The standard visa fee is €80, payable upon submission. Citizens of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the EU pay €35.

Visa fees are waived for applicants in certain categories:

• Children under 12 years old
• Students, postgraduates, and accompanying teachers for study or training purposes
• Researchers from third countries traveling for scientific research
• Representatives of non-profit organizations under 25 attending non-profit events
• Family members of EU/EEA citizens under Directive 2004/38

Generally, no. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned return from the Schengen Area. However, in justified emergencies, consulates may grant exceptions.