Europe Visa

What is the Europe Visa?

The Europe visa permits holders to travel through multiple European countries. It is also known as the Schengen visa. With just one visa issued by any Schengen member state, holders can travel within the 29 countries that comprise the Schengen area. It is important to note that not all countries in the European Union are part of the Schengen area. The Europe visa benefits tourists, business travelers, and visitors who want to visit multiple countries at a time. This eliminates the need for multiple visa applications, saving time and money. 

Which Countries Require a Europe Visa?

Below are the countries requiring a Europe visa:

• 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

The countries below are part of the European Union but are not part of the Schengen area:

• Cyprus
• Turkey
• Republic of Ireland
• Albania
• Andorra
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Former Yugoslav Republic of
• Macedonia
• Georgia
• Republic of Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Ukraine

Below are countries that are neither part of the EU nor the Schengen area:

• Russia
• United Kingdom

What Are the Different Types of Europe Visas?

There are different types of Europe visas and the one to apply for depends on your reason for travel. See the Europe visa types below:

Tourist visa permits visitors and tourists to visit Europe for vacation or sightseeing purposes. 

Business visa permits entrepreneurs to visit the Schengen area for business meetings and conferences. You can also apply for this visa to do a suitability check for a business you want to start in the Schengen area.

Medical Treatment visa is for non-EU requiring surgery or medical treatment in any country within the Schengen area. You must show evidence that the hospital in your country of residence is referring you to seek medical help abroad and that a hospital in the Schengen area has agreed to treat you. 

Study visa permits you to study in an eligible country for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You’ll need to apply for this visa if you’re going for a short language course. 

Transit visa is also known as the airport transit visa. If you’re passing through the Schengen area while on your way to a country outside the area, you’ll need to hold a transit visa. 

Long-term visas are for those who wish to stay longer in a Schengen country. They differ from the Schengen short-stay visas listed above, and are usually called national or D visas. 

How to Apply for a Europe Visa Step-by-Step

To apply for a Europe visa, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Determine Visa Type

Before starting your application, choose the visa type. Your reasons for traveling to Europe should match the visa type to avoid a visa rejection. 

Step 2: Choose the Country Embassy 

When applying for a Europe visa, there are rules guiding which country’s Embassy you apply to. If you intend to travel to multiple countries, you must apply to the country where you’ll stay the longest. However, if you’re spending equal time in different countries, you must apply to the country of first entry. 

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Get all your supporting documents ready to make your visa application faster. Our immigration caseworkers at IAS are always available to assist you in gathering your supporting documents.

Step 4: Complete Visa Application Form

Europe visa applications are completed online. Visit the website of your destination country and accurately fill out the visa application form for a short-stay visa. Wrong or incomplete information on your application form can lead to a visa refusal. 

Step 5: Book Visa Appointment

After completing the application form, you must pay the visa application fees and book an appointment with the Embassy. 

Step 6: Attend a Visa Interview and Submit Biometrics

You’ll need to visit the Embassy to submit copies of your supporting documents, biometrics, and passport. Personal interviews with visa officers are rare and may only be required if you’re a first-time applicant and your reason for travel is unclear.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Wait for a decision from the Embassy concerning your application. 

What Documents Are Needed for a Europe Visa Application?

Below are the documents you need to apply for a Europe visa:

• Passport with an expiry date at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
• Completed visa application form
• Passport photo
• Insurance policy document covering at least €30,000 medical cost. Esnure your insurance covers hospitalisation, emergency medical expenses, and repatraition in the case of death.
• Evidence of accommodation, such as an invitation letter from a friend or family or hotel reservation
• Flight itinerary showing your entry and departure dates
• Bank statements showing you have enough money to fund your trip. A sponsorship letter from a friend, family or an organisation inviting you can also serve. 
• Evidence of your reason for travel especially if going for medical treatment. You can attach the recommendation letter from the hospital in your country and the invitation letter from the European hospital. An admission letter from your school can also serve if you’re going for studies.
• Proof of ties to home country such as employment letter, admission letter, tax returns to show you own a business, asset documents, or marriage and birth certificates to show you have a family to return to. 

How Much Does a Europe Visa Cost?

Below are the visa fees for a Europe visa: 

• A standard Schengen visa for adults costs €90
• A standard Schengen visa for children costs €45
• Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus are eligible for reduced fees and can pay €35.
• Citizens of Cabo Verde are eligible for reduced fees and can pay €67.50.
• If you’re a family member (spouse, partner, or child under 21) of an EU or EEA national, you may be eligible for visa-free access if you have a valid document called ‘Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen.’

Additional fees from the Embassy or visa application centre may also be required to process your application. The acceptable payment methods are online via Mastercard, Visa credit or debit cards.  

How Long Does It Take to Get a Europe Visa?

You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 15 working days. This can take longer if applying during peak seasons such as holiday periods. Requests for additional documents to prove the genuineness of the application can also be extended. You can apply for a Schengen visa at least 15 working days before your planned trip and up to 6 months before.

Why Was My Europe Visa Rejected, and What Can I Do?

When your visa is rejected, the Embassy specifies the reason and the next steps you can take. There are 4 major reasons a Schengen visa application can be rejected: 

Insufficient Funds: Your application can be rejected if the Embassy determines that you do not have enough money to fund your trip. Each Schengen country has an amount you’ll need to hold per day, which is multiplied by how many days you intend to stay. Calculating this can be confusing for applicants. However, our expert immigration lawyers can advise you on the right amount for your trip. 

Missing Documentation: If your supporting documents are incomplete, you’ll usually be notified by the Embassy to submit the missing documents within a timeframe. If you don’t comply, your application will be refused. 

Unclear Travel Purpose: If your reason for traveling is unclear, your application may be denied. 

Lack of Ties to Home Country: Embassies scrutinise visa applicants to prevent overstays. Your application may be denied if the Embassy has reasons to believe you’ll not leave the Schengen area when your visa expires. 

If you get a visa refusal, you can:

• reapply, however, ensure the reason for the refusal has been handled. Contact us at IAS to help you submit a stronger application.
• appeal the refusal following the procedure and timeline outlined by the Embassy 

What is ETIAS and How Does It Affect Travel to Europe?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a travel document the EU plans to introduce in the last quarter of 2026. It is meant to serve as a screening tool to identify risk travelers and improve border security. The ETIAS is attached to the traveler’s passport and is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires. The ETIAS applies only to citizens of countries that do not require a visa to visit the EU on a short-term basis, such as UK, US, Canadian, or Australian citizens. You do not need to apply for ETIAS if you need a Schengen visa.

To apply for an ETIAS, visit the EU webpage for ETIAS applications and fill out your personal information. Add a copy of your valid passport and then pay the application fee of €7. Your application will be processed within minutes or 96 hours. 

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) in Europe?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a technological system that will be launched in October 2025. Its purpose is to register non-EU nationals visiting the region for a short period. Instead of manually stamping passports to grant entry, the EES system will register entries and exits from the EU. With the EES, the EU will automatically update its database of entries, exits, and entry refusals. It will also provide real-time information on overstayers and enable EU member states to share data. The EES will be launched in all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus. 

Below is a comprehensive list of those exempt from the ESS:

• Citizens of EU countries
• Non-EU citizens with residence cards and are related to an EU citizen
• Non-EU citizens with a residence card or permit and are related to an EU citizen
• Non-EU citizens traveling for student exchange, au-pairing, or intra-company transfers
• Non-EU citizens with long-stay visas
• Citizens of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and Vatican City
• Diplomatic visitors
• Visitors holding a local border permit
• Crew members on a connecting trip in the EU
• Visitors with the Facilitated Rail Transit Document

Note that the ESS applies to non-EU nationals eligible for a Schengen visa, while the ETIAS applies to non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area for short stays.

How Long Can I Stay in Europe with a Europe Visa?

A Europe visa permits you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The Embassy reserves the right to decide how long you spend in the Schengen area within the 90-day window. Note that there is a difference between visa validity and allowed stay. Visa validity is the range within which you can enter the Schengen area, while allowed stay is the number of days you are permitted to stay during the visit. For example, if you get a Schengen visa valid for 90 days from January 1 to March 31, you can travel to Europe within this time. However, the visa officer may only approve a maximum stay of 60 days, which means you’ll need to leave by February 28, even though your visa is still valid. 

Strict adherence is demanded as staying beyond your allowed stay also counts as overstaying and has serious consequences. Some of these include deportation, fines, re-entry bans, imprisonment, or difficulty securing visas in other countries such as the UK, US, and Canada. 

What’s the Difference Between Single Entry and Multiple Entry Visas?

There are 3 kinds of Schengen visas, and they are:

• Single-entry visa – permits you to enter the area only once.
• Double-entry visa – permits you to enter the area twice.
• Multiple-entry visa – permits you to enter the area as often as you wish, provided the visa is still valid. Frequent travel is better off with the multiple-entry visa as it saves cost and time.

Special Visa Requirements by Country

Even though visa requirements are generally the same in all Schengen-member states, certain countries are stricter with the rules. For example, France and Italy require applicants to show a detailed itinerary, medical insurance with the exact dates it covers, and proof of confirmed accommodation. Germany is strict with proof of funds and would require applicants to present a formal invitation letter if they’re visiting someone. The letter must include the ID and address of the person sending the invite. Some other countries like Belgium and Spain are particular about document checks, especially if you are a first-time traveller. Ireland and the UK are not part of the Schengen area, so you must apply separately for a Visitor visa to visit the countries for 90 days. 

Visa Requirements for Minors Traveling to Europe

If your child or ward is travelling to Europe, there are additional requirements to meet:

• The visa application form of the minor must be signed by one parent or guardian 
• Birth or adoption certificate to show the relationship between parent/guardian and the child
• Consent letter, signed by both parents, if the minor is travelling alone, with someone else, or with one parent. This letter must be notarised. If the other parent is not available due to death or divorce, a death certificate or custody order must be presented.
• If the child is at least 12, they should sign their passport. Parents and guardians are not permitted to do this.
• In some cases, the Embassy will require the minor to attend an interview with both parents
• If the child is up to 12, they’d still need to submit their biometrics

Why You Need Travel Insurance for a Europe Visa

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for the Europe visa. Without it, your application will be refused. The insurance proves to the Embassy that any medical emergency you have is covered. It is a policy that protects member-states from being financially responsible for visitors. The travel insurance must cover hospitalisation, treatment, and repatriation in case of death. Your insurance policy is valid if it:

• covers the length of your stay
• is valid in all Schengen-member states
• is in your name and has the proper dates
• covers at least €30,000

When choosing insurance policies, pick companies with an international reputation and a track record of coverage in Schengen. 

How to Show Financial Proof for a Europe Visa

Showing you can afford your trip is vital to your visa application. Insufficient funds is a leading cause of Europe visa refusal. Each country you want to visit has a minimum amount you must show per day, multiplied by how many days you wish to spend. 

• France requires you to show you have €32.50 per day if you have paid for your accommodation or have someone housing you, €65 if you have made part payment for your hotel reservation, and €120 if you have made no reservation. 
• Germany requires you to show at least €45 per day
• Italy requires you to show €36.67 per day
• The Netherlands requires you to show €55 per day
• Estonia requires you to show €130.80 per day

Acceptable forms of proof of funds include:

• Bank statements dating up to 3 months
• Tax returns
• Property deed
• Investment certificate
• Pension statement
• Credit card statement
• Evidence of sponsorship
• Evidence of income, like payslips

To strengthen your financial document, ensure that:

• your account balance has been consistent for at least the past 3 to 6 months
• you do not make large and unexplainable deposits in your bank account
• your name is clearly shown on the document
• your sponsor attaches their bank statement
• you convert your local currency to Euro to be sure you meet the financial requirement

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Europe Visa

To increase your chances of getting a Europe visa, do the following: 

• Ensure your documents and information are accurate and up-to-date. Do not apply for a visa with an expired passport or other identification document. Double-check your details before submitting. 
• Ensure the information you’re supplying and the documents you are presenting are valid, as intentionally trying to mislead the Embassy will result in a visa refusal and a possible ban on entry
• Apply early to give the Embassy time to process your application. It is advised to apply 15 working days before the date you plan on traveling.
• Show strong ties to home country by presenting evidence of employment, ongoing studies, business, property, or family members such as partner and dependent child

Europe Visa Services Offered by IAS

IAS has a team of experienced consultants who are experts in Europe immigration law. With their assistance, you stand a higher chance of getting a visa approval when you apply. Visa applications can be nerve-wracking, but we use our expertise to ensure a seamless process. We have a track record of over 25,000 visa application successes, so rest assured your application is in good hands. Below are some of the services we offer:

Visa Eligibility Assessment: Before we kick off your application, assessing your situation and determining if you’re eligible for the visa you’re applying for is essential. If you do not meet the requirements for the visa you want, we can advise on alternatives.

Full Visa Application Assistance: We are available to support you from the start of the application to when you get your visa. Our duty is to provide comprehensive support.

Document Checking Service: Our team of experts can also look through your documents to ensure they are correct and valid for the visa you want to apply for.

Visa Appeal Services: If you are facing a visa refusal and have the opportunity to appeal, you can talk to us. Our experienced lawyers can help you appeal the decision after analysing your case. 

Finally, if you need personalized travel and immigration advice for Europe trips, we are happy to help you with the correct information. For more details about the Europe visa and any other questions, contact IAS by calling +44 (0)333 414 9244 or messaging us online.