The application process for obtaining the schengen visa is mandatory for moving freely in this area. So be careful when applying for a visa. So if you are planning to apply for the one, then this article has all the guidelines for the application procedure.
Steps To Apply For Schengen Visa Application
There are 5 steps to applying for a Schengen visa:
- Step 1 – Make an appointment
- Step 2 – Complete your application form
- Step 3 – Prepare your documents
- Step 4 – Attend your appointment
- Step 5 – Receive your visa
Make An Appointment With The Embassy Or Consulate At Your Company
You can simply visit the website online to schedule an appointment. Navigate to the online system of the relevant embassy and book the day and time for an appointment that is best suitable for you. If they don’t have an online booking system, you can also contact the embassy or consulate via phone or email.
Why Is There a Need to Make An Appointment?
The main purpose of the appointment is to submit the required documents to the consulate or embassy for further application processing. Additionally, this appointment provides the embassy officials to verify the documents and all of the information provided by you, simply asking you some questions. These questions help the embassy in making decisions regarding your visa.
The Rule For Making An Appointment
- You must apply at the embassy or consulate according to your visit to the country.
- If you intend to visit a single schengen country, you must apply at the embassy in that specific country.
- If you intend to visit multiple countries, then you will apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend more time.
- If you plan to visit multiple schengen countries simultaneously, you will apply to the country’s embassy, where you will go first.
Scheduling of appointments is free and self-administered at embassies or consulates. If you don’t know where and how to apply for an appointment at the embassy or consulate, you can also contact any online sources to help you. They may charge you a fee but will process all the applications on your behalf.
Booking of appointment for a visa is relatively easy. Here are the following simple ways:
First, search for the embassy or consulate nearest you and the country you are applying for a visa and make payment. The embassy will send you a confirmation email regarding the date and time of the day of appointment.
Documentation Requirements To Make The Appointments: Everything You Must Know
There are the following essential documents that you need to provide during appointments. These are as follows:
Travel Itinerary
You must reserve a flight for a visa application showing your travel dates and flight numbers that specifically prove your entry and exit to the schengen country.
Visa Application Form
Applicants must download the application form online and fill it correctly with all the information. The application form is the same for all the schengen countries. The application form requires your personal information, background information, and the purpose of visiting the schengen zone.
Valid Passport
A passport should be at most 10 years and must remain valid during your stay in the schengen zone. The passport must have two blank pages for further visa stamps.
Proof Of Accommodation
You must have valid proof of accommodation in the schengen zone. It can be a hotel reservation or a reservation at any hostel. You will provide the original ID card of the host if you are going to stay at a friend’s or relatives’ home.
Passport Photo
2 passport-sized photographs are a must.
Proof Of Funds
You must have a bank statement showing you have enough financial funds to meet all your expenses during your stay in the schengen zone.
Birth Or Marriage Certificate
You must submit a birth or marriage certificate to show your civil status.
Sponsorship Evidence
The embassy official may ask you for sponsorship evidence. You can submit the ID or passport of the friend, family, or relative sponsoring you. You also have to submit the sponsor’s address details and financial status.
Employment Contract & Pay Slip
If you’re employed somewhere, you will have to submit the employment contract or pay slips to show your job status at any specific company in your country of residence.
Invitation Letter
An invitation letter is written explicitly by the person inviting you to visit. The invitation letter must have the person’s address, the reason for inviting, and the relation with the person.
Bank Statements Or Proof Of Income
If you are self-employed, you must submit the bank statement for your last 6 months to prove that you can quickly meet all your expenses in the schengen zone.
Proof Of Enrollment In School Or University
If you are a student applying for a schengen visa, you must submit the enrollment certificate from the educational institute.
Schengen Travel Insurance
A valid certificate of travel insurance of at least 30000 EUR to meet any medical expenses in the schengen zone. Travel insurance for a Schengen visa is one of the essential requirements for visa processing. Some additional documents, too, depending on the type of schengen visa you are applying for.
What Happens During The Appointment?
It would help if you went to the embassy or consulate office you are dealing with on the day of your appointment. Your visa appointment consists of four steps:
- Submit your documents according to the requirements of the specific country
- Answer any questions asked by the representative at the embassy
- Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt of the fee
Schengen Visa Cost For Different Age Groups
| Adult | $88 | €80 |
| Children 6-12 | $45 | €40 |
| Children <6 | free | free |
- Provide biometric data if necessary
If you miss your appointment, you must reschedule, which could delay your travel plans. It would help if you arrived early. Make sure to bring all the documents with you during the appointment. Come a little early on the appointment day, as coming late may result in visa rejection.
Embassies prefer to arrive on time. Appear at the embassy with appropriate dressing and avoid wearing shorts and t-shirts. Your visa officer may ask you questions if they wish to clarify anything you have stated. If this happens, don’t worry; just answer honestly and stay calm.
