How to Apply for Schengen Visa and Travel Tips

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Schengen Visa is an official travel permit allowing holders to visit any Schengen member country for up to 90 days within 180 days. This visa is perfect for tourists exploring multiple European countries on a single trip.

Schengen Member Countries

There are 26 Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

Specific requirements vary by country. However, the general application process is as follows:

1. Determine the Main Destination

Identify the country you will spend the most time in or where you will arrive first. Apply for a visa at that country's embassy or consulate in your home country.

2. Gather the Required Documents

Commonly requested documents include:

- Completed and signed visa application form

- Passport, which is valid for at least 3 months after the return date

- Recent passport photo

- Proof of return flight itinerary

- Proof of accommodation bookings (hotel, apartment, etc.)

- Proof of financial means (bank statement, pay slip, etc.)

- Travel insurance that covers medical expenses

- Invitation letter (if applicable)

- Detailed travel itinerary

3. Submit Application

Submit all required documents to the embassy or consulate. You may also need to attend an interview.

4. Wait for Processing

Visa processing times can vary. It often takes several weeks.

5. Collect Your Visa (If Approved)

If your visa application is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the attached visa. 

Schengen Visa Tips

1. Choose a Country with Lower Rejection Rates

Consider countries with lower visa rejection rates:

- Iceland: only 1.9 percent of applications were rejected in 2022

- Lithuania: only 7.8 percent of applications were rejected in 2022

- Latvia: only 9.5 percent of applications were rejected in 2022

- Slovakia and Finland: only 9.7 percent of applications were rejected in 2022

2. Budget-friendly Destinations

Explore budget-friendly options. According to Discover Cars, some of them are Krakow, Poland; Prague, Czech Republic; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; Budapest, Hungary; and Tallinn, Estonia.

3. Explore Beyond Major Cities

Don't get stuck in one city of each country. It is recommended to create a diverse itinerary by visiting multiple cities within each country.

SUKMA KANTHI NURANI  | ADINDA ALYA IZDIHAR

Editor's Choice: European Trip Tips: 6 Common Mistakes That Lead to Schengen Visa Rejection

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News