Visa field guide · EU
Plan your Schengen area application
One short-stay route, 29 destinationsSee the common routes, understand the hand-offs, then confirm every requirement on the official website.01 / ROUTES
Choose the route that matches your trip
These are starting points—not an eligibility decision. Open the official route before you apply.- ↗Schengen Type C
A short visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- ↗National long-stay visa
Study, work, or residence over 90 days follows the destination country’s rules.
02 / JOURNEY
What the application journey usually looks like
The exact order can vary by visa, nationality and application location. “If asked” steps are conditional.- 01Choose main destination
Apply to the main destination—or first destination when stays are equal.
- 02Fill the consulate form
Complete the application used by that country’s consulate or authorised provider.
GUIDELENS HELPS HERE - 03Upload or prepare evidence
Prepare passport, photo, insurance, itinerary, means and accommodation evidence.
- 04Appointment & biometrics
Book if required, lodge the application and provide fingerprints unless exempt.
IF ASKED - 05Receive decision
The consulate or provider notifies you when a decision is available.
- 06Travel
Check the visa sticker and carry supporting travel documents.
03 / BEFORE YOU START
Four things to know before you start
- Where you apply
- The consulate of your main destination—or first destination when stays are equal—or its authorised visa provider.
- Appointment
- You may need to book before lodging the application; the local consulate explains its process.
- Biometrics
- Fingerprints are collected when you submit unless a stated exemption or valid prior collection applies.
- After approval
- Check names, dates, entries and permitted duration on the visa sticker before travel.
04 / PRACTICAL GUIDE
How Schengen visas actually work
One short-stay visa system covers 29 countries, but the correct consulate and permitted stay still depend on your itinerary.- 01
What “Schengen” means
The 29 Schengen countries apply common rules for short visits. A Schengen visa is generally valid across the area; stays longer than 90 days follow the destination country’s national procedures.
European Commission · Visa policy ↗ - 02
Apply to the main destination
If one country is the main purpose of the trip or where you will stay longest, apply there. Only when stays in several countries are equal do you apply to the first Schengen country you will visit.
European Commission · Applying for a Schengen visa ↗ - 03
The 90/180 limit is shared across the area
Count all days spent across Schengen countries together—not 90 days in each country. Your visa sticker can authorise a shorter stay, so check its validity dates and permitted duration.
European Commission · Short-stay calculator ↗ - 04
Entry and issuing countries can differ
You can generally cross a Schengen external border with a visa issued by another Schengen country when the original itinerary and main-destination basis remain genuine. A visa does not automatically guarantee entry, so carry supporting travel documents.
European Commission · Schengen visa FAQ ↗
05 / PREPARE
Information worth gathering before you open the form
Not every item applies to every route. Use the official checklist generated for your application.Passport meeting the destination’s validity rules
Completed application form and compliant photo
Travel medical insurance
Itinerary, transport and accommodation evidence
Evidence of funds and reason for travel
Evidence supporting your intention to leave after the visit
06 / OFFICIAL
Continue with the official authority
You remain responsible for reviewing and submitting your application.