Schengen Visa Application: €90 Fee & Step-by-Step

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within 29 European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg where the agreement was signed, this visa is one of the most sought-after travel documents in the world.

What Changed at the Border in 2026: EES and ETIAS

Two EU border systems affect short-stay travellers, and they are often confused:

• Entry/Exit System (EES) — fully operational across the Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026, after a phased rollout that began on 12 October 2025. It applies to visa holders and visa-exempt travellers alike. On your first entry after the rollout, border officers register your fingerprints and a facial image, and every subsequent entry and exit is logged electronically. Passports are no longer stamped. Expect your first EES crossing to take longer than usual, and note that the system calculates your 90/180-day balance automatically — an overstay is now recorded, not estimated.
• ETIAS — the planned online travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals. As of September 2026 it is not in operation: the EU has dropped its late-2026 target and the official ETIAS portal now says a start date will be announced several months before launch, with a launch before 2027 no longer expected. ETIAS will not apply to you if you hold a Schengen visa.

Check the European Commission's EES and ETIAS pages (linked below) before you travel; both are covered in more detail in our ETIAS guide.

Step 1: Determine Your Main Destination

Before applying, you need to identify which country should process your application:

• Single destination: Apply at that country's embassy/consulate
• Multiple destinations: Apply at the country where you'll spend the most time
• Equal time in multiple countries: Apply at the country of first entry

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You'll need to prepare the following documents:

Essential Documents

• Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages — Visa Code Article 12)
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport photos
• Flight itinerary showing entry and exit
• Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
• Travel itinerary with daily activities
• Cover letter explaining your trip
• Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage, valid in all Schengen states for your whole stay — Visa Code Article 15)

Financial Documents

• Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• Employment letter with salary details
• Tax returns or income proof

For Employed Applicants

• Employment letter on company letterhead
• Recent payslips
• Leave approval letter

For Self-Employed

• Business registration documents
• Tax returns
• Company bank statements

Step 3: Book Your Appointment

Most Schengen countries use visa processing centers like VFS Global or TLS Contact:

1. 1Create an account on the relevant portal
2. 2Select your visa type and appointment location
3. 3Choose an available date (book early during peak season)
4. 4Note your appointment reference number

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

On the day of your appointment:

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring all original documents and copies
• Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
• Pay the visa fee — €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11, free for children under 6 (as of September 2026; these amounts have applied since 11 June 2024 with no change announced for 2026)
• Pay the visa centre's service fee if applying through VFS Global or TLS Contact (varies by country, typically €20-40 on top of the visa fee)
• Submit your passport

Step 5: Track and Collect

• Track your application online
• Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, and can be extended to 45 days in individual cases (Visa Code Article 23)
• Collect your passport from the processing center or via courier

Tips for Success

1. 1Apply early - At least 3-4 weeks before travel, but no more than 6 months ahead; the Visa Code allows lodging from 6 months before the trip and, as a rule, no later than 15 calendar days before it
2. 2Be thorough - Missing documents are the top reason for delays
3. 3Show ties - Demonstrate reasons to return home
4. 4Book refundable - Use reservations rather than confirmed tickets initially
5. 5Be honest - Inconsistencies can lead to rejection