LET’S DO BUSINESS
The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast.
[ninja_form id=’38’]
Table of Contents
How to get a Schengen visa quickly is a question on the minds of many travellers. Navigating the visa application process can be daunting, with each country having its own set of requirements to fulfil. The paperwork and various documents needed often make it a lengthy and sometimes frustrating endeavour. It’s wise to plan well in advance.
Over the past year, Schengen states have granted more than 2.4 million short-stay visas. Processing times are not set in stone and can vary greatly, so it’s understandably disheartening to endure a long wait only to receive a negative response.
To streamline your visa application experience and increase your chances of a favourable outcome, consider this curated list of the easiest European countries to obtain a visa from. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process more efficiently and with greater success.
What Is A Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa permits individuals from certain countries, as specified in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, to enter the Schengen Zone for brief periods. This includes activities like sightseeing or conducting business.
With this visa, travellers are permitted to explore any of the 29 countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days, ensuring a broad and enriching travel experience.
Categories Of Schengen Visas
Schengen Visas are categorized to accommodate various travel purposes and durations within the Schengen Area. Here’s an enhanced overview of the visa types:
Uniform Schengen Visa (Usv)
- Grants access to the entire Schengen Area, covering all Member States.
- Available in several entry types:
Single Entry
Permits a one-time entry into the Schengen zone.
Double Entry
Allows entry into the area twice.
Multiple Entry
Offers unlimited entries for the duration of the visa’s validity.
Limited Territorial Visa (Ltv)
- Restricts travel to specific Member State(s) rather than the entire Schengen zone.
Schengen Visa Types
Uniform Schengen Visa (Usv)
- Valid for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, ideal for tourism or business visits.
Airport Transit (Type A)
- Specifically for transiting through Schengen airports without access to other areas.
National Visa (Type D)
- Not classified as a Schengen visa; it’s intended for long stays in a specific Schengen country, exceeding 90 days.
These visas are designed to cater to different travel needs, whether it’s a brief visit, transit, or an extended stay.
Who Should Apply For A Schengen Visa
Visa requirements for the Schengen Area vary by nationality. Citizens of certain countries can travel across Schengen external borders without a visa, while others must obtain one. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, securing a Schengen visa is essential for entry.
Here’s an organized list of the 103 countries whose nationals require a visa to enter the Schengen Area:
Asia
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- North Korea
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Africa
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Congo
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Americas
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Jamaica
Europe
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
Oceania
- Fiji
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
This list is subject to change, so it’s always best to check the latest visa requirements before planning your travel.
When To Apply For A Schengen Visa?
When planning to travel to the Schengen Area, it’s advisable to apply for a Schengen Visa at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but not more than 6 months in advance.
Processing Time for Schengen Visas
Typically, the processing time for a Schengen visa is between 15 to 30 days. However, some applicants may receive their visa in less than two weeks, while others might wait up to 60 days in exceptional cases.
Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Submit your Schengen visa applications at the consulate or embassy of the Schengen state where you plan to spend the most time. If there’s no consular presence of the specific country in your region, you can apply through a consulate representing that country’s consular interests.
Schengen Visa Fees
The standard fee for an adult Schengen visa is 80 EUR. Children aged 6 to 12 years pay a reduced fee of 40 EUR. Some applicants, like students and children under 6, may be exempt from the visa fee. Note that fees are non-refundable, even if the application is not successful.
Basic Required Documents
Applicants typically need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- Two recent photos that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Fingerprints, as part of the biometric data submission.
- Proof of travel medical insurance.
- A flight reservation for your return or onward journey.
- Evidence of financial means, such as recent bank statements.
- Confirmation of accommodation arrangements.
- An invitation letter, if applicable.
These documents are crucial to support your visa application and demonstrate your intent to return after your visit. Always check the latest requirements before applying, as regulations can change.
Schengen Visa Purposes
When applying for a Schengen visa, it’s essential to specify the primary motive for your trip. This purpose influences the additional documentation required for your application. Here are the ten principal reasons you can cite:
Airport Transit
For those passing through the international zone of a Schengen airport.
Business
For individuals engaging in business-related activities.
Cultural
For participation in cultural events or activities.
Medical
For receiving medical treatment in the Schengen Area.
Official Visit
For diplomats or officials on formal duties.
Sports
For athletes or sports personnel attending events or competitions.
Study
For athletes or sports personnel attending events or competitions.
Tourism
For sightseeing and leisure activities.
Visiting Family/Friends
For athletes or sports personnel attending events or competitions.
Other
For purposes that don’t fall under the standard categories.
Selecting the correct category is crucial as it dictates the specific documents you’ll need to provide with your visa application. Ensure you have all the necessary information for a smooth application process.
Schengen Visa Validity
Schengen visas permit a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180 days, a regulation commonly referred to as the 90/180 rule. This rule allows you to reside in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days on a Schengen visa.
It’s important to distinguish between validity and duration of stay. While the validity of a Schengen visa often extends beyond the actual permitted stay, the duration—specifically, the number of days you’re authorized to remain in the Schengen area—is typically limited to 90 days.
For a comprehensive understanding of the Schengen Visa Validity Period and to calculate your permitted stay, consider using a Schengen Visa Calculator. This tool helps ensure compliance with the 90/180 rule, preventing overstays and potential penalties.
How To Get A Schengen Visa Quickly?
Applying for a Schengen visa involves a series of steps that may differ slightly depending on the country. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you navigate the application process:
Planning Your Trip
Visa Requirements
Verify visa requirements with the consulate of your destination country before making any bookings.
Trip Itinerary
Plan and confirm your travel itinerary, including flights and accommodations, as this information will be required for your visa application.
Documentation
Maintain a file of all trip-related documents, which will serve as evidence of your travel plans within the Schengen area.
Trip Duration
Ensure your trip does not exceed the 90-day limit within a 180-day period allowed by the visa.
Application Timing
Apply for your visa no more than three months before your departure date. Consider purchasing travel insurance in case of visa denial.
Initial Steps
Visa Functionality
Understand that a Schengen Visa simplifies travel within the Schengen zone, eliminating the need for multiple visas.
Visa Necessity
Determine if you require a Schengen Visa using tools provided by the consulates, such as the one on The Netherlands’ visa website.
Application Country
Apply for your visa through the consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most time or the country you’ll enter first if the duration is equal.
Schengen Area Confirmation
Confirm that all your travel destinations are within the Schengen area to avoid needing additional visas.
Visa Application
Application Form
Download the Schengen Visa application form from the consulate’s website of the country you’re applying to.
Form Completion
Fill out the application with your personal, passport, and travel details, including the purpose of your visit and accommodation information.
Document Collection
Assemble necessary documents such as your passport, residency proof, passport photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, and financial statements.
Application Submission
Submit your application in person at the relevant embassy or consulate, usually by appointment.
Biometric Data
If you have not previously provided your fingerprints for a Schengen visa, do so at the consulate’s office.
Fee Payment
Pay the visa application fee, which varies based on your nationality and the country you’re applying to. This general guideline should assist you in preparing for your Schengen visa application but always check with the specific consulate for any unique requirements or procedures.
How To Get a Schengen Visa From the UK?
Securing a Schengen visa involves a structured process from the UK, when it has a lot more of its other visa plans available. Here’s a refined guide to streamline your application:
Application Timing
Apply for your Schengen visa well in advance, ideally at least 15 days before your intended travel date, to allow sufficient processing time.
Visa Type Determination
Choose the Schengen visa that aligns with your travel purposes, such as tourism, business, medical reasons, or visiting friends and family.
Entry Category
Understand your visa’s entry limitations—single, double, or multiple entries—and plan your travels accordingly.
Country of Application
Apply through the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you’ll spend most of your trip, or if visiting multiple countries equally, the first country you’ll enter.
Application Location in the UK
Locate the appropriate embassy, consulate, or visa application centre within the UK for the country you’re applying to.
Document Collection
Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, travel insurance, accommodation details, and the visa fee.
Application Form
If required, access and complete the standard Schengen visa application form or a country-specific one.
Visa Appointment Scheduling
Schedule your visa appointment, which can often be done online through the country-specific visa portal.
Visa Appointment Attendance
Attend your visa appointment to submit your application, pay the visa fee, provide biometric data, and undergo a brief interview.
Biometric Information
If your biometric data is already recorded and you’ve paid the visa fee online, you may not need to attend the application centre in person. However, regular Schengen area travellers may still need to appear for an in-person visa appointment.
Decision Waiting Time
The standard processing time for a Schengen visa in the UK is about three weeks. Depending on the specifics of your application, this can vary from 20 to 60 days.
If your Schengen visa application is rejected, you can appeal. The appeal process allows you to address any issues identified in the initial decision.
How To Get a Schengen Visa from India?
Applying for a Schengen visa requires careful planning and understanding of the specific visa type that suits your travel needs. Here’s an enhanced guide to the application process:
Visa Application
Attend your visa appointment to submit your application, pay the visa fee, provide biometric data, and undergo a brief interview.
Identify the Correct Visa Type
Determine the Schengen Visa category based on your travel purpose, duration, and frequency of visits. The standard short-stay visa covers trips up to 90 days, while work or study purposes may necessitate a long-stay visa. Frequent travellers should consider a multiple-entry visa.
Application Timeline
Submit your visa application within a window of six months to 15 days before your planned trip.
Documentation
Compile all required documents, which will vary depending on the visa type but generally include a valid passport, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, and insurance.
Complete the Application
Fill out the Schengen visa application form with accurate and up-to-date information.
Interview Appointment
Schedule and attend an interview at the designated consulate, embassy, or visa application centre, where you will present your documents and discuss your travel plans.
How To Get a Schengen Visa From Pakistan?
To obtain a Schengen visa from Pakistan, follow these enhanced steps for a streamlined application process:
Where to Apply
- Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that will be your primary destination.
- For multiple destinations, apply where you will spend the most time or through the country of first entry if the duration is equal.
Booking an Appointment
- Schedule an appointment through the embassy’s online system, email, or phone.
- Book early to secure a slot, particularly during busy travel periods.
Completing the Application Form
- Fill out the Schengen Visa application form with accurate personal and travel information.
- Ensure all details are correct to avoid potential delays or rejections.
Gathering Required Documents
- Collect necessary documents, including a valid passport, photos, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and travel insurance.
- Check the specific embassy’s website for any additional required documents.
Submitting the Application
- Attend your appointment punctually, presenting all documents and the completed application form.
- Pay the visa application fee, which is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Visa Interview (if required)
- Prepare for a potential interview by familiarising yourself with your application and supporting documents.
- Be ready to discuss your travel plans and financial arrangements candidly.
Processing Time
- The processing time for a Schengen visa typically ranges from 15 to 45 calendar days.
- Submit your application at least 15 days before your intended travel date to ensure timely processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants from Pakistan must apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country they plan to visit.
Book your appointment as early as possible, ideally several weeks before your travel date.
The processing time can range from 15 to 45 calendar days, so apply at least 15 days before your trip.
Final Verdict
To get a Schengen visa quickly, applicants should meticulously prepare their documentation, apply through the correct embassy, and schedule their appointments well in advance. Remember to apply through the appropriate embassy, book your appointment, and gather all necessary documents to avoid delays.
By following the streamlined steps and ensuring all paperwork is in order, you can enhance your chances of a swift visa approval. For those looking to travel in Europe or for business investment, Legend Consults offers expert guidance and exclusive deals to make your investment journey as seamless as your travel plans. Contact Legend Consults today to discover prime real estate opportunities across the continent.
