Schengen Tourist Visa – Traveling to Europe for Tourism/Leisure Purposes (2024)

A Schengen tourist visa grants its holder a short-term stay within any country in the Schengen Area for leisure or tourism.

What Is the Difference Between a Tourist and a Visitor Visa?

The difference between a Schengen tourist visa and a Schengen visitor visa is the purpose of the visit. For example, you apply for a visitor visa to visit a family member or a close friend who lives in the Schengen Area, while you apply for a tourist visa for tourism or leisure purposes.

Usually, a visitor visa requires an invitation letter from the person you are visiting in the Schengen Area, while this is not a requirement for a tourist visa.

How Do I Apply for a Tourist Visa to the Schengen Area?

To apply for a Schengen visa for tourism/leisure purposes, you must complete the following steps:

1. Check if you need a visa.
2. Determine if you qualify for a Tourist visa.
3. Find out where to submit your application.
4. Complete and download the visa application form.
5. Schedule your Tourist visa appointment.
6. Prepare the required documents.
7. Attend the visa interview.
8. Wait for the visa to process.
9. Collect your passport.

Check if You Need to Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa

If your nationality is on the list of countries whose nationals need a Schengen short-stay visa, you must apply for a Schengen tourist visa. Nationalities from other countries can enter Europe visa-free for a maximum of 90 days.

You can use our visa wizard to check if you are required to apply for a Tourist visa before travelling to the Schengen zone for tourism purposes. If required, it will guide you on where to submit your visa application accurately.

Determine if You Qualify for a Tourist Visa

To qualify for a Schengen tourist visa, your trip to the EU/Schengen Area must be primarily for leisure or recreational purposes.

Here are some common scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for a short-stay visa for tourism purposes:

• Sightseeing and Touring: If you’re planning to tour cities, countryside, natural attractions, landmarks, and cultural sites within the Schengen Area for leisure and recreational enjoyment.
• Participating in Events or Festivals: If you’re attending festivals, concerts, or other cultural events as a tourist rather than a performer. However, if you’re performing at such events, you should apply for a Schengen visa for Cultural/Sports/Religious Events and Film Crews.
• Relaxation and Recreation: If you plan to engage in activities like spa retreats, beach vacations, or recreational sports during your stay in the Schengen area.
• Exploring Cuisine and Dining: If you’re interested in experiencing the local cuisine, dining at restaurants, and exploring culinary traditions.
• Shopping and Souvenirs: If you plan on shopping for souvenirs, local products, or luxury items during your visit.

Remember, the primary purpose of your trip must be leisure or recreation, and you should not engage in any activities that involve conducting business, working, or seeking employment during your stay in the Schengen Area.

Find Out Where to Submit Your Application

You can have to file your Schengen tourist visa application at one of the following:

• An embassy or consulate of the main destination country.
• A designated visa centre authorized by the embassy of your destination country to handle visa submissions.
• The embassy or consulate of another Schengen state to which your destination country has delegated the responsibility for visa submissions.

You can use the above visa checker to help you find out where to submit your visa application or read the following article for more details!

Complete & Download the Visa Application Form

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for a Tourist short-stay visa to Europe and determined where to submit your application, you should complete the visa application form.

You have two options for this: you can either download the standard Schengen visa application form, fill in all the required information, print it out, and sign it, or you can visit the official websites of the Schengen member countries and fill it out directly online through their systems.

For example, if you’re applying for a Tourist visa for Germany, you can complete the visa application on the official Videx website of the Auswärtiges Amt.

Schedule Your Tourist Visa Appointment

After determining where to apply for the Tourist Schengen visa and filling out the visa application form, the next step is to schedule an appointment. Usually, you can do this online through the embassy, consulate, or visa application centre’s website. Keep in mind that certain embassies may only accept appointments made through their official website.

Available slots depend on the EU/Schengen embassy/consulate and the time of year. Based on our experience, we strongly suggest that you inquire about appointments at least three weeks before you plan to travel.

Our Schengen visa checker not only determines whether you require a visa, but it also assists you in identifying the correct consulate/VAC for application and booking a tourist visa appointment.

Prepare the Required Documents for a Tourist Visa

You must gather the following documents for your Tourist Schengen visa application:

• Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
• A valid passport.Not older than 10 years, and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Older passports with visas on them (if you have any).
• Two recently taken photos must be attached. These photos must have been taken within the last three months, as per the visa photo requirements. You can obtain Schengen visa-compliant photos online at MyBiometricPhotos.com
• A round-trip reservation or itinerary must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.
• Travel insurance policy. This is a document confirming that you have health coverage for your entire visit to the Schengen territory. It must provide at least 30,000 euros in coverage for medical emergencies, including illnesses, accidents, and the possibility of repatriation in case of death.

  Get free quotes and compare top-rated Schengen insurance plans from trusted providers like AXA, Europe Assistance, Allianz, and more. Ensure a hassle-free Schengen tourist visa application process by selecting the right insurance plan that meets all the requirements outlined in Regulation (EU) 2009/810 of the European Parliament.

• Proof of accommodation. You must provide proof of your accommodation, such as hotel reservation, private accommodation, rental agreement, etc.
• Cover letter with detailed itinerary. You must provide a written statement detailing your travel itinerary, including the visiting dates, where you will be visiting, and how long you will be staying.
• Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen. This can be one of the following:
  • Bank account statement—This shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement must be no older than three months.
  • Sponsorship Letter – by another person/company that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
  • A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.
• Proof of paid visa fee. If you’ve already paid online after confirming your appointment, please show the receipt. Otherwise, you’ll need to make the payment during the interview.
• For employees:
  • Employment contract.
  • Current bank statement of the latest 6 months.
  • Leave permission from the employer.
  • Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.
• For the self-employed:
  • A copy of your business license.
  • Company bank statement of the latest 6 months.
  • Income Tax Return (ITR).
• For students:
  • Proof of enrollment.
  • No objection letter from the School or University.
• For retirees:
  • Pension statement of the latest 6 months.
• If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
  • A confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company and the starting date.
  • Spouse’s valid passport.
  • An official marriage certificate.

Please note that official visa authorities hold the right to ask for any additional documents.

Attend the Visa Interview

Although some Schengen countries and the authorised visa centres might offer the option to fill out the application online, you still have to submit your Schengen tourist visa application in person because you also have to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints). So, on the day of your scheduled appointment, show up on time and bring all the required documents.

The interview typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes. Please make sure your responses are clear and accurate and align with the information provided in your application form and other documents.

Here are some articles that could assist you in preparing for a successful Schengen Tourist visa interview.

Pay the Visa Fee

When applying for a Schengen Tourist visa, you must pay a non-refundable fee. The payment method depends on the specific embassy/consulate or visa application centre.

The application fee for a Schengen Tourist visa is €90, but certain categories may qualify for reduced fees or exemption from payment, depending on their circ*mstances.

The visa fees are consistent across all member countries.

Wait for the Response

Be patient as you await a response regarding your Tourist visa application. Typically, visas are processed within 15 days, but this period may be extended on occasion. Depending on various factors, the processing time can range from 15 to 45 days.

Upon approval, the consular officer will issue a Schengen visa of a specific type and validity.

Collect Your Passport

On the day of your appointment, you will be notified of how you can collect your passport after the visa has been processed. There are two ways:

• You can pick it up in person at the embassy, consulate, or visa application centre.
• Alternatively, they can arrange for delivery through a courier service, albeit at an additional cost.

FAQ

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