Sticker Visa
Belgium
Starts AED 375
14-42 days*
Schengen visa
Schengen visa guide: 29 countries, one application
A short-stay Schengen visa lets you travel across 29 European countries on a single application, with no border checks between them. Use this guide to understand how the visa works, what documents you'll need, and how appointments fit in — then move into the destination page you actually plan to apply for.
One visa, 29 countries
A short-stay Schengen visa lets you travel across all 29 Schengen Area countries on a single application, with no internal border checks between them.
90 days in any 180
A tourist or business Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, counted across the whole area rather than per country.
Apply where you'll spend most time
Apply to the country that is your main destination. If you're splitting time equally, apply to the country you'll enter first.
What is a Schengen visa?
The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have removed passport control at their shared borders. A single short-stay Schengen visa (also called a Type C visa) lets you enter through any member state and travel freely across the rest for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. You can stay for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period — the limit is counted across the whole area, not per country.
You apply through the country that is your main destination. If you're spending time equally across several countries, apply to the one you'll enter first. Each destination page below carries the live requirements, pricing, and processing guidance for that specific country and your traveller profile.
Which Schengen visa do you need?
Most short trips use the same Type C short-stay visa. What changes is how many times you can enter and the supporting documents for your purpose of travel.
Single-entry short-stay visa
Lets you enter the Schengen Area once. Once you leave, the visa is used up even if you have days remaining. Best for a single trip to one region.
Multiple-entry short-stay visa
Lets you enter and leave the Schengen Area several times within the visa's validity, as long as you stay within the 90-days-in-180 limit. Useful for multi-country or repeat travel.
Tourist, business or family visit
Most short trips use the same Type C short-stay visa; the purpose (leisure, business meetings, or visiting family and friends) mainly changes the supporting documents you provide.
Documents you'll typically need
These are the categories almost every Schengen application asks for. The exact, binding checklist depends on your destination and traveller profile — always confirm it on the destination page before you apply.
Valid passport
Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure, with at least two blank pages.
Recent photos
Passport-size colour photos that meet Schengen specifications (typically taken within the last six months against a light background).
Travel medical insurance
Cover of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across the Schengen Area for your whole stay.
Itinerary and accommodation
Confirmed return flights or travel plan plus hotel bookings or an invitation from your host for each leg of the trip.
Proof of funds
Recent bank statements or payslips showing you can support yourself for the duration of the stay.
Purpose of travel
A short cover letter, and for business or family trips an invitation or employer letter explaining the reason for the visit.
Schengen destinations
Pick the country you plan to apply for to see its live documents, price, processing time, and appointment guidance for your nationality and residency.
Sticker Visa
Croatia
Starts AED 375
15-20 days*
Sticker Visa
Denmark
Starts AED 775
Appointment
Sticker Visa
France
Starts AED 375
10-15 days*
Sticker Visa
Germany
Starts AED 375
10-15 days*
Sticker Visa
Greece
Starts AED 375
10-15 days*
Sticker Visa
Hungary
Starts AED 375
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Iceland
Starts AED 375
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Netherlands
Starts AED 375
15-45 days*
Sticker Visa
Norway
Starts AED 775
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Slovenia
Starts AED 375
15-20 days*
Sticker Visa
Spain
Starts AED 375
10-15 days*
Sticker Visa
Sweden
Starts AED 375
Appointment
Sticker Visa
Switzerland
Starts AED 375
Appointment
The 29 Schengen Area countries
One valid Schengen visa gives you access to every country on this list:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Schengen visa: frequently asked questions
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that lets you travel across the 29 countries in Europe's Schengen Area on a single application. Most tourist and business trips use a Type C short-stay visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Which countries can I visit with a Schengen visa?
All 29 Schengen member states, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Switzerland, and Portugal. You can enter through one member state and travel freely across the others without additional border checks.
Which country should I apply to?
Apply to the country that is your main destination — where you'll spend the most time. If you're visiting several countries equally, apply to the one you'll enter first.
How long can I stay on a Schengen visa?
A short-stay Schengen visa allows up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. The limit applies across the whole Schengen Area, not per country.
Do I need an appointment for a Schengen visa?
Most Schengen applications require an in-person appointment to submit documents and give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). Start from the Schengen appointment support page to move into the right destination flow.
What documents do I need for a Schengen visa?
Typically a valid passport, recent photos, travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover, a confirmed itinerary and accommodation, proof of funds, and a cover letter. The exact checklist depends on your destination and traveller profile, shown on each destination page.
How far in advance should I apply?
You can usually apply up to six months before travel. Apply at least three to four weeks before departure to allow time for an appointment and processing.