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:
Check if you need a visa.
- Determine if you qualify for a Tourist visa.
- Find out where to submit your application.
- Complete and download the visa application form.
- Schedule your Tourist visa appointment.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Wait for the visa to process.
- 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.
- 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 germanyvisas.co.uk website of the schengentravelinfo.co.uk.