VR Team | Feb 18, 2020 | 0 comments
The Schengen visa is one of the most applied for visas in the world. In addition to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, the Schengen countries form part of the list of countries that receive the most visa applications. In this article, you will learn where and how to download the Schengen visa application form, Sample Schengen application form in English and other languages, and instructions to download and fill the visa application form.
The Schengen area comprises of 26 countries which are a part of the Schengen Agreement. These countries include:
| Austria | Liechtenstein |
| Belgium | Lithuania |
| Czech Republic | Luxembourg |
| Denmark | Malta |
| Estonia | Netherlands |
| Finland | Norway |
| France | Poland |
| Germany | Portugal |
| Greece | Slovakia |
| Hungary | Slovenia |
| Iceland | Spain |
| Italy | Sweden |
| Latvia | Switzerland |
Any person wishing to travel to these countries either on tourism or studies or business/work needs to apply for the Schengen visa.
While the Schengen visa application form is easy to fill, some of the Schengen member states like France and Germany often reject visa applicants for the slightest problem in the application form. Take the 2017 Schengen visa rejection rates for example. France rejected 13.64% of its applicants, Netherlands 10.1%, Spain 8.2%, Italy 7.66%, and Germany 7.63%.
Each of the most-visited countries in the Schengen area has very stringent application processes and high rejection rates. This makes filling-in the Schengen visa form a challenge. But by filling the application form correctly, you can ensure your form isn’t rejected, and you are granted the Schengen visa.
New Harmonised Schengen Visa Application Form – Sample
Schengen Visa Application Forms
Starting Feb 02, 2020 you have to download the NEW HARMONISED SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION FORM, fill and print it. This should normally work and well accepted for all the Schengen countries.
If you are looking for individual country or language specific Schengen application form then you can use below resources to either download the application form, fill it and submit it along with the Schengen Visa application or directly submit online, print out and take it along with you for the Schengen Visa interview. Please follow the application instructions from the respective embassy you are applying for.
| Austria – Download | Liechtenstein – Download |
| Belgium – Download or Click Here | Lithuania – Submit Online |
| Czech Republic – Download | Luxembourg – Download |
| Denmark – Download | Malta – Download |
| Estonia – Download | Netherlands – Download or Submit Online |
| Finland – Download | Norway – Submit Online |
| France – Submit Online | Poland – Submit Online |
| Germany – Download | Portugal – Submit Online |
| Greece – Download | Slovakia – Download |
| Hungary – Download | Slovenia – Download |
| Iceland – Download | Spain – Download |
| Italy – Submit Online | Sweden – Download |
| Latvia – Submit Online | Switzerland – Submit Online |
Schengen visa application fees
| Applicant | Fees |
| Adults | €60 |
| Children 6 years – 12 years | €35 |
| Children below 6 years | Free |
| Adults/children traveling for academic and research purpose | Free/Reduced |
| Representatives of Non-profit organizations under the age of 25, traveling on cultural, academic or peace missions | Free/Reduced |
Sections in the Schengen visa application form and how to fill them
Here we give you tips on filling the Schengen visa application form correctly, with inputs on how to improve the chances of your application being accepted.
As a rule, ALWAYS use the information available in your passport as the basis for filling your visa application form.
The various sections in the Schengen visa application form are:
1. Surname (Family Name)
When writing your surname, be sure to write it exactly as it is in your passport. If you use hyphens in your surname (in the event you’ve combined your maiden and married names), be sure to include the hyphens.
2. Maiden Name
Here, you need to write the surname you were given at birth. If you are married and have changed your name, write your father’s name/surname here. Even if you haven’t changed your name, be sure to enter your surname here.
3. First Name
Write your legal first name here, as given in your passport.
4. DOB
Write your date of birth in the DD-MM-YYYY order. For example, if you were born on June 1st, 1980, you should write your date of birth as 01-06-1980 in the application form.
5. Place of birth
Write the place of birth as mentioned in your passport. Be careful with the spellings as they matter.
6. Country of birth
Enter the name of the country you were born in. You must do this even if you aren’t using the passport of the country of your birth.
(Sometimes, people with dual citizenship choose to travel with stronger passports which make getting the visa easier. In such a scenario, you will have to declare both of your citizenships. For example, if you were born in Thailand, but live in and have the citizenship of the United States, you will need to write Thailand here.)
7. Current Nationality (or Nationality at Birth, if different)
If you hold dual citizenship and are actively enforcing this citizenship, write the name of the country where you are a citizen.
(In the example above, you write ‘United States’ as you currently reside and stay in the US.)
8. Gender
Check the option – Male and Female – as is most appropriate.
It is to be noted that some countries in the Schengen area do recognize ‘indeterminate’ and ‘non-binary’ genders on the birth certificate. But the visa application currently offers only two gender options, and applicants must select the one that they identify with the most.
9. Civil Status
This refers to the marital status of the applicant. Check the box that is most appropriate.
10. Minor
If the applicant is a minor, it is important to write the name, residential address, telephone number, email address, passport details, and occupation details of the parent/guardian.
11. National Identity Number
Some countries have a national identification number for each citizen. If you do have such a number, please mention the same.
12. Travel Document Type
Travel documents can refer to your passport, residential permits, citizenship certificate, and any other visa that you hold and which are valid at the time of the application process. Mention the type of travel document here which you are using as proof of your nationality.
13. Travel Document Number
Write the travel document number in this section.
14. Issue Date
This refers to the passport issue date. Write it in the same format as given in the passport.
15. Expiration Date
This refers to the passport expiry date. Write it in the same format as given in the passport.
16. Issued By
This refers to the body which has issued the passport. Specify the name of the authority and place of issue as given in the passport.
17. Personal Information Regarding a Family Member who is a European Union, EEA, or Swiss National
If your spouse/parent/sibling/friend is a citizen or permanent resident of the Schengen/EU/EEA/Switzerland, mention his/her name, residential address, telephone number, email address, passport number, DOB as per passport, and your relationship status with them.
18. Relationship
This refers to your relationship with the family member/friend who is residing in the Schengen/EU/EEA/Switzerland. Here you will have many boxes available. Check the option that is correct.
19. Applicant’s home address, email address and telephone number
Provide your residential contact details; your address, personal email address, and mobile number. If you are writing your office number or email, mention the name of your office, the address, and contact details.
In the case of a minor, please specify if the contact details belong to the parents or guardians.
20. Residence in Another Country
If you do reside in another country (other than your country of nationality), provide the address, telephone number, and email address of the place of residence in that other country, along with details about your stay. If you are a tourist or are on student/work visa, specify the expiration date. If you’re a permanent resident or citizen, mention the residency permit/citizenship number.
21. Current Occupation
Write the same occupation as listed on your passport. If you weren’t employed before, but are now, write it like this – Engineer (former graduate student). If you currently aren’t working anywhere, you can mention – No Occupation – here.
22. Employer or Educational Institution
Write the name of your office or educational institute, with its address, telephone number, and email address. For the office, mention if it’s public service, academic or private.
23. The Main Purpose of Your Trip
Many options will be provided under this section. Check the one that is the most appropriate.
24. Additional information on purpose of stay
Provide additional documentation that justify your purpose of the trip.
25. Destination Member State
This should be the name of the country where you will be residing the longest for the duration of your visit. If you are staying in France for ten days and Belgium for five days, you should write France here.
26. First Entry Member State
This should be the country you will be visiting first in your itinerary during your visit to the Schengen area. Let’s say in the above example, you enter Belgium first from your home country and then travel to France. You need to write ‘Belgium’ in this section.
27. Number of Entries Requested
You will be provided with a few options here, check the most appropriate option.
28. Fingerprint
If you have already given your biometrics, check the box “Yes” and enter the date when you had provided the biometrics. If “No,” check the relevant option.
29. Entry Permit for Your Final Destination Country, If Applicable
If the final country of the visit is outside the Schengen area, mention the dates of entry and exit to that country with the visa/application number next to it. If you are going to the UK after your Schengen visit, mention details about the UK visa and travel dates here.
30. Inviting Person’s Name
If someone is sponsoring your stay in the Schengen area, mention the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the individual.
31. Host Organization/Firm Name and Address
If a company/institution is inviting you on a business/event, mention the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the organization.
32. Travel and Living Expenses During Your Stay Are Covered by?
You will be offered many options in the application. Check the box that is the most relevant to your situation.
33. Place and Date
Date the application with the date when you are actually filling the form, even if you attend the visa interview at a later date. The same goes for the location; enter the location where you fill the form and not the location of the consulate (if they are different).
34. Signature
Sign the application form; your signature should match the signature given in your passport.
A properly filled-in application form is half the battle won. A transparent and comprehensive form with all the honest details will ensure that you get awarded your Schengen visa. Follow the above tips and fill in your application form with ease.
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Last Updated on February 18th, 2020
FAQs
Can I fill Schengen visa application form by hand? ›
In the unlikely case that you cannot fill out the online application form, you may print the application form and fill out the by hand. If your fingerprints were collected in the last 59 months for applying for a Schengen visa in India, you can authorize someone to submit your application.
How do I book an appointment for Schengen visa? ›In order to make your appointment, you will need to go to the website of the embassy or consulate that you dealing with and use their online booking system and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. If they do not have an online booking system, you can phone or email them.
How do I complete Videx application form? ›- Filling up your VIDEX Form.
- Personal Details –
- * Family Name -Applicant's surname as per passport bio details.
- (NOTE: In case there is only Given Name in the passport, same needs to be entered in both. ...
- Name at birth - Do not write anything here. ...
- and full stop(.) ...
- *Country of birth - Depends on place of birth of applicant.
In order to do so, go into the Consular Electronic Application Center website and select the Embassy or Consulate at which you are applying. Hit “Option C-Retrieve Application” on the Getting Started page and enter your application ID number. From there you will be able to view and print your confirmation page.
Can I apply for Schengen visa without appointment? ›Walk In Without Appointment*
If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
You must show evidence that you will be able to financially maintain yourself during your stay in the Schengen territory. You should be able to prove that through a bank statement of the past three months, which must not be older than three days.
Is online bank statement accepted for Schengen visa? ›Yes. However, the e-bank statement will have to hold an original stamp from your bank to confirm the authenticity of the document and has to show the name of the account holder.
How do I create a VFS portal to book an appointment? ›To schedule your visa appointment, you will first need to register with VFS Global here. Click on “New User?” and then enter your first and last name, email address, phone number, and create a password. Then hit submit. You will receive an email to activate your account.
Which is the best time to book visa appointment? ›You can schedule both visa appointments, either online using this website. We strongly recommend that applicants begin the application process approximately three months before the scheduled travel date, as appointments are usually filled 1-2 months in advance.
Are appointments available for Schengen visa? ›For submission of your Schengen visa application at your nearest Visa Application Centre, please schedule an appointment at VFS Global by telephone (022-67866013) or online.
How do I submit a visa application to VFS? ›
To submit your application, please go to VFS Global Application Centre. Once you have filled your visa form, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as 'biometric information'.
How do I know if my Schengen visa is approved by VFS? ›You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Schengen Visa Application Centre. If you can't access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa after applying? ›You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
What are the 5 basic steps to apply for a visa? ›- Step 1 – File a Petition with USCIS. ...
- Step 2 – Case Preparation by the National Visa Center. ...
- Step 3 – Visa Interview Scheduling by the National Visa Center (NVC) ...
- Step 4 – Medical Exam. ...
- Step 5 – The day of the interview. ...
- Step 6 – Visa Approval. ...
- Step 7 – After you receive your visa.
The Importance Of The Bank Statements For Your Schengen Visa
Your bank balance (as well as the one of your sponsor – if you have one) will show the Visa officers you have enough funds to cover your basic travel expenses and other needs.
Two color photos 3,5 x 4,5 cm on a white background and of very good quality.
Can I submit my visa application online? ›The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet.
Can you print at VFS? ›Whether you need an application form or a supporting document, we offer high-quality printing services at our Visa Application Centres.
Can I download visa online? ›You can use this service to download and print the "e-Visa " in the following cases: If your application is approved before 28 December 2021 with an “e-Visa” issued on or after 28 December 2021. If your application is approved on or after 28 December 2021 with the relevant fee being paid (where applicable)
Why no appointment slots are currently available VFS? ›Appointments are made available for booking up to 90 days from current date. If message “No Slots Available” is displayed, you should try again in a few days' time. You can only book one appointment per person (no duplicate appointment allowed by the system).
How can I check visa slots availability? ›
- Install the chrome extension.
- Give your Access Code (received in the signup) in the extension.
- Log in to CGI portal from the browser you installed the extension.
- Navigate to schedule appointment on the visa portal.
- That's all. Screenshot is captured by the Chrome Extension.
To apply for a visa using VFS Global, travellers must make an appointment to visit the VFS Centre in their location which can be scheduled through their website.
Which country rejected visa most? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
Which embassy is easiest to get Schengen visa? ›Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of the Schengen Visa applications for Estonia received a positive answer.
Which Schengen country give visa easily? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
Is bank statement enough for Schengen visa? ›Sponsorship Letter by another person 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.
Does embassy check bank statement? ›Get your bank statements attested
Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.
The bank statement must indicate a minimum bank balance for Schengen visa of 2 lakh 44 thousand 482 rupees only for the last six months.
What documents are required for visa appointment? ›- Passport (current and all the previous ones)
- MRV Fee Receipt.
- Visa Interview Appointment Letter.
- DS 160 Confirmation Slip (with the bar code clearly visible)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt.
- Passport Size Photograph (as per regulations mentioned)
Applying for an Expedited Appointment
Pay the visa application fee. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. If the Embassy approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online.
How many days will it take to get visa after VFS appointment? ›
Processing usually takes 15 business days from receipt by the Embassy of a complete application and may take longer during peak times and in exceptional circumstances.
Do I need to pay visa fees before booking appointment? ›Applicants must make a successful payment before they are permitted to schedule their interview appointment. Applicants who do not pay the correct fee for their visa type may be restricted from scheduling an interview.
Can I book visa appointment on phone? ›Appointment Over the Phone – Call Center
Alternatively, you can schedule your U.S. visa appointment over the phone by calling their call center.
Choose formal clothing — Professional attire is the way to go with almost any interview, and the same applies to F-1 student visa interviews. Certain formal clothing options such as dress shirts, ties, suits, pantsuits, and jackets are always appropriate.
Why are there no visa appointments? ›Oct 3, 2022
The coronavirus pandemic led to the suspension of U.S. visa services around the world. As restrictions start to ease, most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments.
It can be done online at www.spth.gob.es or through the free application: SPAIN TRAVEL HEALTH-sp TH. Once the form is filled-in, the person concerned will receive a QR code, which you will have to show upon arrival in Spain.
Can I apply visa through online? ›For e-Tourist and e-Business visa, Applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival.
What if I make a mistake on my Schengen visa form can I correct it? ›What if I make a mistake on my Schengen Visa form - can I correct it? If you made a mistake on your visa application form - you will need to fill out a new one before your appointment at the consulate or visa application center.
How do I submit an application online? ›- Attach a file of your resume. Many applications allow you to browse for a file on your computer or USB drive. ...
- Copy and paste your entire resume into the online application. Open your resume file. ...
- Enter your work history manually one field at a time.
Walk In Without Appointment*
If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
How can I register for visa appointment online? ›
To get started, visit the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. Select “Temporary- Non Immigrant visas”. Then select the country of the embassy you chose in Step 2. Click apply (because never used this site before and you have completed a DS-160).
Can I upload documents after submitting visa application? ›Under “Details about your application status” click on “View submitted application.” On this page, you can upload the additional document the same way you uploaded the others when you first applied.
How do I know if my visa is approved? ›At the end of your immigrant visa interview, the consular officer will inform you whether your visa application is approved or denied. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a consular officer.
How much money should be in bank account for Schengen visa? ›Proof of civil status – birth certificate will suffice. Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
How much money do I need to show in my bank account for Schengen visa? ›As a guide, not including accommodation, funds of around €50 - in addition to what you have paid for your hotel booking - will be enough in most cases to prove means of subsistence. But the more you can save the better - especially as you can then enjoy your extra cash on your trip!
How can I avoid rejection of Schengen visa? ›Not Having All The Correct Documents
Before you fill out your Schengen Visa application form, you need to ensure that you have all the required documents. If you do not provide the correct documents, there is a big possibility that your visa application might be refused.
The rejection rate of a tourist visa by any Schengen country has been at an all-time high in the last three years, with a 13.4% rejection rate in 2021.