Is it Easy or Hard to Get a Schengen Tourist Visa?

Everything you need to know to prepare for applying for a Schengen Tourist Visa, also known as a Schengen Visa, will be covered in this article.

Is it Easy or Hard to Get a Schengen Tourist Visa?

One of the most pressing concerns today is how getting tourist visas for European countries has changed post-Covid-19 and whether it has become more difficult. Europe, in particular, is of significant interest due to the Schengen visa, which allows for travel across most countries in this continent.

A Schengen Tourist Visa, specifically the Schengen Visa, applies to 26 Schengen countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

A Schengen Tourist Visa allows for free movement across Schengen countries, residence for a certain period (usually up to 90 days), and is valid for 12 months. You will need to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country you intend to visit first or where you will stay the longest.

There are various types of visas available: single-entry visa, double-entry visa, and multiple-entry visa. If you are traveling or visiting relatives and your itinerary is entirely within Schengen countries, you only need to apply for a single-entry visa.

Single-Entry Visa

This visa allows you to enter this area only once. Once you leave the Schengen territory, you will not be able to re-enter, even if you have not used up the maximum number of days allowed.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa

Before submitting your application, you need to determine where you will apply for the Schengen visa. Typically, you should choose the country that is your first destination or where you will stay the longest on your trip. Countries such as France, Italy, the Netherlands, or Spain may be easier choices due to their relatively lenient policies and no need for a sponsor.

Note: All Schengen Tourist Visa application documents must be translated into English and fully notarized. Additionally, you should bring the original documents for verification purposes.

European Tourist Visa Application Form

All information must be accurately declared according to the documents and entirely in English. The details provided in this form will serve as a reference against your documents. Download or print the form HERE.

Passport Photos

– 2 photos sized 3.5 x 4.5cm

– Taken within the last 6 months, with a white background

– No glasses, hats, or head coverings except for religious reasons

– The face should occupy 70-80% of the photo, with facial dimensions from the bottom of the hair to 31-36mm

Passport

The passport includes the original and a copy. Must be valid for at least 6 months and have a minimum of 2 blank pages.

Proof of Identity

– Household registration book, ID card (original and notarized copy)

– Curriculum vitae (notarized)

– Marriage or divorce certificate (notarized)

– Birth certificate (children under 18 years old) (notarized copy)

Proof of Employment

For employees: Employment contract or appointment decision; Recent 3-month pay slips; Leave request letter for European travel reasons, confirmed by the company.

For business owners: Business registration certificate, Latest 3-month tax confirmation.

For retirees: Provide retirement book and pension book.

Financial proof

– Savings account statement with a minimum balance of 10,000 USD and a minimum deposit term of 3 months.

– Bank transaction records for the past 3 months.

– Supporting affidavit. In case there is no savings account or bank record, request a trusted relative or friend to sign the 'official supporting affidavit'.

– Documents certifying ownership of valuable assets such as real estate, automobiles, securities, etc.

Travel itinerary

– Confirmation of round-trip flight bookings to Schengen countries.

– Detailed travel itinerary including activities, locations, specific dates, and time frames.

– Hotel reservations in the country of visa application and other Schengen countries as per the itinerary (if visiting multiple countries).

– Travel insurance coverage of 30,000 EUR.

Schedule Visa Application Appointment

The earliest time to submit your Visa application is around 3 months before your trip and the latest is 15 working days before your departure date. The recommended time is 3-4 weeks before departure.

Appointments must be scheduled online prior to submitting your application in person.

Note: Failure to schedule an appointment, arriving at the wrong time, or forgetting to bring the appointment letter will result in rejection of your application.

For Visa applications to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, visit the VFS website HERE.

For Visa applications to France, visit the TLS website HERE.

Interview for Schengen European Tourist Visa

Relax, stay calm, dress appropriately, and answer consulate staff's questions with confidence during the interview.

Ensure meticulous preparation of documents. Organize your paperwork beforehand so you can easily find and retrieve them when requested.

Answer logically and honestly based on the information provided in your application. Present your answers in a concise, clear, and coherent manner.

Results are typically issued within 15 working days from the date of application submission.

Application Fee

The application fee for European Tourist Visa is approximately 60 EUR (around 1,500,000 VND) payable in cash and is non-refundable even if the Visa application is unsuccessful.

Through this article, we hope you gain the most comprehensive understanding and meticulously prepare your European Tourist Visa application.

From Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour