SkyAid – Your Complete Schengen Visa Guide

SkyAid Schengen Visa Guide

Your complete guide to understanding and applying for a Schengen visa

📋 Official EU Visa Information
🌍 What is a Schengen Visa? (Simple Explanation)
Think of it like this: A Schengen visa is like a special passport stamp that lets you visit 27 European countries with just ONE visa. Instead of getting separate visas for France, Germany, Italy, etc., you get this one visa and can travel freely between all these countries!

Basic Rules:

  • You can stay for 90 days maximum in any 6-month period
  • You can visit any of the 27 Schengen countries
  • You can enter and exit multiple times (if you have a multiple-entry visa)
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
🎫 Types of Schengen Visas

🔄 Multiple-Entry Visa

Best for: People who travel frequently or want flexibility

What it means: You can enter and leave the Schengen area multiple times until your visa expires

Example: Visit Italy in March, come home, then go to France in May – all with the same visa!

➡️ Single-Entry Visa

Best for: One-time visitors

What it means: You can enter once, travel around the Schengen area, but once you leave, the visa is finished

Example: Visit for a 2-week European tour, then return home

✈️ Airport Transit Visa

Best for: People connecting flights in Europe

What it means: You can only stay in the airport transit area – you cannot leave the airport

Example: Flying from Malaysia to USA with a stopover in Frankfurt airport

🏛️ Where to Apply (Made Simple)
Golden Rule: Apply at the embassy/consulate of the country where you’ll spend the MOST time.

Examples:

  • Visiting only Germany for 10 days: Apply at German embassy
  • Visiting France (7 days) + Italy (3 days): Apply at French embassy (longer stay)
  • Visiting Spain (5 days) + Portugal (5 days): Apply at Spanish embassy (first country you visit)
Important: You must apply in the country where you legally live. If you live in Malaysia, apply at the embassy in Malaysia.
📅 When to Apply (Timing is Everything!)

⏰ Earliest: 6 months before travel

You cannot apply more than 6 months before your planned trip

📍 Latest: 15 days before travel

You must apply at least 15 days before your trip (but don’t wait this long!)

✅ Recommended: 1-3 months before

This gives you enough time for processing and any additional documents they might request

Pro Tip: Some embassies require appointments that might be booked weeks in advance. Check and book your appointment early!
📋 What Documents You Need
  • Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months AFTER you plan to leave Europe
  • Visa Application Form: Fill out completely and accurately (available on embassy websites)
  • Passport Photos: Recent photos that meet international standards (usually 2 photos)
  • Travel Insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation
  • Flight Bookings: Round-trip tickets or travel itinerary
  • Hotel Bookings: Confirmed accommodations for your entire stay
  • Bank Statements: Last 3 months showing you have enough money for your trip
  • Employment Letter: From your employer confirming your job and approved leave
  • Purpose of Visit: Tourism invitation, business invitation, conference registration, etc.
  • Fingerprints: Will be taken when you submit your application
Money Rule of Thumb: You should have at least €50-70 per day for your trip shown in your bank account.
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
Category Cost Notes
Adults (18+) €90 Standard fee for most applicants
Children (6-12 years) €45 Half price for kids
Children (Under 6) FREE No charge for very young children
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus €35 Special reduced rate
Cabo Verde €67.50 Special rate
Additional Costs: Some embassies use visa service centers that may charge extra fees (usually €20-30). The visa fee is NOT refundable if your application is rejected.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
Normal Processing: 15 working days (about 3 weeks)
Longer Processing: Up to 45 days if they need to review your application more carefully or request additional documents
Fast Track: EU/EEA family members may get free and faster processing

What affects processing time:

  • Completeness of your application
  • Embassy workload during peak seasons (summer, Christmas)
  • Your travel history and profile
  • Whether additional documents are needed
❌ What if Your Visa is Rejected?
Don’t Panic! If your visa is rejected, they will tell you exactly why and how you can appeal the decision.

Common reasons for rejection:

  • Insufficient funds in bank account
  • Incomplete or incorrect documents
  • No clear purpose for travel
  • Doubts about returning to home country
  • Invalid or inadequate travel insurance
You Can Appeal: Most countries allow you to appeal the decision or reapply with corrected documents.
🔄 Useful Tools & Calculators

📊 Schengen Calculator:

Use the official EU calculator to check how many days you have left:

📱 Short-stay Visa Calculator

📋 Visa Requirements by Country:

Check if your country needs a visa:

🌍 EU Visa Policy Information

Important Reminder

This is a general guide. Always check with the specific embassy or consulate of your main destination country for the most current requirements and procedures.

SkyAid – Your trusted travel companion

🔗 Official EU Source