Schengen Visa Guide 2025: How to Apply, Requirements, Fees, and More

Planning a trip to Europe? For international students and tourists, the Schengen visa is the golden key to exploring multiple European countries with a single visa. The Schengen Area is a zone of European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing free movement across member states. A Schengen visa is a short-term entry permit for non-EU nationals, allowing visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. In other words, with one visa you can travel through 29 countries in Europe without routine border checks. This comprehensive 2025 guide explains what a Schengen visa is, how to apply, the latest requirements, fees, and essential tips – everything you need for a successful Schengen visa application in 2025.

What Is a Schengen Visa and Why Do You Need It?

A Schengen visa is a sticker in your passport that grants you entry into all countries of the Schengen Area for short stays. It’s typically issued for tourism, business trips, family visits, short educational programs, or transit through Europe. If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to visit Schengen countries, you must obtain this visa before your trip. (Nationals of visa-exempt countries – for example, the USA, Canada, Australia, etc. – do not need a Schengen visa for short visits, but will soon need to register for an ETIAS travel authorization starting in 2025.) The purpose of the Schengen visa is to eliminate the hassle of getting separate visas for each European country – instead, one visa lets you travel freely among all member nations during your visit.

Why it matters: With a Schengen visa, a traveler can land in France, hop on a train to Spain, and later fly to Germany, all without applying for separate visas. It facilitates travel, study trips, and tourism across Europe. However, it comes with conditions – you cannot stay more than 90 days in a 180-day period, and the visa is meant for temporary visits (not long-term study or work). If you plan to study longer than 90 days or work in Europe, you would need a different visa (national long-stay visa), not a Schengen visa.

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New in 2025: Romania and Bulgaria are the latest countries to join the Schengen Area – both became full members on January 1, 2025. This means border checks have been abolished between these countries and the rest of Schengen, further expanding the zone of visa-free travel. The Schengen Area now covers most of continental Europe. (Notable exceptions are Ireland and Cyprus, which are EU members but not yet in Schengen; Cyprus is in the process of joining, and Ireland has an opt-out. Also, countries like Montenegro are candidates to join in the future, but not part of Schengen as of 2025.)

Tip: Some micro-states in Europe are not official Schengen members but have open borders with the Schengen countries. For example, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have no border controls with their neighboring Schengen countries, so a Schengen visa allows entry. However, Andorra (between France and Spain) is not in Schengen; you can visit it via Spain/France, but if you have a single-entry visa, you’ll exit Schengen when going to Andorra and cannot re-enter without a multiple-entry visa. Plan your entries and exits accordingly if visiting such regions.

Types of Schengen Visas (Tourist, Business, Transit, etc.)

Schengen visas are generally “short-stay” visas (also called Type C visas) valid up to 90 days. The visa’s purpose can vary, and when you fill the application you’ll specify your reason for travel. All short-stay visas allow similar access to the Schengen Area, but it’s important to choose the category that matches your trip. The main types of Schengen visa purposes include:

.schengen-visa-container { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; background-color: #f5f5f1; border-radius: 12px; padding: 2rem; gap: 2rem; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; } .visa-menu { flex: 1 1 30%; min-width: 250px; } .visa-menu ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .visa-menu li { background-color: #fff8e6; padding: 0.8rem 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; border-left: 4px solid #FBC462; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; transition: background 0.3s; } .visa-menu li:hover, .visa-menu li.active { background-color: #fde5b8; } .visa-content { flex: 1 1 65%; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 1.5rem; border-radius: 10px; border-left: 4px solid #FBC462; } .visa-content h2 { font-size: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #111; } .visa-content p { font-size: 1rem; color: #333; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0; } const visaData = { tourist: { title: "Tourist Visa", text: "Meant for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family. Most travelers apply under the tourist category when going on vacation in Europe. You may need to show your tour itinerary or an invitation from a friend/relative along with other documents." }, business: { title: "Business Visa", text: "For attending meetings, conferences, business events, or negotiations. Applicants might need an invitation letter from the company or conference in Europe. This visa does not permit taking up new employment in Europe; it’s only for short business visits." }, visitor: { title: "Visitor/Family Visit Visa", text: "If you’re visiting relatives or friends residing in a Schengen country, you can apply as a visitor. Similar to a tourist visa, but you would provide an invitation letter from your host as part of your documentation." }, student: { title: "Student/Study Visa (Short Term)", text: "For short courses, training, internships or exchange programs under 90 days. For example, if you plan to attend a two-month language course in France or a summer school, you can use a Schengen visa (with an enrollment letter as proof). Longer academic programs require a national student visa instead." }, medical: { title: "Medical Visa", text: "For those who need short-term medical treatment in a Schengen country (e.g. a procedure or therapy lasting a few weeks). Requires documents from the medical institution and proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment." }, cultural: { title: "Cultural/Sports/Official Visit Visa", text: "For attending cultural or sports events, competitions, or for official delegations visiting a Schengen state. You’d provide relevant invitation letters or entry tickets, etc." }, transit: { title: "Transit Visa", text: "If you are transiting through a Schengen-country airport en route to a non-Schengen destination, you might need an Airport Transit Visa (Type A). This allows you to connect flights in the international transit area of an airport without entering the Schengen country. These visas are only required for nationals of certain countries." } }; function showVisa(type) { const display = document.getElementById("visa-display"); const visa = visaData[type]; display.innerHTML = `

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Note: Transit visas are only required for nationals of certain countries – most travelers do not need a visa just to change planes in Europe. (Check the list of nationalities requiring an airport transit visa. For example, citizens of India or China do not need an airport transit visa for Schengen, but citizens of some countries like Afghanistan or Bangladesh do.)

In addition to purpose-based categories, Schengen visas can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry:

• Single-Entry Visa: Allows one entry into the Schengen Area. Once you leave the Schengen territory, the visa cannot be used to enter again, even if you have days remaining. This is common for one-time short trips (e.g., one 2-week tour through Europe).
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times within the visa’s validity. This is useful if you plan to travel in and out of Schengen borders (for example, visiting the UK or other non-Schengen countries in between). Multiple-entry visas are often given with longer validity (6 months, 1 year, even up to 5 years for frequent visitors), but even with a multi-entry visa you can only stay a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day periodhome-affairs.ec.europa.eu. Frequent travelers who have a good visa history may be granted multi-year multiple-entry visas.

Important: No matter the visa type, 90 days/180 days is the limit for short stays. If you need to stay longer continuously, a Schengen visa isn’t the solution – you would need a national long-stay visa for that specific country. Also, a Schengen short-stay visa does not permit employment in Europe (you can attend business meetings or conferences, but you cannot take up a paid job on this visa).

Schengen Visa Requirements (Documents Checklist for 2025)

To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to prepare a set of documents that demonstrate who you are, why you are traveling, and that you intend to return once your visit is over. Below is a checklist of the standard documents required for a Schengen visa application (as of 2025):

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It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages. If your passport is older than 10 years or nearing expiry, you should renew it before applying." }, application: { title: "Visa Application Form", text: "You must submit a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. This harmonized form is accepted by all Schengen countries and can usually be downloaded or completed online via the embassy’s website. Each traveler must fill out a separate form; for minors, a parent or guardian must complete and sign." }, photos: { title: "Passport-Size Photos", text: "Two identical, recent passport-style photos (35mm x 45mm) are required. The photos must be color, with a light background, and meet ICAO standards—neutral expression, no shadows, clear focus, no sunglasses or hats (unless for medical or religious reasons)." }, insurance: { title: "Travel Medical Insurance", text: "You must have insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical costs including emergency treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. It must be valid for the full duration of your stay and across all Schengen countries. Submit a certificate or policy confirmation as proof." }, itinerary: { title: "Flight Itinerary", text: "Include a round-trip reservation or dummy booking showing your intended entry and exit dates. A confirmed booking is not always required. Also include a brief travel itinerary outlining countries and cities you plan to visit." }, accommodation: { title: "Proof of Accommodation", text: "Show where you’ll stay during your visit. This could be hotel confirmations, an invitation letter from a host with address and dates, or a rental agreement. Every night of your stay should be accounted for." }, finance: { title: "Proof of Financial Means", text: "Demonstrate that you can support yourself during your trip. Acceptable documents include recent bank statements (3–6 months), employment letters, salary slips, or tax returns. You should show access to around €50–€100 per day, depending on the country. If sponsored, include a sponsorship letter and sponsor’s financial documents." }, cover: { title: "Letter of Purpose (Cover Letter)", text: "Although optional, a cover letter explaining your travel purpose, route, and any special cases can strengthen your application. It helps the visa officer understand your plan clearly, especially for multi-country trips." }, invitation: { title: "Invitation Letter (if applicable)", text: "If visiting friends, family, or attending events, include an invitation letter from your host or organizer. It should include their name, address, your relationship, and the visit dates. Some countries require official invitation forms (e.g., France’s 'attestation d’accueil')." }, employment: { title: "Employment/Study Documents", text: "For employees: include a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and approved vacation. Self-employed: business registration and tax returns. Students: enrollment letter and permission for absence. Retirees: pension statements or retirement proof." }, additional: { title: "Additional Documents by Purpose", text: "Tourism: include itinerary. Business: invitation letter from company or event. Study: acceptance letter from institution. Medical: doctor’s letter and appointment confirmation. Cultural/Sports: event ticket or invitation." }, fee: { title: "Visa Fee Payment", text: "Pay the visa fee during application submission. Fees vary by country and are usually paid by card or cash. Keep the receipt as part of your application proof." }, biometric: { title: "Biometric Data", text: "If you haven't provided biometrics for a Schengen visa in the past 59 months, you must give fingerprints at the visa center. This is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS). Children under 12 are exempt." }, copies: { title: "Passport Copies", text: "You’ll need to submit photocopies of your passport’s photo page, previous Schengen visas (if any), and possibly your residence permit if you’re applying from outside your home country." } }; function showDoc(type) { const display = document.getElementById("docs-display"); const doc = docData[type]; display.innerHTML = `

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Keep in mind that embassies may ask for additional documents on a case-by-case basis. Always check the specific requirements on the website of the embassy/consulate you’re applying through, as some countries have slight variations (for example, some might require a specific affidavit of support if someone else is funding your trip, etc.).

2025 Update: The core Schengen visa requirements remained consistent, but note recent changes: the visa fees increased in 2024 (see below), and new member countries (Romania, Bulgaria) mean more people might apply through those countries’ consulates. Always use the latest forms and check if the embassy has updated document checklists for 2025.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa (Step-by-Step Process)

Applying for a Schengen visa involves a series of steps – from determining where to lodge your application, to preparing documents, to attending an interview/appointment. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa:

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Can you apply online? In 2025, you still need to apply in person (especially for first-time applicants) because of the fingerprint requirement. However, many steps are now digital: you often fill the form online, book appointments online, and in some cases upload scanned documents in advance. The EU is working on a fully online Schengen visa system in the future, but it’s not live yet – a centralized online application platform is planned to start operating by 2028. So for now, be wary of any service claiming you can get a Schengen visa entirely online. You will at least have to visit a center for biometrics the first time. Always use official channels (embassy sites or officially designated visa centers) to apply; avoid scams or third parties promising “guaranteed visas” – they cannot influence the outcome.

Schengen Visa Fees and Costs (2025)

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• €90 for adults (age 12 and above)
• €45 for children aged 6 to 11
• Free for children under 6

These are per-person fees and are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Payment is made in the local currency of the country where you apply, equivalent to the EUR amount. The increase from €80/€40 came into effect in June 2024." }, discounts: { title: "Discounted Fees", text: "Applicants from certain countries benefit from reduced fees under EU visa-facilitation agreements. For example, citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus (if the agreements are active) pay €35. Cabo Verde nationals pay €67.50. Note: Some agreements may be suspended (e.g., Russia), in which case full fees apply. Always check the latest status with the embassy." }, waivers: { title: "Fee Waivers", text: "Some travelers are exempt from paying the visa fee:

• Children on official school trips
• Academic researchers attending conferences
• Students and teachers on study visits
• Family members of EU/EEA citizens (e.g., spouse or child)
• Humanitarian cases (e.g., urgent medical treatment)

If you qualify, bring documents such as a marriage certificate or a letter from your university to prove eligibility." }, payment: { title: "Payment Methods", text: "Most visa centers accept cash, debit, or credit card. Some embassies may require payment via bank draft or money order. Always check instructions provided in your appointment confirmation. Keep the receipt for submission — it is part of your application documentation." }, service: { title: "Service & Optional Fees", text: "When applying through third-party centers like VFS Global, TLS, or BLS, there’s an extra service charge — usually around €20–€40 depending on the provider and location. Optional services (SMS updates, courier delivery, photocopying, etc.) may cost another €5–€20 but are not mandatory." }, summary: { title: "Fee Summary", text: "• Visa for adult (12+): €90
• Visa for child (6–11): €45
• Child under 6: Free
• Service center fee: ~€20–€40 (varies)
• Optional services: €5–€20 (if availed)

Always check current fees and policies on the consulate’s website before your appointment." } }; function showFee(type) { const display = document.getElementById("fee-display"); const data = feeData[type]; display.innerHTML = `

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Always get a receipt for any fees paid. If your visa is denied, the fee is not refunded – it’s the cost for processing the application. If you decide to reapply, you will have to pay again, so it’s crucial to get it right the first time if possible.

Schengen Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

How long can you stay with a Schengen visa? A Schengen visa is intended for short stays only. The key rule is the 90/180 rule: you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Areahome-affairs.ec.europa.eu. This applies whether you use those 90 days all at once or split across multiple trips.

• If you receive a single-entry visa, the “Duration of stay (Days)” on your visa sticker will indicate the max number of days you can be in Schengen on that trip (up to 90). For example, if it says “Duration: 15 days,” you must not exceed 15 days. If it says 90, you’ve got the full allowance.
• The visa “Valid From – Until” dates indicate the window in which you can use the visa. For instance, a visa might be valid from 01/06/2025 to 30/06/2025, duration 15 days. That means you can enter on or after June 1 and must exit by June 30, and you can spend 15 days total in that period. You could arrive June 10 and leave June 25 (15 days), for example.

Multiple-entry visas and 90/180 rule: If you have a multi-entry visa valid for a longer period (say 1 year), you still can only stay 90 days within each 180-day frame. The 180-day frame is rolling. Essentially, at any point, look back at the last 180 days – you should not have been in Schengen for more than 90 days of those. The Short-Stay Calculator provided by the EU can help count days if you travel oftenhome-affairs.ec.europa.eu. For long-term multiple-entry visas, travelers often do multiple shorter trips – e.g., a few weeks in spring, then a few weeks in autumn, etc., ensuring each 180-day window has ≤90 days used. Overstaying even by a day can cause big problems (fines or entry bans), so keep track of your days if doing several trips.

Visa validity vs. stay duration: It’s important to differentiate:

• Visa Validity is the period during which you can enter the Schengen Area. This is often longer than your allowed stay. For example, you might get a visa valid for 6 months (say, Jan 1 to Jun 30) with 90 days duration. That doesn’t mean you can stay 6 months; it means you can travel anytime in that window, but only for 90 days total.
• Duration of Stay is the total number of days you can be on Schengen soil. These days can be consecutive or split over multiple trips, depending on single vs multiple entry.

Can the visa be extended? Extensions on Schengen visas are rare and only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency, serious personal reason, or force majeure (e.g., flights canceled due to a natural disaster). You cannot extend just to continue tourism or because you didn’t finish your trip. If an extension is needed for an emergency, you must contact the immigration authorities of the Schengen country where you are and apply for an extension before your visa expires, providing proof of the emergency. Generally, extensions are short (to cover the unforeseen delay) and not guaranteed.

If you know you need more than 90 days before you travel (for study or other reasons), do not try to use a Schengen C visa for that – instead, apply for a national long-stay visa (Type D) for the specific country, which allows stays over 90 days (and note: a Type D visa will allow short travel to other Schengen countries as well, but that’s another topic).

Multiple-entry longer visas: If you have a good travel history (used previous Schengen visas correctly), consulates may grant you a visa with longer validity (1-year, 3-year, even 5-year multi-entry visa). These are typically issued if you have a consistent need to travel (business frequent traveler, etc.). Even with a 5-year visa, the 90/180 rule still applies. But it’s convenient as you don’t have to reapply each time. When you apply, you can indicate if you’d like multiple entry and mention reasons (like you plan to do several trips). The decision to give a longer visa is at the discretion of the consulate.

Using your visa: Once you have your visa, you are free to travel between Schengen countries. There are no border stops when going from (say) France to Germany or Italy to Spain, because it’s essentially one territory for travel purposes. Carry your passport and visa on you when traveling, as you may need to show ID (for example, if asked by police or when checking into hotels). But you won’t encounter routine border checkpoints on internal Schengen flights or roads. Enjoy the freedom of movement – that’s the whole point of Schengen!

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa – Requirements and Tips

One non-negotiable requirement for a Schengen visa is travel medical insurance. The insurance is crucial not just for visa approval, but for your own protection abroad. Here’s what you need to know about Schengen visa insurance:

.insurance-container { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; background-color: #f5f5f1; border-radius: 12px; padding: 2rem; gap: 2rem; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; } .insurance-menu { flex: 1 1 30%; min-width: 250px; } .insurance-menu ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .insurance-menu li { background-color: #fff8e6; padding: 0.8rem 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; border-left: 4px solid #FBC462; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; transition: background 0.3s; } .insurance-menu li:hover, .insurance-menu li.active { background-color: #fde5b8; } .insurance-content { flex: 1 1 65%; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 1.5rem; border-radius: 10px; border-left: 4px solid #FBC462; } .insurance-content h2 { font-size: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #111; } .insurance-content p { font-size: 1rem; color: #333; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 0; } const insuranceData = { coverage: { title: "Minimum Coverage", text: "Your travel insurance policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medical repatriation (such as returning you home for treatment or, in severe cases, repatriation of remains). If your coverage is less than €30,000, your visa application will be rejected." }, area: { title: "Coverage Area", text: "The insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries. It should clearly state 'Schengen Area' or 'Europe including Schengen' in the coverage territory. Even if you’re only visiting one country, once you're inside Schengen, you can move freely — so the policy should not limit coverage to one country." }, period: { title: "Coverage Period", text: "Your insurance should be valid for the entire duration of your trip. Ideally, extend coverage a few extra days beyond your travel dates to accommodate delays or changes. For example, if you’re travelling from June 1 to June 15, ensure your policy covers at least June 1 to June 15 — better yet, June 1 to June 20 for flexibility." }, benefits: { title: "What It Must Cover", text: "At minimum, your insurance must include emergency medical treatment and emergency evacuation/repatriation. Most Schengen-approved policies also include accidental injury and emergency dental care. Baggage loss or trip cancellation coverage is optional — useful for your peace of mind, but not required for visa approval." } }; function showInsurance(type) { const display = document.getElementById("insurance-display"); const data = insuranceData[type]; display.innerHTML = `

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When you apply, you must show proof of this insurance – typically a letter or certificate from the insurance company confirming the coverage amount, validity dates, and coverage area. Many insurance providers are very familiar with Schengen visa requirements and will issue a “Visa Letter” or certificate that states it meets EU requirements.

Where to get Schengen visa insurance? There are many options:

• International travel insurance companies: such as Allianz, AXA, Europ Assistance, World Nomads, IMG, Insubuy, etc., offer dedicated Schengen visa plans. For example, AXA has a “Schengen Visa Insurance” policy you can buy online and instantly download the certificateaxa-schengen.com.
• Local insurance providers: In many countries, local insurance or bank companies have travel insurance plans that meet Schengen requirements. Just ensure the policy explicitly says it’s valid in Schengen countries and covers €30,000 minimum.
• Often visa application center websites list recommended insurers or minimum criteria. You are free to choose any provider as long as it meets the criteria – consulates do not require it to be from a specific company.

Cost of insurance: Schengen travel insurance is usually affordable. The cost depends on your age, length of stay, and coverage amount. For a short trip (e.g., 1-2 weeks), a basic €30,000 coverage policy might cost only around €20-50. Even for a longer 90-day stay, it could be on the order of €100 or a bit more. It’s a small price for the required peace of mind. Policies with higher coverages (e.g., €100,000) or extra benefits cost more, but €30k is the minimum you must have.

Tip: Purchase insurance after you know your travel dates, but before your visa appointment. You do need the insurance certificate to apply. If your visa is denied, many insurance companies will refund the premium (if you haven’t traveled), or you can cancel the policy – check the cancellation terms before buying. Some providers offer full refund if you show visa refusal letter.

Schengen Visa Application Form and Photo Specifications

Filling out the visa application form and providing proper passport photos are basic yet crucial parts of your application. Mistakes here can cause unnecessary hiccups. Let’s break down these requirements:

Schengen Visa Application Form

The Schengen visa form is a standardized document used for all member countries. It’s typically an 8-page form asking for your personal details, travel plans, and declarations. Key points for the form:

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The form might look a bit daunting, but every field has a purpose. If in doubt, check the guidance on the embassy website or ask the visa center staff – they often quickly review the form when you submit and may let you correct minor things on the spot.

Schengen Visa Photo Size and Requirements

You need to submit two recent passport-size photographs with your application. These photos must meet specific requirements, otherwise they can be rejected. Schengen visa photo specs include:

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Usually, any professional passport photo studio will know these requirements for a “Schengen visa photo.” Just mention it when you get your photo taken. Many visa application centers also offer photo services on-site (for a fee) to ensure you have correct photos. It’s a good idea to bring a couple of extra copies just in case.

Attach one photo to the application form (if required – some forms have a printed box to glue one photo) and leave the other loose but paperclipped to the form or as instructed. Do not staple the photo (staples can damage the image).

Bad photos are a common reason applications get held up – if the photo doesn’t meet standards, the consulate will make you provide a new one. So pay attention to these details from the start.

Biometric Data (Fingerprints)

Since 2015, Schengen visa applicants are required to provide biometric data – namely, fingerprints (and a digital photograph in some cases) – which are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS). Here’s what to know:

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In summary, biometric enrollment is part of the application – it’s usually nothing to worry about. Just remember that you must show up in person (for the first time at least) to fulfill this requirement. If you have a temporary injury (like a bandaged finger), alert the consulate in advance as they may reschedule since they need all fingers’ prints.

Schengen Visa Processing Time and What to Expect

Once you’ve submitted your application, the waiting game begins. How long does it take to get a Schengen visa in 2025, and what factors affect processing? Let’s break it down:

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In summary, plan ahead and be patient. The processing time is usually a couple of weeks, but always prepare for the unexpected. Once you have that visa, all the effort will be worth it as you embark on your European journey!

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Schengen Visas

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For example, Indian, Chinese, Russian, and Nigerian nationals must apply in advance. Nationals from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and similar countries are visa-exempt for short stays up to 90 days. From 2025/26, ETIAS registration will be needed, but it is not a visa." }, photo: { title: "What Is the Schengen Visa Photo Size?", text: "The required photo size is 35 mm x 45 mm (1.4 x 1.8 inches). It must be recent, in color, and taken against a plain light background. Neutral expression, no sunglasses or hats (unless religious), and face forward are required." }, stay: { title: "How Long Can I Stay in Europe?", text: "You may stay up to 90 days in a 180-day rolling window. This can be one trip or multiple trips that add up to 90 days total. You cannot reset this by exiting and re-entering. For longer stays, apply for a national visa." }, entry: { title: "Single vs Multiple Entry Visas", text: "A single-entry visa allows one trip only. If you leave, it's used. For multiple trips, request a multiple-entry visa. Check your visa sticker — it will show '1', '2', or 'MULT' to indicate the number of allowed entries." }, tickets: { title: "Do I Need to Book Flights in Advance?", text: "No, full ticket purchases are not required. You can submit temporary reservations or itineraries. Buying non-refundable tickets before visa approval is risky and not recommended." }, bank: { title: "How Much Bank Balance Is Required?", text: "Requirements vary, but you must show funds to cover travel, stay, and return. €50–€100 per day is a general guideline. For a 2-week trip, €3000–€5000 is typically acceptable. A sponsor may support you, but proof is required." }, insurance: { title: "Is Travel Insurance Mandatory?", text: "Yes. It must cover at least €30,000 in medical/emergency expenses, valid for all Schengen countries for the entire stay. Proof of coverage is a required document and must be submitted with your application." }, work: { title: "Can I Work on a Schengen Visa?", text: "No. The short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) is for tourism, business visits, or family visits. It does not allow work or conversion to a work permit. For employment, apply for a national work visa from the relevant country." }, location: { title: "Can I Apply from Another Country?", text: "You must apply in your country of legal residence. If you’re on a temporary visit elsewhere, most consulates will not accept your application. Exceptions exist for emergencies but are rare." }, dates: { title: "What If My Travel Dates Change?", text: "You can travel any time within the visa validity period, but if your plans shift beyond that range, you may need to reapply. You cannot change visa dates once it is issued, so plan ahead carefully." }, firstentry: { title: "Do I Have to Visit the Issuing Country First?", text: "Yes, or spend the most time there. While technically valid across Schengen, entering through or visiting the issuing country is expected. Deviating significantly may raise questions at border control." }, border: { title: "What Documents Are Checked at the Border?", text: "At your first Schengen entry, the officer may ask your purpose of visit and request to see documents like your return ticket, insurance, and proof of funds. Always carry printed copies of these in your hand luggage." }, passport: { title: "What If My Passport Expires Soon?", text: "Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure and issued within the last 10 years. If your passport is about to expire, renew it before applying. Visa validity will not exceed your passport’s expiry." }, refund: { title: "Can I Get a Refund if Refused?", text: "No. Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Service center fees are also not returned. This is why accurate documents and strong application preparation are critical." }, switzerland: { title: "Is the Visa Valid for Switzerland & Norway?", text: "Yes. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area even though they are not EU members. Your Schengen visa is valid for travel to these countries just like any other Schengen destination." } }; function showFAQ(key) { const display = document.getElementById("faq-display"); const data = faqData[key]; display.innerHTML = `

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