Guidelines on How to Apply for a Visa
Find out where you need to apply
Depending on how your destination country in Schengen has regulated visa submission in your country of residence, you will have to file your Schengen visa application at one of the following:
-
Their embassy
-
One of their consulates
-
A visa centre to which the embassy of your destination country has outsourced visa submission
-
The embassy/consulate of another Schengen state to which the embassy of your destination country has outsourced visa submission
Find the most suitable time to apply
Due to the time that the Schengen embassies/consulates worldwide need to process a Schengen visa, you have an appointed period within which you can file your visa application.
The allowed period to apply for a Schengen visa is as follows:
-
The earliest you can file a visa application: six months before you start your planned trip.
-
The latest you can file a visa application: at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
-
The recommended time to file a visa application: at least three weeks before your trip.
Proofing financial sufficiency
enerally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
-
A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
-
Credit card
-
Cash
-
Traveller’s cheques
-
Payslips
-
Proof of employment
-
Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
-
Proof of prepaid accommodation
-
Document about accommodation in private
-
Proof of prepaid transport
Minor travelers
-
Birth certificate
-
A minor accompanied by one parent should provide an original notarized NOC by the other parent, plus copies of parents passports or ID
-
A minor travelling alone shall provide an original notarized NOC by both parents / legal guardians, plus copies of parents passports or ID