Overview
What you need to know
The Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa allows a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business. You apply at the consulate or visa centre of the country you are visiting (or your main destination). The normal processing time is 15 calendar days, which can be extended up to 45 days if a more detailed examination or extra documents are required.
Visa types
Which visa do you need?
Short Stay (Type C)
For tourism, business, visiting family, or short courses. The most common Schengen visa, granting travel across all 27 member states.
Max stay
90 days within any 180-day period
Validity
Single, double, or multiple entry
Requirements
What you need to prepare
Documents Viselia prepares with you
- 1Completed Schengen visa application form
- 2Cover letter explaining purpose, itinerary, and ties to home country
- 3Day-by-day travel itinerary
- 4Hotel bookings or accommodation confirmation
- 5Flight reservations (outbound and return)
- 6Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across Schengen)
Documents you bring to the embassy
Additional requirements
Other things to keep in mind
Valid passport
Issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area.
Purpose of visit
Justify the purpose and conditions of your stay (tourism, family, or business).
Sufficient funds
Show enough means of subsistence for your stay and your return journey.
Travel medical insurance
Hold insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 valid across the Schengen area (mandatory).
Intent to leave
Satisfy the consulate you will leave before the visa expires.
90/180 rule
Your planned stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Processing & fees
What to expect
Typical processing time
15–15 days
Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before travel. Minimum 15 days before departure.
Embassy application fee
€90
Adults. €45 for children aged 6–12. Free for children under 6. Paid to the consulate — not charged by Viselia.
How it works
Your application journey
- 1
Share your details
Tell us your travel plans and upload your documents through your secure Viselia dashboard.
- 2
We prepare your application
Our experts complete your forms, review your documents, and build a submission-ready file.
- 3
Review & submit
You review everything, then we guide you through booking your appointment and submitting to the embassy or consulate.
- 4
Track to decision
Track your application status in your dashboard right through to your visa decision.
Have your file prepared properly
One specialist handles your file. You approve before anything is finalised.
Government fee: €90
Paid directly to the embassy or consulate — this fee is not charged by Viselia.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Normally 15 calendar days from your appointment, extendable up to 45 days if further checks are needed. Apply no more than 6 months, and no less than 15 days, before travel.
€90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12 (children under 6 are free). Paid to the consulate — not charged by Viselia. Viselia's service fee is separate.
No — the decision rests with the consulate of the Schengen state handling your application. Viselia maximises your chances through accurate forms and thorough documentation.
A genuine, funded, short-term trip, valid travel medical insurance, and intent to leave within 90 days.
The country that is your main destination, or your first point of entry if there is no single main destination.