Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Complete Guide

September 6, 2025 Admin

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Complete Guide 2025 (Updated for 29 Countries)

Introduction

Planning a trip to Europe in 2025? If you’re from a country that requires a visa, you’ll likely need the Schengen Short-Stay Visa, also known as the Schengen Type C Visa.

This visa lets you explore 29 Schengen countries with a single document — covering tourism, business trips, family visits, and short cultural stays. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about the Schengen short-stay visa process — from eligibility and required documents to fees, timelines, and conditions.

🌍 What is the Schengen Short-Stay Visa?

The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to enter and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

It is designed for:

Tourism (holidays, sightseeing, city breaks)
Business (meetings, short conferences, trade fairs)
Visiting family or friends
Attending cultural or sports events

⚠️ Important: This visa does not allow you to work or study long-term. For that, you’ll need a national long-stay visa or residence permit from the country of destination.

✅ Quick Facts (At a Glance)

Visa Type: Short-Stay (Type C)
Stay Limit: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Countries Covered: 29 Schengen states
Standard Fee (Adults): €90 (effective June 2024)
Insurance Requirement: Minimum €30,000 coverage
Processing Time: ~15 days (can extend up to 45–60 days in special cases)
Entries Allowed: Single, double, or multiple-entry (depends on approval)

🗺️ Schengen Area Countries (2025 – 29 Countries)

As of 2025, the Schengen Area covers 29 countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

👉 With one Schengen visa, you can visit all of these countries without border checks. Check details at official eu website.

🎯 Why Apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa?

One visa = 29 countries — seamless travel within Europe.
Perfect for tourists & business travelers — holidays, meetings, events.
Convenient for family visits — attend weddings, reunions, or short gatherings.
Widely accepted — one of the most powerful short-term visas worldwide.

📝 Eligibility Criteria

You must apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa if:

You are from a visa-required country (check the EU’s official visa policy list).
You want to stay ≤90 days in any 180-day window.
Your purpose is tourism, business, or family visit.
You can show proof of funds, accommodation, travel insurance, and return intent.

📑 Required Documents Checklist

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of documents required:

✅ Completed visa application form
✅ Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond exit, 2 blank pages)
✅ Two passport-size photos (ICAO standards)
✅ Travel medical insurance (coverage of €30,000 minimum)
✅ Flight reservation or itinerary (round trip)
✅ Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
✅ Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips, sponsor letter)
✅ Cover letter (purpose + itinerary)
✅ Employment/Student letter (to show ties to home country)
✅ Previous visas (if applicable)
✅ Visa fee receipt (€90 for adults, €45 for kids 6–12, free for under 6)

📌 Tip: Always double-check with the embassy or VFS/TLS website for country-specific requirements.

🛂 Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify the Right Embassy/Consulate

Apply where you will spend most days of your trip.
If equal, apply where you’ll enter first.

2. Book an Appointment

Schedule online via the embassy, consulate, or visa service provider (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS, etc.).

3. Gather Documents

Use the checklist above.
Translate documents if required by the mission.

4. Attend Appointment

Submit application + biometrics (fingerprints & photo).
Pay fees.

5. Wait for Processing

Standard: ~15 calendar days.
Peak season: may take up to 30–60 days.

6. Receive Decision

Approved → Visa sticker in passport.
Refused → You can appeal (check consulate procedure).

💰 Schengen Visa Fees (2025)

Adults (12+): €90
Children (6–12 years): €45
Children under 6: Free
Exemptions/reductions: students, researchers, certain categories.

📌 Note: Service providers (like VFS) may charge extra fees.

⏳ Processing Time

Standard: 15 calendar days
Extended: Up to 45–60 days (complex cases, extra checks)
Best practice: Apply 2–3 months in advance of travel

📖 Understanding the 90/180 Rule

The 90/180-day rule means:

You can only stay in Schengen 90 days in any rolling 180-day window.
Count backwards 180 days from your intended stay to ensure you don’t exceed 90 days.

👉 Example: If you stayed 30 days in March, 30 days in May, and want 40 more days in July, that equals 100 days in 180 days → not allowed.

🚑 Travel Insurance Requirements

Minimum €30,000 coverage
Must cover all 29 Schengen countries
Must cover entire duration of stay
Must include emergency medical treatment + repatriation

❌ Common Reasons for Refusal (and How to Avoid)

Insufficient documents → Double-check checklist.
Weak financial proof → Submit 3–6 months of statements.
Unclear itinerary → Provide hotel bookings + flight reservation.
No ties to home country → Provide job/student letters, property papers.
Invalid insurance → Ensure €30,000 coverage.

For More detail Read also: Common Schengen Visa Rejections Reasons

❓ FAQs

Q1. Can I work on a Schengen Short-Stay Visa?

No, this visa does not permit work.

Q2. Can I extend my visa?

Rarely, only in emergencies (medical reasons, force majeure).

Q3. Can I visit all Schengen countries with one visa?

Yes, a valid visa generally allows free movement within all 29 countries.

Q4. When should I apply?

Up to 6 months before travel, ideally 2–3 months before departure.

Q5. Do I need insurance?

Yes, mandatory — €30,000 minimum coverage.

Conclusion

The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is your ticket to exploring Europe conveniently. With a single visa, you can visit 29 countries in 2025, whether for tourism, family, or business.

By preparing the right documents, applying early, and understanding the 90/180 rule, you can make your application smooth and stress-free.

✈️ Ready to start your European adventure? Begin your Schengen visa application today.