Check visas and entry permits before travelling

• A Schengen short-stay visa is valid for stays of up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
• Visa requirements depend on nationality; some travellers are exempt from the visa requirement.
• A single- or multiple-entry visa and an airport transit visa allow for different types of journeys.
• Applications should be submitted to the consulate of the main destination; if stays are of equal length, the first Schengen country visited is the deciding factor.
• An application may be submitted no earlier than six months and generally at least 15 days before the trip begins; processing normally takes 15 days but can take up to 45 days.

A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area temporarily. The limit is 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Some visas allow a single entry, while others allow multiple entries during their validity. The number of days and permitted entries are stated on the visa.

Whether a visa is required depends on nationality; exemptions apply to certain travellers and purposes of travel. When visiting several Schengen countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you will stay the longest. If the stays are of equal length, the consulate of the first country visited is responsible. Applications are generally submitted in the country of residence where the traveller is legally resident. Visas and entry requirements also differ from the document requirements for EU citizens.

A Schengen visa covers short stays. Longer stays are subject to the national rules of the country concerned. For travel planning, you can note the length of stay, number of entries and booking dates together. Even a stay of less than 90 days remains subject to the conditions stated on the visa.

A Schengen visa application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the planned trip and generally no later than 15 days before departure. You may need to book an appointment at the consulate. The standard processing time is 15 days; a more detailed review or a request for additional documents can extend this to up to 45 days. These timeframes apply to Schengen short-stay visas.

The application must include a valid passport, the application form and an appropriate photograph. Supporting documents should cover the purpose of the trip, sufficient financial means and accommodation during the stay; you must also provide travel medical insurance covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation. Accommodation at your destination and in the surrounding area can be arranged for your stay. Additional documents may be required, depending on the application. Passports and personal documents should carry the same name and passport details as those on the application and booking.

The length of stay and the validity of the passport are two different things. As a rule, a passport for a Schengen visa must remain valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. For multiple-entry visas, this remaining validity is measured from departure from the last country visited. Travel documents stored digitally and securely can keep confirmations and booking details available offline.

Include the specific route and any transfers between airports or modes of transport in the same travel plan.

When transferring outside the Schengen Area, the rules of the transit country apply. A visa for your destination does not replace any additional transit visa you may need. Arrival, transfers and transit routes should be planned as separate legs if your flights are booked separately or you need to change airports. A travel checklist with a schedule brings your application, stay and transfers together in one overview.

German nationals can find country-specific travel and entry information from the Federal Foreign Office. If your booking details change, review your passport, visa, entries and permitted length of stay together. Addresses and essential information in the local language can be saved where they are easy to access during your trip.

Keep your passport and visa accessible during your trip. Bookings, consular confirmations, and accommodation and return-travel details can be stored separately in digital form and offline. If you are travelling by several modes of transport, keep your ticket details and connection times together too. Personal safety and important contacts are useful additions to your travel plans in case your documents or phone are unavailable while you are on the move.

If you have an early departure or a late transit, an overnight stay near the airport can give you more time for the next leg. Practical travel information about luggage, communication and getting to your departure point is also part of your preparations; travel arrangements and transport can be planned to suit your chosen route.

What does an airport transit visa for the Schengen Area allow?

It allows certain non-EU nationals to remain in the international transit area of a Schengen airport during a stopover. It does not allow them to leave that area. Some nationalities need a transit visa at all Schengen airports, while others need one only at airports in certain countries; exemptions also apply.