Applying for a Schengen visa will soon be 100% online

Planning a trip to Europe? Tired of gathering paperwork and visiting embassies to apply for a Schengen visa? There’s good news on the way. Soon, you’ll be able to complete all Schengen visa applications entirely online—no matter which of the 26 member countries is your destination. Find out everything you need to know about the upcoming process right here.

What is a Schengen visa?

This short-stay visa lets you travel freely across 26 European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement. Those countries share a single external border, and with just one visa, you can move around the entire zone without restrictions. While the visa isn’t required for people already living within the Schengen Area, it remains essential for short-term visitors from outside the bloc.

Until now, lodging a Schengen visa application meant a trip to the embassy or consulate of your chosen destination. But a major change is underway. The European Commission has set a 2026 target to fully digitalize the entire process, step by step, meaning no in-person visits would be needed regardless of the country processing your application.

Types of Schengen visas: what’s available?

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit. All short-stay visas fall under the Uniform Schengen Visa (VSU) scheme and grant stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Schengen Visa Type A

This is an airport transit visa. It allows you to pass through the international zones of Schengen airports only—nothing else. Even if issued by a Schengen member, a Type A visa has no validity outside the airport environment.

Schengen Visa Type C (short-stay)

These are commonly used Visas for tourism, short business trips, family visits, and other brief stays. Type C visas come in three subcategories:

• Single-entry: grants one entry and exit; the visa becomes invalid as soon as you leave the Schengen Area.

• Double-entry: allows two entries and exits within the visa’s validity period.

• Multiple-entry: lets you come and go as many times as you need within the visa window.

Schengen Visa Type D (long-stay/national)

These visas are for longer periods or permanent stays in one Schengen country. They can run from 90 days up to two years or more. Type D visas are typically used for work, study, or family reunification and may grant limited movement to other Schengen states. They’re issued by an individual country, not the collective Schengen system.

Essential documents for a Schengen visa

Anyone from outside the Schengen Area can apply as long as they meet the requirements. Standard supporting documents usually include:

• A completed and signed visa application form

• A valid passport

• A detailed explanation of your trip’s purpose

• A confirmed return-flight reservation to demonstrate you plan to leave

• Proof of accommodation for your entire stay

• Evidence of sufficient financial means for your time in Europe

• Valid travel insurance covering the intended stay

• Two recent passport-style photographs

Keep in mind: extra documents may be requested depending on the type of visa or the specific country processing your application.