Schengen Visa Application Process Guide

The Schengen Visa is your key to accessing 29 of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries with just one document. Whether you’re planning a holiday, business visit, or short-term study, this visa offers unmatched convenience for Australian residents of non-EU nationalities.

With just one application, Australian residents can gain entry into top destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland all without repeated visa checks or border delays. Whether you're visiting family, attending business events, or exploring Europe as a tourist, the Schengen Visa from Australia ensures a smooth, hassle-free travel experience across the Schengen Area. It's especially beneficial for those planning multi-country trips or looking to make the most of a single European visit.

Schengen Visit Visa: Key Updates

• Travel to 29 Schengen countries with one visa
• Over 11.7 million Schengen visa applications in 2024
• More than 50% multiple-entry visas approved
• Best visa for Indian passport holders in Australia
• Mandatory travel insurance and biometric data
• Increased chances of Schengen visa approval
• Short processing time for Schengen visa from Australia
• High-demand visa for Europe travel 
• Ideal for Non-Australian Passport Holders

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows non-EU nationals to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries with no internal border checks. It is designed for travelers who wish to stay in the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, whether for tourism, business, family visits, or cultural events.

Note: Australian passport holders don’t need a Schengen visa for short stays under 90 days. But if you're living in Australia and hold a non-Australian passport (e.g., Indian, Chinese, Filipino), you must apply for a Schengen visa.

Types of Schengen Visa

Schengen visas are divided into four primary categories depending on the purpose and duration of your travel:

• Type A Schengen Visa – Airport Transit Visa: This visa allows travelers to transit through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area. It is required for some nationals even if the layover is brief.
• Type B Schengen Visa – Transit Visa: Now rarely issued, this visa previously allowed for transit by land or sea for up to 5 days. It's largely replaced by the Type C short-stay visa today.
• Type C Schengen Visa – Short-Stay Visa: The most common Schengen Visa, it allows holders to enter and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It may be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.
• Type D Schengen Visa – Long Stay National Visa: A Type D visa is issued for long-term stays (usually over 90 days), such as for employment, study, or family reunification in a specific Schengen country. It allows movement within the area only for up to 90 days.

Eligibility for Schengen Visa

Eligibility for a Schengen Visa requires that the applicant:

• Holds a valid passport
• Plans a temporary visit for tourism, business, or family purposes
• Can demonstrate sufficient financial resources
• Has strong ties to their home country (job, property, family)
• Is not inadmissible under Schengen immigration law

*Note: Applicants must also pass a visa interview and meet health and security criteria. Approval is discretionary and based on your ability to show non-immigrant intent.

Schengen Visa Requirements 

To apply for a Schengen Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Accurately filled and signed.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Travel Itinerary: Detailed plan of the trip, including flight bookings and accommodation.
• Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across all Schengen countries.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters.
• Proof of Employment or Study: Employment contract, leave letter, or enrollment proof.
• Visa Fee Payment: Proof of payment for the visa application fee.

How to apply for a Schengen visa

If you're a non-Australian passport holder residing in Australia and need a visa to visit the Schengen Area, follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine the Consulate

Identify the consulate of the Schengen country that is your main destination or first point of entry.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Book an appointment with the respective consulate or through their authorized visa application center.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather all required documents, including the completed application form, passport, photographs, travel itinerary, insurance, and financial proofs.

Step 4: Attend the Appointment

Submit your application and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the consulate or visa application center.

Step 5: Await Processing

Visa processing times can vary, but typically take between 15 to 30 working days.

Step 6: Collect Your Passport

Once processed, collect your passport with the visa stamp or receive it via mail, depending on the consulate's procedures.
 

Schengen Visa Application Processing Time

The Schengen Visa typically takes around 15 calendar days from your embassy or consulate appointment, but processing can vary during peak travel seasons, due to incomplete documents, or depending on the consulate location. It’s best to apply 3–6 weeks before travel, no earlier than 6 months in advance, to allow time for any delays.

Schengen Visa Cost  

The fees for a Schengen Visa depend on your nationality, the type of visa, and the age of the applicant. Below is a breakdown of the most common Schengen visa fees:

Applicant Category	Standard Visa Fee (Type C)	Additional VAC/Service Fee (approx.)
Adult (≥12 years)	€ 90	Up to € 120; typically € 15–40
Child (6–11 years)	€ 45	Up to € 120; typically € 15–40
Child (under 6 years)	Free	Up to € 120; typically € 15–40

Country-Wise Schengen Visa Application Guides

Traveller Group	Visa Requirement	Application Process / Key Steps	Processing & Policy Notes
Indian passport holders (from India)	Visa required for short stays (≤90 days).	• Choose main destination country. • Book appointment at its consulate or VAC (VFS/BLS). • Prepare documents + give biometrics (if not captured in last 59 months). • Lodge application 15–180 days before travel (earliest 6 months, or 9 months for seafarers).	• Typical decision: ~15 calendar days (can extend to 45 days). • Must apply in India unless legally resident elsewhere.
Australian citizens	No visa needed for short stays (≤90/180).	• Travel freely for tourism/business. • For stays beyond 90 days: apply for a national (D) visa with destination country.	• EES (Entry/Exit System) launches 12 Oct 2025, phased in over ~6 months. • ETIAS (pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers) due Q4 2026.
US citizens	No visa needed for short stays (≤90/180).	• Travel freely for tourism/business. • For stays beyond 90 days: apply for a national (D) visa.	• EES applies from 12 Oct 2025. • ETIAS mandatory from Q4 2026.
US residents with other passports	Depends on passport nationality (e.g., Indian passports need a visa).	• Apply in the US at the consulate/VAC of your main destination. • If stays equal, apply to consulate of first entry.	• Processing: ~15 days, up to 45 days if further checks.

Which Countries Are Included in Schengen Visa?

You can visit the following 29 countries on a single Schengen Visa:

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

*Note: Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area.

Impact of Policy Changes: EES, Biometric Tracking & ETIAS

Entry/Exit System (EES)

• Launches 12 October 2025, with a phased rollout of about six months.
• Fully operational by April 2026, replacing manual passport stamping with digital records.
• Collects biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) along with personal and travel details.
• Designed to improve border security and track overstays more effectively.

Biometric Tracking at Borders

• On the first trip after EES goes live, travellers will provide fingerprints and a photo at border kiosks or e-gates.
• For subsequent trips, biometrics will be verified automatically.
• Manual passport stamps will be gradually phased out.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

• Expected to launch in late 2026, after EES is fully operational.
• Mandatory for all visa-exempt travellers (e.g., Australian and U.S. citizens).
• Functions like the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA: an online authorisation required before boarding.
• Authorisation will cost around €20 and will be valid for up to three years or until passport expiry.

How can Y‑Axis help you?

At Y-Axis, we assist you throughout your Schengen Visa application process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Here's how we can help:

• Visa Consultation: We assess your eligibility and guide you on the most suitable visa type.
• Document Review: We help you prepare all the necessary documents to meet embassy requirements.
• Application Assistance: We assist you in completing the application form and scheduling your visa appointment.
• Visa Tracking: We provide timely updates on the status of your visa application.
• Sign up with Y-Axis to know more about Schengen visa