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A SCHENGEN visa is one of the mandatory requirements that must be met by travelers who want to vacation in Europe. Yes, without this visa, you will not be allowed to enter the European countries or the Schengen area that you want to visit.
The Schengen area itself consists of Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. This visa is valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Traveling to Europe for the first time and want to get a Schengen Visa? There are several things you need to prepare, starting from document requirements, costs and so on. So how do you apply for a Schengen visa? As reported by Antara, here is the guide.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
When applying for a visa, there are several things you need to prepare so that this process can run smoothly and without obstacles. Here is a guide to getting a visa, from registering to collecting documents, including options through a travel agent.
1.Registration and Reservation of Interview Date or Document Verification
(a). Visit the official website of the embassy of the destination country to register and download the necessary forms. (b). 2. Register through the designated platform to fill in your personal information and select an interview/verification schedule, (c). 3. Some countries, such as the United States, require payment in advance before selecting a verification schedule. Be sure to save proof of payment.
2. Preparing Important Documents
While waiting for the interview or verification schedule, there are several documents you need to prepare. Here are some of them: (a). Passport and photocopy: Passport must be active for at least 6 months before it expires, (b). KTP and photocopy: Make sure the KTP is valid or attach an e-KTP receipt and a domicile letter if needed, (c). Application form: Downloaded from the embassy’s website, then filled out carefully to avoid mistakes, (d). Photo according to format: Each country has different photo rules (e.g. size, background). Check the official embassy website for guidelines.
(e). Proof of Visa payment: Required for countries that require advance payment (f). Sponsor/Recommendation Letter: Required to strengthen the application, especially if there are contacts in the destination country, (g). Work/Study Certificate: To prove that you are not staying illegally or working without authorization, (h). Financial documents: Proof of finances, such as pay stubs or bank statements, is usually required to show financial ability. (i). Itinerary and Airline Tickets: Prepare a travel itinerary and secure a return ticket if necessary. (j). Health Certificate: Some countries require a certificate of freedom from certain diseases, such as tuberculosis.
3. Submit documents and interview (if required)
(a). Submit documents to the designated location (embassy office or special visa center), (b). Bring photocopies of each document for backup. Some countries may also require an interview to further understand the purpose of the visit.
4. Visa Collection Process
(a). The visa collection process may take several days depending on the number of applicants. The embassy will provide the latest information via SMS or email, (b). When the visa is approved, pick it up at the designated office. For visas that are attached to a passport, the passport cannot be taken home during this process.
Applying for a Visa Through a Travel Agent
If you do not have time or the location is far from the embassy, you can apply for a visa through a travel agent. Some important documents that need to be sent to the travel agent are as follows (a). Passport, (b). Application form, (c). Photo according to format, (d). Letter of Sponsorship/Employment Certificate, (e). Proof of financial resources, (f). Photocopy of KTP and Family Card (g). Itinerary and proof of ticket. h). After the travel agent has completed processing, the documents can be picked up at the agent or sent directly to the applicant. However, make sure that the agency you use is recognized by the embassy.
Other tips for applying for a Schengen visa
(a). Apply outside the holiday season to avoid long lines, (b). Start the application process well in advance to avoid being hindered by departure schedules, (c). By understanding these steps, obtaining a visa can be an easier process and can be tailored to your travel needs.
Schengen Visa Processing Fees
(a). The current Schengen visa processing fee for European countries is approximately 90 Euros (approx. IDR1.5 million) for adult applicants and 45 Euros (approx. IDR750,000) for children, (b). This fee has been in effect since June 2024, after the European Commission increased it to adjust for inflation and operational costs. In addition to visa fees, applicants must consider additional costs such as travel insurance, which is mandatory for this visa application. [kumparan.com/photo special]
