Schengen Tourist Visa – Traveling to Europe for Tourism/Leisure Purposes

What Is the Difference Between a Tourist and a Visitor Visa?

The difference between a Schengen tourist visa and a Schengen visitor visa is the purpose of the visit. For example, you apply for a visitor visa to visit a family member or a close friend who lives in the Schengen Area, while you apply for a tourist visa for tourism or leisure purposes.

Usually, a visitor visa requires an invitation letter from the person you are visiting in the Schengen Area, while this is not a requirement for a tourist visa.

How Do I Apply for a Tourist Visa to the Schengen Area?

To apply for a Schengen visa for tourism/leisure purposes, you must complete the following steps:

1. Check if you need a visa.
2. Determine if you qualify for a Tourist visa.
3. Find out where to submit your application.
4. Complete and download the visa application form.
5. Schedule your Tourist visa appointment.
6. Prepare the required documents.
7. Attend the visa interview.
8. Wait for the visa to process.
9. Collect your passport.

Check if You Need to Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa

You can use our visa wizard to check if you are required to apply for a Tourist visa before travelling to the Schengen zone for tourism purposes. If required, it will guide you on where to submit your visa application accurately.

Tourist Schengen Visa Checker

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Determine if You Qualify for a Tourist Visa

To qualify for a Schengen tourist visa, your trip to the EU/Schengen Area must be primarily for leisure or recreational purposes.

Here are some common scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for a short-stay visa for tourism purposes:

• Sightseeing and Touring: If you’re planning to tour cities, countryside, natural attractions, landmarks, and cultural sites within the Schengen Area for leisure and recreational enjoyment.
• Participating in Events or Festivals: If you’re attending festivals, concerts, or other cultural events as a tourist rather than a performer. However, if you’re performing at such events, you should apply for a Schengen visa for Cultural/Sports/Religious Events and Film Crews.
• Relaxation and Recreation: If you plan to engage in activities like spa retreats, beach vacations, or recreational sports during your stay in the Schengen area.
• Exploring Cuisine and Dining: If you’re interested in experiencing the local cuisine, dining at restaurants, and exploring culinary traditions.
• Shopping and Souvenirs: If you plan on shopping for souvenirs, local products, or luxury items during your visit.

Remember, the primary purpose of your trip must be leisure or recreation, and you should not engage in any activities that involve conducting business, working, or seeking employment during your stay in the Schengen Area.

Find Out Where to Submit Your Application

You can have to file your Schengen tourist visa application at one of the following:

• An embassy or consulate of the main destination country.
• A designated visa centre authorized by the embassy of your destination country to handle visa submissions.
• The embassy or consulate of another Schengen state to which your destination country has delegated the responsibility for visa submissions.

You can use the above visa checker to help you find out where to submit your visa application or read the following article for more details!

Selecting the Main Destination and the Appropriate Consulate/VAC for Your Visa Application

Complete & Download the Visa Application Form

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for a Tourist short-stay visa to Europe and determined where to submit your application, you should complete the visa application form.

You have two options for this: you can either download the standard Schengen visa application form, fill in all the required information, print it out, and sign it, or you can visit the official websites of the Schengen member countries and fill it out directly online through their systems.

For example, if you’re applying for a Tourist visa for Germany, you can complete the visa application on the official Videx website of the Auswärtiges Amt.

How to Fill the Schengen Visa Application Form

Schedule Your Tourist Visa Appointment

After determining where to apply for the Tourist Schengen visa and filling out the visa application form, the next step is to schedule an appointment. Usually, you can do this online through the embassy, consulate, or visa application centre’s website. Keep in mind that certain embassies may only accept appointments made through their official website.

Available slots depend on the EU/Schengen embassy/consulate and the time of year. Based on our experience, we strongly suggest that you inquire about appointments at least three weeks before you plan to travel.

Our Schengen visa checker not only determines whether you require a visa, but it also assists you in identifying the correct consulate/VAC for application and booking a tourist visa appointment.

When Is the Best Time to Book the Schengen Tourist Visa Appointment?

• The earliest you can file a Tourist Schengen visa application is six months before you start your planned trip.
• The latest you can file a Tourist Schengen visa application is at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
• The recommended time to file a Tourist Schengen visa application is at least three weeks before your trip.

Prepare the Required Documents for a Tourist Visa

You must gather the following documents for your Tourist Schengen visa application:

• Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
• A valid passport. Not older than 10 years, and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Older passports with visas on them (if you have any).
• Two recently taken photos must be attached. These photos must have been taken within the last three months, as per the visa photo requirements. You can obtain Schengen visa-compliant photos online at MyBiometricPhotos.com
• A round-trip reservation or itinerary must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.
• Travel insurance policy. This is a document confirming that you have health coverage for your entire visit to the Schengen territory. It must provide at least 30,000 euros in coverage for medical emergencies, including illnesses, accidents, and the possibility of repatriation in case of death.

Get free quotes and compare top-rated Schengen insurance plans from trusted providers like AXA, Europe Assistance, Allianz, and more. Ensure a hassle-free Schengen tourist visa application process by selecting the right insurance plan that meets all the requirements outlined in Regulation (EU) 2009/810 of the European Parliament.

• Bank account statement—This shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement must be no older than three months.
• Sponsorship Letter – by another person/company that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
• A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.

• Employment contract.
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months.
• Leave permission from the employer.
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.

• A copy of your business license.
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months.
• Income Tax Return (ITR).

• Proof of enrollment.
• No objection letter from the School or University.

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months.

• A confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company and the starting date.
• Spouse’s valid passport.
• An official marriage certificate.

Please note that official visa authorities hold the right to ask for any additional documents.

Attend the Visa Interview

Although some Schengen countries and the authorised visa centres might offer the option to fill out the application online, you still have to submit your Schengen tourist visa application in person because you also have to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints). So, on the day of your scheduled appointment, show up on time and bring all the required documents.

What Are Some Common Schengen Tourist Visa Interview Questions?

During a visa interview for a Schengen tourist visa, the consulate or embassy may ask a variety of questions to assess your eligibility and intentions.

Here are some possible questions:

• Can you provide details about your intended tourist activities and the purpose of your trip to the Schengen area?
• Which specific Schengen countries or cities do you plan to visit during your stay?
• Can you provide documentation or proof of your travel itinerary, such as hotel reservations, flight tickets, or tour bookings?
• How do you plan to cover your expenses during your stay, including accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses? Can you provide evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or sponsor letters?
• Have you obtained travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation during your trip? Can you provide documentation for this?
• What ties do you have to your home country that demonstrate your intention to return after your visit? This could include employment, property ownership, or familial responsibilities.
• Have you previously travelled to any other countries, including Schengen countries? If yes, please provide details of those trips.
• Are there any specific attractions or events you plan to attend during your visit to the Schengen area? Can you provide documentation regarding these plans, such as tickets or brochures?
• How long do you intend to stay in the Schengen area, and do you have a confirmed date for your departure?

The interview typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes. Please make sure your responses are clear and accurate and align with the information provided in your application form and other documents.

Here are some articles that could assist you in preparing for a successful Schengen Tourist visa interview.