Schengen visa holders can visit 26 European countries for a period of up to 90 days within a 180 day period, with no need to deal with passport control when travelling by land.
Launched in 1985, Schengen makes it easy and hassle-free to explore the cities, mountain scapes and beaches of one of the most culturally and historically-rich areas on Earth.
But applying for a Schengen visa requires planning and preparation.
Here are six things you should know before applying for a Schengen visa.
If you currently hold a Singaporean passport (that will be valid for three months after the date you are scheduled to leave Europe), you do not need a visa to visit Schengen zone countries for tourism purposes - assuming the trip does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Croatia are not part of the Schengen zone, but you can still visit these countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period with a visa.
If you have a Schengen visa, you are only permitted to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days in any 180-day period - the same as if you simply arrived with only your Singaporean passport.
If you wish to stay in a Schengen member country for more than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa at the applicable embassy.
Note: From January 2021, Singaporeans will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa, as well as hold as a valid passport.
If you are only visiting one country, apply for your Schengen visa at the embassy of that nation.
If you are visiting more than one country, visit the embassy of the country in which you will spend the most time in. If unsure, apply at the embassy of the nation to which you will arrive first.
● Completed Schengen visa application form(s) (children's applications must be filled out by parent or guardian). You can download the form here from shengenvisainfo.com.
● Recent passport photos (glued to the applicable area of visa application form); must be high quality, unedited, and taken against a plain background.
● Covering letter - detailing your arrival and departure dates, and your itinerary.
● Proof of funds - This should take the form of bank or credit card statements (covering 3 months); payslips; purchased foreign currency; or other documents proving ability to cover costs of your travels in the Schengen zone. Some Schengen nations stipulate how much you need per day, while others regulate it on a case-by-case basis. These minimum amounts vary from country to country, and additionally might vary based on the type of accommodation you plan to stay in, or if you are under 18 or not. As a rule of thumb, a 100 euros per day will be sufficient for most Schengen countries, but you can check country-specific sums here from shengenvisainfo.com.
● Flight reservations proof - inbound and return.
● Proof of accommodation for the period of your intended stay in the Schengen area.
● Proof of payment of visa fee (60 euros/96 Singapore dollars).
Note: the following are unlikely to be required for Singaporeans who simply wish to visit Europe on holiday for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
There are some situations where you may need to provide additional information. If you are being sponsored by someone in the Schengen zone, you will need to show the sponsors' bank statements, passport, and evidence of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate).
Depending on your reasons for travel, you may also need to show documentation: of employment; self-employment; if you are a student in Singapore; or, if you are also travelling to a non-Schengen country, proof of applicable visa (or transit visa).
