What is a Schengen Visa? 2024 Schengen Visa Fee

Europe is a worldwide center of attraction with its historical, cultural and natural riches. However, to explore this continent and move freely between various countries, a visa is usually required. This is where the Schengen Visa comes into play.

So, what is a Schengen Visa, who is it valid for and how to get it? In this article, you will discover the details of this special visa type that will make your travel in Europe easier. Everything you need to visit the Schengen Area, which covers a wide geography from different villages to cities, from mountains to seas in Europe, is here.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a common visa system applied by 27 countries in Europe. This visa allows free movement within these countries, known as the Schengen Area. The Schengen Visa can be valid for both short and long-term visits and allows its holders to enter Europe multiple times within a certain period or only once.

In what cases can I get a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is generally needed in the following cases:

• Tourist Visits : This is the type of visa that people who want to have a holiday within the Schengen Area of Europe usually apply for short-term visits (90 days or less). Tourist trips include purposes such as city tours, visiting historical and cultural places.
• Business Travel: Used for visits for business meetings, conferences, seminars and commercial events. Includes business-related activities such as job interviews, trade fairs, professional networking events.
• Visiting Family and Friends : This is the type of visa applied for by people who want to visit family members or friends living in Europe. It is used for purposes such as family gatherings, special occasions (such as weddings, birthdays) and visiting friends.
• Education and Cultural Exchange : Taken for short-term education programs, language courses or cultural exchange programs. Includes short-term education, internships and similar cultural or educational activities.
• Medical Treatment : This is the type of visa that people who want to receive medical treatment in European countries can apply for. It covers visits for health treatment and medical services.

Visa Types

There are different types of Schengen visas for short-term visits, business trips, family visits, long-term stays and transit. The Schengen visa provides great convenience for both individual and commercial travel and grants entry to a wide area in Europe. The types of Schengen visas, which vary according to your travel duration and purpose, are as follows:

• Short-Term Schengen Visa (Type C): This type of visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. It can usually be single-entry or multiple-entry. It is suitable for tourist visits, business trips, family visits and short-term education programs.
• Long-term Schengen Visa (Type D): This visa is issued to people who want to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days. This type of visa can usually be for a year or longer. It is used for long-term study, work or long-term family reunification.
• Multiple Entry Schengen Visa: A multiple entry visa allows you to enter the country an unlimited number of times within a certain period of time. This period usually ranges from one to five years. It is suitable for people who travel to Europe regularly. It is ideal for situations such as business trips or regular family visits.
• Transit Visa (Type A): A visa issued to people who want to pass through a country within the Schengen Area for the sole purpose of transit. This visa can usually be valid for a few hours to a few days. It is used for the duration of the stay at the airport when traveling to a third country via European countries.

In Which Countries Is the Schengen Visa Valid?

The Schengen Visa allows free movement in a wide area of Europe. Both EU member countries and non-EU Schengen countries are covered by this visa. With a single visa, you can travel between these countries easily, and make business, holiday or cultural visits. In this section, we will examine in detail the countries included in the Schengen Area and the countries where the visa is valid.

List of countries that are members of the European Union and can be visited with a Schengen Visa:

• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Holland
• Spain
• Swedish
• Italy
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuanian
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Greece

Countries that are not members of the European Union and are included in the Schengen Visa:

• Switzerland
• Iceland
• Norway
• Liechtenstein

In addition to these, it is possible to go to the Greek Islands, which have become quite popular among summer routes, with a Schengen visa. With the visa valid for all Greek Islands

Travel to Greek Islands with a Schengen Visa

The Greek Islands continue to be a favorite of holidaymakers with the variety they offer, from their impressive historical ruins to their magnificent natural beauties. It is also possible to go to the Greek Islands, which have recently become quite popular among summer holiday destinations, with a Schengen visa. With a Schengen visa valid for all Greek Islands, you can organize enjoyable travel plans in your summer months with the Greek Island ferry ticket opportunities you will buy from Bilet.com.

If you want to travel to the Greek Islands but don't know which one to go to or where to go from, here are the most preferred routes by tourists among these islands:

• Kos - Leros
• Kos - Rhodes
• Patmos - Kos
• Leros - Patmos
• Kos - Kalymnos
• Kalymnos - Leros
• Lesbos - Chios
• Karlovassi - Mykonos
• Rhodes – Symi

If your Schengen visa is ready and you have decided on your route, a safe and comfortable journey awaits you with Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, important companies operating between the Greek Islands.

2024 Schengen Visa Fees

Schengen Visa application fees may vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s age group. As of 2024, the current fees for the Schengen Visa are important information for those planning their visa application process. In this section, we will examine the Schengen Visa application fees for 2024, when the fees change, and the fee differences between countries.

Current Visa Application Fees for 2024

Short Term Schengen Visa (Type C)

• Adults (12 years and older): Usually €80
• Children (6-11 years old): Approximately 40 euros
• Children (5 and under): Free in most cases (However, a small fee may apply in some countries)

Long Term Schengen Visa (Type D)

• The standard fee for long-term visas is around 99 Euros. However, the fee for long-term visa applications may vary depending on the duration of the visa and other factors.

Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

• Multiple entry visa applications can usually cost a little more than a short-stay visa, but can have a range of fees. The fee for a multiple entry visa can usually be over 80 Euros and can vary depending on the applicant's visa application history.

Transit Visa

• Transit visas are subject to a short-term visa fee, which is usually around €80. However, different fees may apply in some countries.

In Which Situations Do Fees Change?

Schengen Visa application fees may be updated from time to time and may vary depending on various factors. These changes are a major factor affecting the visa application process, so it is something you should take into consideration when making your travel plans. Here are some of the main reasons and effects of changes in Schengen Visa fees:
Age Groups and Exceptions

• Children and Teenagers: Children aged 6-11 usually get a reduced fee (around €40). Children aged 5 and under usually get a visa for free, but some countries have different policies.
• Seniors and Disabled : In some countries, free or discounted visa fees may be applied for seniors and disabled individuals.

Diplomatic and Official Passports

• Diplomatic Visa Fees: Visa fees are often reduced or free for diplomatic or official passport holders. This can vary depending on the country and visa type.

Country of Visa Application

• Differences by Country : There may be slight differences in application fees between countries in the Schengen Area. In particular, application center fees, service charges and additional fees applied by visa application centers may affect the total cost.

Extra Services and Expedited Processing Fees

• Expedited Visa Fees: In urgent cases or expedited visa applications, additional fees may be charged. These services may cost more than the standard visa fee.
• Service Fees: Additional services offered by visa application centers and intermediaries (e.g., document delivery, consultancy services) may incur additional fees.

How to Get a Schengen Visa?

Obtaining a Schengen Visa opens the door to travel to many countries in Europe. This allows you to travel freely between countries in the region for a certain period of time with a single visa. However, it is important to follow certain steps for this process to go smoothly. Here is the step-by-step Schengen Visa application process:

Gather the Required Documents

Before preparing your application, you must collect the following documents:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months from the end of your trip and must have been issued within the last 10 years. Must have at least two blank pages for visa applications.
• Visa Application Form: You must fill out the application form required for a Schengen visa completely and accurately. The form can be obtained from official consulates or visa application centers of the countries in the Schengen area.
• Photo: Photographs taken within the last 6 months, 35x45 mm in size, with a light background and your face clearly visible.
• Travel Insurance: Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros, valid in all countries in the Schengen Area.
• Travel Plan and Accommodation Documents: Copies of round-trip airline tickets. Reservations for your accommodation or invitation letter.
• Documents Showing Financial Status : Bank statements for the last 3-6 months. Pay slips or other income documents from your employer.
• Return Guarantee: A permission letter from your workplace or documents showing your educational status.

Contact Visa Application Centre or Consulate

• Appointment Procedures : To apply for your visa, make an appointment with the consulates or authorized visa application centers of the Schengen countries. Appointment systems may vary from country to country, so check the website of the relevant consulate or application center.
• Pay the Application Fee : Pay the visa fee required at the time of application. Fees can be paid at the application center or online.

Submit Application Form and Documents

• Delivery : Deliver the visa application form along with the documents you have collected to the application center or consulate. Make sure your documents are complete and correct.
• Fingerprints and Interview : Fingerprints may be taken at your initial application. In addition, in some cases, you may be required to have a brief interview with a consular officer.

Wait for the Application to be Completed

• Processing Time: It usually takes 15 business days to process your visa application. However, this may take longer if additional documentation is requested or applications are processed over a longer period of time.
• Result: You will be informed about the result of your application. When your visa is approved, your visa will be stamped on your passport. In case of rejection, an explanation of the reason for rejection will be given.

Visa Approval and Travel

• Obtaining a Visa : Collect your passport along with the approved visa from the application center or consulate.
• Travel Preparations : Plan your travel with your visa. Pay attention to your visa period and conditions during your travel.

Tips for Schengen Visa Application

When applying for a Schengen Visa, it may be useful to pay attention to some important tips to increase the chances of your visa application being accepted and not being rejected. Here are the points to consider for a successful application:

Provide Complete and Accurate Documentation

• Prepare all required documents for visa application completely and accurately. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents such as passport, application form, photo, travel insurance, flight and accommodation reservations.
• Make sure your documents are up to date and accurate. Outdated or incorrect documents may result in your application being rejected.
• Present your documents in a neat and orderly manner. Mixed or disorganized documents can make it difficult to review your application.

Make Your Financial Situation Look Good

• Provide regular bank statements for the last 3-6 months. Documents showing that there is sufficient money in the account show that your financial situation is sufficient.
• Provide a current pay stub or proof of income from your employer. This shows that you can financially support yourself during the trip.
• Document any additional sources of income (such as property rental income, investment income, etc.) if you have any. This can help you provide stronger evidence of your financial strength.

Provide Your Travel Plan in Detail

• Provide detailed information about your travel plans. Show your flight and accommodation reservations in line with your travel dates.
• Clearly state your intention to return to your home country after your trip. Provide evidence of your reasons for return, such as work, family ties or education.
• Provide clear documentation to support your purpose for travel, such as tourism, business or family visit.

Fill Out the Application Form Carefully

• Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Incorrect or incomplete information may result in your application being rejected.
• Be sure to sign and date the form correctly. A missing signature or date can cause problems.
• If you are called for an interview, answer the questions clearly and honestly. Any inconsistencies that raise suspicions may result in your application being rejected.

Travel Health Insurance and Other Requirements

• Make sure your travel health insurance is valid in the Schengen Area and provides coverage of at least 30,000 Euros. Clarify the details of the insurance policy and its validity period.
• Present your travel insurance policy among the application documents in a complete and understandable manner.

Pay Application Fees Correctly

• The application fee is usually paid at the time of application. Make sure the fee is paid in full and the payment is made correctly.
• Keep any proof of payment or receipts and submit them with your application documents.

Pre-Visa Application Research and Preparation

• Check the visa application requirements and special requirements of the Schengen country you will be traveling to. Familiarize yourself with the documents and procedures that may differ between countries.
• Follow the instructions of the application center or consulate carefully. Complete all the steps stated in the instructions.