Photo PassMake my photo Schengen visa guide: the 90/180 rule, documents and application process
Learn what a Schengen short-stay visa covers, which consulate is responsible, how the 90 days in 180 rule works, what documents are usually required and where the photo fits.
What this visa or program is
A Schengen short-stay visa is designed for visits of up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen area. Common purposes include tourism, family visits and business, but the evidence must match the selected purpose.
Apply to the consulate of the main destination. If stays are equal, the first-entry rule may determine responsibility. Choosing a convenient but incorrect consulate can lead to the application being rejected or redirected.
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- Territory
- Schengen Area
- Normal decision target
- 15 calendar days
- Biometrics
- Normally required
This independent guide explains the normal route, not a personal eligibility decision. Immigration rules, fees and appointment procedures can change; check the linked authority and the office handling your application before submitting or paying.
Who needs it?
- Nationals of countries subject to the Schengen short-stay visa requirement.
- Visa-exempt travellers do not apply for this visa, but still must meet border-entry conditions.
- Long stays, work and residence generally require a national procedure rather than a short-stay Schengen visa.
Core eligibility
- A genuine, documented purpose and coherent itinerary.
- A valid passport meeting the timing and blank-page rules.
- Travel medical insurance meeting the applicable Schengen conditions.
- Sufficient means, accommodation and evidence of intention to leave before the authorized stay ends.
Documents and information to prepare
- Completed and signed application form, passport and compliant photo.
- Travel medical insurance, itinerary, transport and accommodation evidence.
- Financial evidence and proof of employment, study, business or other ties.
- Purpose-specific documents such as invitation, business correspondence or family evidence, plus translations if required by the post.
How to apply, step by step
Identify the responsible country
Base the application on the real main destination and purpose, not merely the easiest appointment.
Read that consulate’s checklist
Shared EU rules sit alongside local appointment, translation and evidence instructions.
Book and prepare
Complete the form, obtain insurance, assemble the itinerary and keep copies of every submission.
Attend the appointment
Submit documents, pay the fee and provide fingerprints and a facial image unless an exemption applies.
Track the decision
The consulate may ask for more documents or extend processing. Read the visa sticker carefully if approved.
Timing and fees
- The standard decision period is generally 15 calendar days after an admissible application, but it can be extended. Appointment availability is separate.
- The harmonized fee can change and exemptions or reductions exist. Verify the current amount and service-centre charges on the responsible consulate’s site.
Validity and stay conditions
- The sticker states validity dates, number of entries and permitted duration. These are separate limits and all must be respected.
- The 90/180 calculation is rolling and includes stays in other Schengen states; a multiple-entry visa does not reset the allowance.
Photo requirements
The photo is part of the biometric identity record. The widely used format is 35 × 45 mm, but the responsible consulate or visa centre controls the final local checklist.
- Usually 35 × 45 mm
- Recent colour portrait with neutral expression
- Plain light background and even lighting
- Face unobstructed, eyes visible and natural skin tones
Common refusal or delay risks
- Applying to the wrong member state or presenting an implausible itinerary.
- Insufficient funds, insurance, accommodation, purpose evidence or proof of return.
- Reservations and answers that contradict each other.
- Previous overstays, alerts, document fraud or doubts about intention to leave.
After approval
- Verify name, passport number, validity, entries and duration on the sticker.
- Carry supporting documents at the border because a visa does not create an automatic right of entry.
- Track all Schengen days and leave before both the authorized duration and visa validity end.
Official sources and next check
Use these authority pages to verify live eligibility, fees, forms, dates and submission instructions:
Prepare the photo when the application is ready
First confirm the correct visa route and current checklist. Then use the matching preset to crop and export the portrait privately on your device.
Create a Schengen visa photo