Schengen Visa 2026: €90 Fee, 29 Countries, How to Apply

The Schengen visa allows travelers to visit 29 European countries with a single visa. Named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg where the agreement was signed, this visa is one of the most sought-after travel documents in the world.

With a Schengen visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa is ideal for tourism, business visits, family visits, or attending conferences and events across Europe.

The application process typically takes 15-45 days, and it's recommended to apply at least 15 days but no more than 6 months before your intended travel date. You should apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you'll spend the most time, or if spending equal time in multiple countries, the country of first entry.

ETIAS Coming Soon: The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation system (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is targeted for Q4 2026, following the successful rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES). ETIAS will require visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) to obtain a travel authorization (€20, valid 3 years) before visiting. ETIAS will not be mandatory immediately — a six-month transition period applies after launch. Check the official ETIAS website for the confirmed launch date. This does not affect travelers who require a Schengen visa.