travel itinerary for schengen visa example

Sample of Travel Itinerary for Visa Application

Travel Itinerary for Visa Application

Are you planning to apply for a visa to travel abroad, but not sure how to create a travel itinerary for your application? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will show you how to make a travel itinerary for your visa application in a few easy steps. A travel itinerary is a document that outlines your travel plans, including your flight and hotel reservations, and your activities for each day of your trip. It is an important part of your visa application , as it demonstrates your purpose of travel, your duration of stay, and your financial capacity. A well-written travel itinerary can increase your chances of getting your visa approved. However, creating a travel itinerary can be tricky, especially if you don’t want to pay for your flight and hotel bookings before getting your visa. That’s why we have prepared some tips and templates for you to create a travel itinerary for your visa application without spending a lot of money. Read on to find out how to create a travel itinerary for your visa application in a few easy steps.

Sample of Travel Itinerary for Visa Application as Below: 

Name: John Doe

Contact: +1 234 567 890

Email: [email protected]

Purpose of travel: Leisure

Destination: France

Duration: 5 days

In this blog post, we have explained how to create a travel itinerary for your visa application in a few easy steps. We have discussed the benefits of getting a flight reservation and a hotel booking instead of paying for the full fare. We have also provided some examples and templates for different types of visas, such as Schengen visa , UK visa, US visa, and Canada visa. We hope this blog post has helped you to create a travel itinerary for your visa application easily and effectively. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy travels!

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Schengen Visa application: Itinerary and the 90/180 rule example

Embark on your European dream with ease and confidence! Navigating the Schengen Visa application can be daunting, but with the right guidance, your journey through Europe's heart can be as smooth as the Seine River.

At iVisa, we've honed our expertise to make your Schengen visa application a breeze, especially regarding the pivotal aspect of your itinerary and how to plan around the so-called 90/180 rule .

Understanding the 90/180 rule in the Schengen Zone

The first thing to learn is how to plan your trip according to the 90/180 rule .

The Schengen Visa allows you to explore the Schengen area for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period .

How does the 90/180 rule work?

Let's clear up some confusion about this rule to help you plan your trip:

Calculation: The 180-day reference period isn't fixed. It's a moving window based on the current date and the past 180 days . Calculate the days you've spent in the country based on the last 180 days from today.

Counting days: Every day you spend in the Schengen Area counts towards the 90 days, including the day of arrival and departure.

Examples of Schengen itineraries and the 90/180 rule

Here are some example itineraries for visa applicants adhering to the 90/180 rule in the Schengen Zone:

• Short stays (single-entry):

A tourist plans a 3-week trip to France and Italy. They spend 21 days in total in the Schengen Area. This counts as 21 days out of their 90-day limit.

• Extended travels (multiple-entry):

A traveler visits Germany for 10 days, leaves for the UK (non-Schengen), and returns after 20 days to spend another 30 days in Spain. Both stays are counted separately, totaling 40 days of their 90-day limit.

• Maximizing your stay (multiple-entry):

An individual plans a European itinerary, entering the Schengen Zone on June 1st and staying until August 29th (90 days). They must leave the Schengen Area by August 29th and cannot return until 180 days after their initial entry on June 1st.

Tips for planning your Schengen Visa itinerary

When applying for your Schengen visa, your itinerary is more than just a plan, it's a narrative of your journey that you must submit during your visa application.

Ensure it includes:

Entry and exit dates: Clearly outline your arrival and departure dates, adhering to the 90/180 rule, including a return flight or transport ticket.

Accommodation details: Whether it's a cozy Airbnb in Amsterdam, a friend or family member's house in Paris, or a boutique hotel in Bratislava, include where you'll be staying and submit any booking confirmations.

Travel plans: Highlight the countries and cities you plan to visit. Dreaming of exploring the fjords of Norway or the beaches of Greece? Let your travel itinerary reflect that and include any transportation options you plan to use, such as flight tickets.

The importance of a return flight ticket for your Schengen Visa application

Your application must include proof of a round-trip or onward flight itinerary , showcasing your commitment to return home after your European escapade.

Even embassies and consulates understand that it's unreasonable to expect applicants to purchase complete airline tickets upfront. They often advise getting a ticket with a 'free cancellation' option if you do decide to book in advance.

The European Union's visa consulate guidelines state: "A round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen state is required. Some Schengen authorities accept the itinerary when applying for the visa but request the original air ticket when collecting the visa."

Using a dummy flight ticket for your Schengen Visa application

A dummy ticket, sometimes called a fake ticket or dummy booking , is essentially a mock flight reservation. People often use these as a stand-in for proof of onward travel in various situations like visa applications, immigration requirements, or other travel-related needs without buying a real ticket.

These mock tickets can be generated through different online tools or services, providing what appear to be flight reservation confirmations. Based on our experience, we strongly recommend avoiding fake flight itinerary generators for creating dummy tickets . These aren't only fraudulent but can also jeopardize your visa application and put you at risk of being denied boarding.

Writing a cover letter including an itinerary for Schengen Visa applications

Let's delve into how to write a cover letter effectively and include a sample itinerary for a Schengen visa application .

This is a crucial part of the application process, as it provides context to your travel plans and ensures that you comply with regulations like the 90/180 rule.

Purpose of the Schengen Visa cover letter

The cover letter serves as a personalized explanation of your travel intent, itinerary, and plans during your stay in the Schengen Area.

It acts as a formal introduction and supports your application by providing details that may not be clear from the application form alone.

What to include in your Schengen Visa cover letter

Here are some essential details to include in your cover letter :

Personal information: Start with your name, date of birth, and contact details.

Proof of ties to your home country: Explain your reasons for returning, like employment, family, or educational commitments.

Financial means: Mention your financial arrangements for the trip, indicating you have sufficient funds to cover your stay and details about your employment.

Closing statement: Conclude by affirming the accuracy of the information provided and your intent to abide by the Schengen rules.

Reason for traveling: Include why you want to visit a Schengen country.

Other info: If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, explain why.

Travel dates: Start with your arrival and departure dates, ensuring they're within the stipulated 90-day limit in a 180-day period. Include your main transportation details, like flights or trains, especially those showing your entry into and exit from the Schengen area.

Accommodation and logistics: Provide details of your accommodations for each destination on your route. If you're staying with friends or relatives, include a letter of invitation from them. Also, outline your internal travel plans, showing how you intend to move between different Schengen countries or cities.

Schengen Visa cover letter example including itinerary

Here's a helpful guide with a sample cover letter for your Schengen Visa application. You can adapt this letter based on your personal info, situation, and reason for traveling.

Sample cover letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa

Incorporating this detailed itinerary helps visa officers better understand your travel plans, increasing the chances of a successful application.

[Current date]

[Destination of main destination country] Embassy

[Destination embassy address in the country of application]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa for my upcoming visit to [country 1, country 2, etc.], planned for the period of [date, year until date, year]. I will travel [solo or indicate people in your travel group], primarily for [tourism, business, or other] purposes.

My itinerary includes exploring [famous landmarks in countries such as …]. Additionally, I am eager to experience [other landmarks or regions in the destination country].

During my trip, I also intend to visit [other country on itinerary] from [date until date] to meet a family member who resides in [town or city]. My accommodation during this time will be at my friend's residence. I will then travel to [next destination] to continue my tour, concluding in [last town/city] on [date, year].

I am currently employed at [name of company/organization] as a [job position], where I have been working for [number of years]. My annual salary is [salary amount]. Enclosed is a No Objection Certificate from my employer, granting me leave for this period.

I will be self-financing my travel and have attached proof of my financial capability to support myself during my stay.

Here is a detailed itinerary of my activities:

I have enclosed the following supporting visa application documents:

Schengen Visa Application Form

A copy of my passport

Flight and train ticket reservations

Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance policy

Hotel reservation receipts

Letter of invitation from my family member

No Objection Certificate from my employer

Bank statements for the last six months

I trust that the information in this letter will be sufficient for a positive response to my application. Thank you for considering my request, and please feel free to reach out if you need any additional details.

Best regards,

[Your name]

[Your address]

[Your phone number]

[Your email address]

What else to expect during your Schengen Visa application

When applying for a Schengen Visa, it's important to be prepared for the entire process. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

Document verification: The consulate will thoroughly check all submitted documents, including your passport, application form, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means.

Interview: Most applicants must attend a visa interview. Expect questions about your trip, such as the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and your ties to your home country.

If it's your first Schengen visa in the past five years, you must also provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph).

Here are some extra tips for a successful Schengen Visa interview.

Visa decision: After processing, you'll be informed of the decision. If your visa is approved, check the visa sticker for any errors and be aware of the validity period and the number of permitted entries.

Possible need for adaptability: Be prepared for possible changes. For example, travel restrictions or policy changes can affect visa processing. Remember, each Schengen state may have slightly different requirements or processes, so it's essential to check the specific requirements of the country you're applying to.

Being well-prepared and understanding what to expect can make your visa application process smoother and less stressful!

Need more info about the Schengen Visa requirements and itinerary?

If you have any questions, please contact our customer support team via online chat or WhatsApp . We're happy to help!

Related Articles

Schengen Visa rejection: Common reasons and how to avoid it

All non-Schengen countries Indian citizens can travel to with a Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa Interview: How to prepare yourself

• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. For government source information, please visit our product pages.

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Home > Blog > Guides > Schengen Visa Itinerary

Schengen Visa Itinerary

on 22 Nov, 2021

Guide To Writing A Detailed Schengen Visa Travel Itinerary

What is a schengen visa day-to-day travel itinerary .

A “Schengen Visa Day-To-Day Travel Itinerary” is a schedule that contains details about your travel plans, such as your travel dates, flight and hotel booking/reservation,  destinations you plan to visit at specified times, and means of transportation to move between those destinations. 

For some Embassies/Consulates, this document is mandatory while others consider it optional and request only the travel ticket and hotel reservation/booking. 

However, we recommend you submit it even if the Embassy/Consulate where you are applying to get your Visa does not request it specifically.

Submitting it is important because it can speed up your Visa processing times and increase your chance of approval. 

Flight Itinerary Vs. Travel Itinerary For Visa Application – Is there Any Difference?

A Schengen Visa travel itinerary is not an actual flight ticket booking or hotel booking that you spend money for, but a detailed plan of your trip to the Schengen Area. 

It does not require any money in advance. It should include details regarding your flights and accommodation as well as your day-to-day activities. 

The Embassies/Consulates allow you to submit flight reservations and hotel reservations which are not the same as flight and hotel bookings – and the “travel itinerary” is where you list those reservations and other activities. 

Below you will find the differences between “reservations” and “bookings”:

● Flight & Hotel Reservations

When you reserve your round trip travel tickets or hotel room it means that all of your information will be stored in the system of an airline company or on the website of a hotel (such as your full name and the details of your passport). 

The airline tickets or the hotel rooms are being held for you for a specific period of time without you actually paying their full price.

Please note that your airline ticket reservation cannot be a one-way ticket. The Visa officers also request a return ticket as proof of your intentions to return to your home country.

Typically, the hold option for an air ticket allows you to hold a flight for 7 days. 

The colloquial term used to describe a Visa ticket reservation is “dummy ticket”. However, this doesn’t mean, as the name suggests, that they are “fake tickets” but, instead that they are a reservation where you don’t need to make the payment in advance. 

For a few airlines (and most hotels) the reservation is completely free of charge. Other airlines can charge you a certain percentage of the fixed ticket for your flight confirmation. 

However, making a reservation doesn’t mean you are going to pay the whole price of the plane ticket or the hotel room.

If you need assistance with your flight and hotel reservations, please do not hesitate to contact our team , as we would be more than glad to help you out.  

● Flight & Hotel Bookings

The flight booking is the confirmed flight ticket that you actually pay for, and that most of the time cannot be refunded (there are only a few airlines that offer refundable plane tickets).

The same rule can be applied for hotels – Once you pay, the amount can be refundable or not, depending on the hotels’ policy. 

But the main difference between an airline and a hotel is that most hotels allow you to reserve a room without paying (only a few hotels might ask you to pay in advance). 

No Schengen Embassy/Consulate requires you to get a booked flight or hotel room and pay in advance prior to getting an approved Visa (you must do this only if you are applying from the United Kingdom), as they cannot guarantee your Schengen Visa approval. 

If you pay for the flight and the accommodation and your Schengen Visa gets rejected you may lose a large amount of money. However, in case of Visa denial, a few airlines may agree to fully reimburse you.

Therefore, Embassies and Consulates allow you to submit only flight and hotel reservations, which means you do not need to pay 100% upfront (they allow you to book a flight/hotel room and pay in advance, but they did not recommend it).  

You can populate the details within your trip itinerary using only flight and hotel reservations as well. 

To sum up, the Schengen Visa detailed day-to-day travel itinerary doesn’t include only your flight and hotel itinerary details but also the daily activities that you plan during your journey within the Schengen Area (even if on some Internet websites you may find that the Schengen Visa travel itinerary is the same as a flight itinerary).  

Important : If you’re planning to stay at a friend or relative’s house and not at a hotel during your trip, you can simply add in your travel itinerary their home address instead of a hotel’s address.

If you are part of a tour or cruise, make sure you ask your travel agency or local travel agent to provide you with a letter indicating the cities and countries you are planning on visiting. 

We also suggest that you ask them to provide you with an official letter on a letter headed paper containing the logo of the tourism agency. The letter must be addressed to the Embassy/Consulate where you are submitting your documents. 

The Importance Of A Schengen Visa Day-To-Day Travel Itinerary

You may ask yourself why it is so important that the Embassy/Consulate officers check your flight itinerary and the daily activities you plan during your trip. Below you will find the answers:  

● It provides strong evidence that you are who you say you are

Your Visa travel itinerary provides additional evidence that you are a tourist who wants to visit the top-rated attractions of the cities located in the countries within the Schengen Area. 

Remember that their main purpose is to ensure that Visa applicants intend to return back to their countries of residence. 

Therefore, if you really are a tourist, it means that you have no intention to stay illegally in the Schengen Area.

● It helps the Embassy/Consulate officers find more consistency between all the documents you submit

The Embassy/Consulate officers will check your itinerary to see if the flight dates you mentioned match the dates on your other documents (e.g., the dates on your flight reservations, the leave dates written on your No Objection (NOC) Letter from your employer or your school, etc).

Remember that the Embassy/Consulate officers are trained to spot any kind of irregularity. 

Therefore, you can also expect them to check if the money on your account is enough for all of the activities you included in your plan. 

Please do remember that submitting your bank statements for the last 6 months is mandatory, meaning that they will know exactly how much money you can afford to spend within the Schengen Area. 

How To Create A Schengen Visa Day-To-Day Travel Itinerary

Once you’ve decided on the time frame of your trip and what country or countries you intend to visit you can create your travel itinerary. 

To create a detailed day-to-day itinerary for your Visa application, follow the steps below:

1. Make all flight reservations

You can learn more about making a flight reservation and getting a flight ticket without paying 100% upfront by clicking here . 

Alternatively, you can purchase your flight ticket for Visa with free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. 

Flight reservations are not only important for your day-to-day travel itinerary, but they are also a mandatory document, meaning that you must submit them together with your travel itinerary.

2. Make all hotel reservations

It might be easier for you to reserve a hotel room than to reserve a flight ticket because most hotels will not ask you to pay in advance. 

You can click here to learn more about reserving a hotel room for your Visa application. 

Just like in the case of your flight tickets, hotel reservations are important not only for your day-to-day itinerary but also as a separate document that you must submit.

3. Decide your daily activities during your journey/trip within the Schengen Area 

Use a guidebook or search on the Internet and make a list of all the places and tourist attractions you plan on visiting during your trip to the Schengen Area. 

Gather all the information you may need such as ticket prices (for example, ticket prices for museums and art galleries) and the approximate number of hours you might take visiting them. 

You can create a draft of your Schengen Visa trip itinerary by writing on paper at the beginning, as you might change ideas a few times and then transfer it to the computer once you have finished. 

4. Download a travel itinerary template for your Schengen Visa application and start filling it

You can download our template and start creating your day-to-day travel itinerary (for more details, please contact us ).  

Or, you can download a travel itinerary template from any of the websites where it is available. 

However, please note that most websites will provide you with a “sample flight itinerary” that includes just a few details about your round-trip flight itinerary for Visa (e.g., flight number, airports, etc.).

Once you make all of your flight and hotel reservations and you also decide on each of your day-to-day activities, you can start filling the template and submit together with all the rest of your documents to the Embassy/Consulate. 

Important : Visas Association can provide you with a full package including flight and hotel reservations and travel medical insurance . 

However, details about your travel insurance are not requested for your day-to-day travel itinerary when applying for your Visa (even though your Visa insurance is a highly important document for your application).

For further details about the trip reservation package we can provide you with, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Schengen Visa Travel Itinerary

Below you will find a list of common mistakes that you must avoid when submitting your Schengen Visa travel itinerary to the Embassy/Consulate:

● Using a generator to create dummy tickets

Some websites allow you to create fake flight tickets. 

Be careful – if you search on Google you might find that “dummy tickets” are allowed to be submitted for the Schengen Visa application. But despite the name “dummy”, this expression usually refers to the flight tickets you reserve without paying on the official websites of the airline companies. 

Therefore, if by “dummy tickets” you understand the flight reservations that airlines allow you to make – then yes, you are allowed to use dummy tickets for your Schengen Visa application.

But we do not encourage you to submit “fake dummy tickets” created with an online air ticket booking generator, as they are not able to be verified by the Embassy/Consulate. 

Also, do not create your day-to-day travel itinerary using “fake dummy tickets”.

● Getting confused between travel itinerary and flight itinerary  

The flight itinerary includes details about the airport(s), flight name, travel dates, etc. without mentioning information about your day-to-day activities or your accommodation. 

Submitting a flight itinerary instead of a travel itinerary will not necessarily cost you the approval of your Schengen Visa but does not meet the requirement of a day-to-day travel itinerary. 

You should not take the risk of not providing the day-to-day itinerary, especially for the little effort involved in building it. 

● The activities you planned for a specific day require a lot more money than the amount you have in your account 

The price required to enter some of the most famous museums in Europe can be quite expensive. 

If you plan to visit too many tourist attractions in just one day and you have the minimum amount required for your Schengen Visa application in your bank account, this can raise some suspicion to the Embassy/Consulate officers (the amount depends on the country you visit but you shouldn’t have less than 60 EUR a day – for further details, please check out our Financial Means Test ).  

● Lack of consistency between the details you provided in your travel itinerary 

If you plan on travelling to more countries and you book a 5-stars hotel in Paris and a very cheap hostel or bed & breakfast in Spain (that might not even have a website), this could raise suspicions too. 

Of course, this does not mean that you must book only 2-star hotels (or 3-star, 4-star, etc.) in each location you visit. But it is important for you to provide consistent information regarding your itinerary.

Also, the details in your travel itinerary must match the answers you give to the Embassy officers during the Visa interview.

● The information on your travel itinerary does not match the one on your other documents

You should double-check all of your documents before submitting them. 

You are not allowed to make mistakes and provide documents that contain different information. The dates on your travel itinerary must match the dates on your reservations and all the rest of the documents.

Confused Where To Start?

If you are confused, worried or stuck, the best next step to take is to Get a Free Consultation .

The session takes 5 to 10 minutes, starts immediately and you will get our advice delivered to your inbox by a Visa Expert within 1-2 hours. This is not a video or phone call, it is just like a live chat, where we can understand your situation better and an expert shares what you should do next.

There is no commitment to use our services at all, we just provide you advice based on our assessment of your situation and give you the next steps you need to follow to get your Schengen visa.

Click the Free Consultation button below to get the information you have been searching for

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How to Create a Travel Itinerary for Your Visa Application

Last Updated: February 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stef Katz and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty . Stef Katz is a Travel Agent and the Founder of The Travel Superhero. She has helped clients enjoy convenience, access, personal attention, and ease in their travel planning for 6 years. Stef specializes in elevated social travel and finds ways to bring peace of mind to her travelers with open communication, genuine care, and professional support. She holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Miami Dade College and a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Florida, as well as numerous certifications with destinations, tour companies, and cruise lines in the travel industry. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 75,376 times.

Applying for a visa to the EU or another location that requires an itinerary, but not sure where to get started? There are two major parts of a travel itinerary for visa purposes: evidence of flight reservations and hotel bookings. When creating an itinerary for your trip, it can be a little tricky figuring out how to get flight and hotel information without being on the hook for bills if your visa application isn’t successful. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know about providing flight and lodging information for your visa, as well as the actual process of putting together the itinerary itself. Read on for our guide on how to create a travel itinerary for your visa application.

Obtaining Flight Information for Your Itinerary

• Flight reservations are also sometimes called dummy tickets, which are acceptable for a number of visa applications, including the Schengen visa. These reservations are officially booked with an airline, so the airline will have a record of your transaction.
• You can also look into using a reputable third-party service online to make legitimate flight reservations. Forged dummy tickets are illegal, so be careful when booking with third parties. It’s easy for officials to check to see if a dummy ticket is legitimate, and if you’re caught, your application will be denied.

• The additional cost of a refundable ticket can be very high. In some cases, a refundable ticket costs twice as much as a standard one. [3] X Research source
• Although it might be tempting to refund your ticket when your visa is approved, then purchase a standard ticket, you may run into some trouble. If your original flight sells out, you won’t be able to travel on the same flight that you told the visa consulate about, which can raise some questions with officials upon your arrival.

• Keep in mind that visas to some areas, like the EU, generally take 15 days for a decision (and potentially even longer). If the country you’re trying to travel to can process visas faster than this, then holding the ticket with the airline can be a great option.
• For tickets purchased through award points, you may be able to hold your ticket for a longer period of time than if you were paying with cash. Check your airline’s policy.

• Shopping around with different travel agencies is a good way to ensure you can pick one with the best solution. Ask them if they have experience with holding tickets for visa applications and how they can best help you through the process.

Getting Lodging Information for Your Itinerary

• Be sure to read the fine print of any hotel reservation you make. Some third-party sites for booking hotel rooms will advertise a room as being refundable even when it isn’t.

• Some visa applications, including the Schengen visa, also require you to provide a letter from your friend or family member where they officially invite you to stay with them. This letter should also include information about your relationship with the host, as well as who will be responsible for covering the costs of your stay.

Putting Together Your Itinerary

• June 6th: Arriving to Berlin in the morning, going to Reichstag in afternoon, returning to AirBnB at night. June 7th: Going to Markthalle in morning, tour at Tiergarten in afternoon, and to Berghain at night.

• If you’re denied a visa, many countries, including those from the Schengen area, will inform you of the reasons for this decision. You’ll then have a chance to submit an appeal to try and change the decision.

Expert Q&A

• Although purchasing travel insurance might seem like a good way to protect your wallet, unfortunately, insurance likely won’t cover the costs of a missed trip due to a visa rejection. [11] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• ↑ https://itineraryforvisaapplication.home.blog/2020/06/08/what-is-dummy-flight-ticket-how-can-you-check-difference-between-dummy-flight-tickets-and-fake-flight-tickets/
• ↑ https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
• ↑ https://www.thestar.com/business/as-pandemic-uncertainty-rises-should-you-pay-extra-for-refundable-airline-tickets/article_696eb070-144c-562f-8472-ecb70ea6ccb1.html
• ↑ https://thepointsguy.com/guide/award-ticket-holds/
• ↑ ​​ https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/a37156362/travel-agent-benefits/
• ↑ https://www.elliott.org/the-troubleshooter/refundable-hotel-reservation-mistake/
• ↑ https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2020/03/06/nonrefundable-hotel-rooms-heres-how-you-could-actually-get-refund/4971341002/
• ↑ https://www.schengenvisas.com/flight-reservation-for-schengen-visa/
• ↑ https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy/decision-visa-application_en
• ↑ https://thepointsguy.com/news/credit-card-travel-insurance-visa-problems/

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Schengen Visa for Tourists: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: October 19, 2023

The Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area. As per the UN, the continent of Europe is comprised of 44 countries. Of these, 27 countries are part of the Schengen agreement. The Schengen agreement abolished internal borders between these 27 countries.

A Schengen visa is a unified visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for these 27 European countries. Therefore, a Schengen visa is the only visa you will need to travel to any of these 27 countries.

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SCHENGEN VISA POLICY

The Schengen visa policy was introduced in 1995 which abolished internal borders between the Schengen countries. 

Once you have obtained a Schengen visa, you can travel freely between the Schengen member countries without any border controls. For example, if you enter France and would like to go to Germany, you will not pass through passport controls at the France-Germany border. 

Keep in mind that the Schengen visa policy only applies to the Schengen area and not to the entire European Union.

Schengen visa countries

There are currently 27 countries in the Schengen area that you can visit with a single Schengen visa. Below is the list of countries.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Apart from the above 27 Schengen member countries, you also travel to 50 non-Schengen countries visa-free using a Schengen visa .

SCHENGEN VISA TYPES

Those intending to visit the Schengen countries for tourism must either be visa-exempt or hold a valid Schengen visa from the embassy. 

• Visa EXEMPTION (ETIAS from 2024)
• Type-A (Airport Transit Visa)
• Single-entry
• Double-entry
• Multiple-entry
• Type-D (Long Stay Visa for stays more than 90 days)
• Limited Territorial Schengen Visa

For this guide, we will focus only on visas for tourism intent, that is Type-C Uniform Schengen visas. 

SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

Minimum passport validity required to enter the Schengen area

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your planned departure from Schengen area.

Example: If your trip is from Mar 10 to Mar 20, your passport must be valid at least until Jun 20.

Visa EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry.

• Antigua And Barbuda
• Bosnia And Herzegovina
• El Salvador
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• St Kitts And Nevis
• St Vincent and The Grenadines
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad And Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Congo, Rep. of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• North Korea
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Sao Tome And Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Turkmenistan

IMPORTANT Palestine and Kosovo are not recognized by at least one Schengen member state. If you are a Palestinian or Kosovo national, please inquire at your nearest Schengen consulate for visa requirements for your passport.

SCHENGEN VISA EXEMPTION (ETIAS FROM 2024)

Currently, 62 nationalities can enter the Schengen area without a visa. Though you do not require a visa, you must consider the total duration of your stay in the Schengen area and must carry the mandatory documents.

Duration of Stay in Schengen Area – the 90 days/180 days rule

Non-EU Passport holders who are visa EXEMPT are allowed to stay in the Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This “90 days in any 180 days” applies to all short-stay visitors to the Schengen area.

• Stays in EU countries that are NOT part of the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Ireland) are not counted in calculating the period of stay.
• Stays in non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are counted in calculating the period of stay compliance with the 90-day / 180-day rule.
• Both the day of entry and the day of exit are counted in the calculation.
• The 180-day period is referenced backward from the day of checking.
• A simple rule of thumb is, if you are out of the Schengen area for a continuous period of 90 days allows you a new stay of 90 days.

You can use the Schengen calculator to determine the number of days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area. Here is the manual on how to use the Schengen calculator.

Documents to carry

Visa EXEMPT individuals must carry the following documents when entering the Schengen member states.

• Valid passport
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of accommodation

SCHENGEN VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

Currently, 104 non-EU nationals require a visa to enter the Schengen area. These nationals must be in possession of a Schengen visa when entering the Schengen zone.

Validity of Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa validity depends on whether you are a first-time applicant or a subsequent applicant. 

First-time application: If you are applying for the first time, your visa will be valid for the exact number of days you have asked for. In some instances, you may get a few buffer days as additional. 

For example, if your itinerary is 12 days, your visa will be valid for exactly 12 days. 

As a first-time visa applicant, I suggest adding a few extra days to your itinerary so you will get a few extra days on your visa validity. That way, you can have some flexibility in your travel plans.

First-time Schengen visas are usually single-entry or double-entry. 

Subsequent applications: If you are applying for the second or third time, you may likely get a visa valid for 90 days. The visa may likely be multiple-entry. 

Rules for obtaining Schengen visa valid for 1, 2 or 5 years

• To obtain a 1-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used 3 Schengen visas within the last 2 years
• To obtain a 2-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used a 1-year Schengen visa within the last 2 years
• To obtain a 5-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used a 2-year Schengen visa within the last 3 years

Duration of Stay in Schengen area – the 90 days/180 days rule

Visa-required passport holders are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This “90 days in any 180 days” applies to all short-stay visitors to the Schengen area.

• Stays in non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are counted in calculating the period of stay compliance with the 90 days / 180-day rule.

Where to apply for Schengen visa

Most tourists plan to travel to more than one country during their Europe trip. The Schengen visa is valid for 27 countries, so you must first determine your Schengen country of application. This helps greatly in avoiding visa delays and refusals.

Follow the below guidelines to determine your country of application.

CASE 1: If you plan to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for your visa at the consulate of that particular country.

Example: If you are traveling to Spain only, then you must apply for your visa at the Spain Embassy or Consulate.

CASE 2: If you plan to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for your visa at the consulate of the country of your main destination (the country where you will be spending most days).

Example: If your itinerary is 10 days of which 4 days in Spain and 6 days in France, then you must apply for your visa at the French consulate since you will be spending more time in France.

CASE 3: If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination (same amount of days in each country) then you should apply for your visa at the consulate of the country of your first point of entry.

Example: If your itinerary is 10 days of which you will be spending 5 days in the Netherlands first and 5 days in France after, then you must apply for a visa at the Netherlands Consulate since the Netherlands is your first port of entry.

When to apply for Schengen visa

You must apply for your Schengen visa no later than 15 days prior to your travel. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.

You can apply for your visa up to 6 months in advance. So, apply as soon as you can to avoid delays, refusals and disappointments.

Schengen Visa Application Process

There is a plan to implement online systems of Schengen visas. But as of now, the visa can only be applied in person. Visa application is a 4 step process

• Fill out your Schengen visa application form 14076-02 (online or offline)
• Schedule an in-person Schengen visa appointment (at the consulate or visa agent such as VFS Global)
• Appear in person to submit your visa application, documents, biometrics and visa fee
• Pick up your original passport with the approved visa.

You can apply for a Schengen visa through a visa/travel agency in some countries. Travel agencies that offer vacation packages to Europe usually are allowed to apply for the visa on your behalf.

Documents required for Schengen visa

The following documents are required for your Schengen visa.

• Filled and signed visa application form (online or downloadable from the consulate page)
• Original passport
• Copy of the visa/residence permit if applying in a third country
• One recent passport-size photo
• Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
• Proof of health insurance
• 3-month bank statement
• 3-month salary slips
• Original signed employment letter
• Cover letter with a detailed itinerary

Application Form

Filling out the application form can be done online or offline depending on the Schengen country. For example, the application form for France is online whereas for Spain, it’s paper.

Photo Requirements

The photo must be 4.5cm x 3.5cm. That is, 4.5cm high and 3.5 cm wide. The face must be 3.2 to 3.6cm or 70-80% of the photo.

Proof of Health Insurance

It’s MANDATORY to submit travel medical insurance for Schengen visa . You must attach a certificate of travel health insurance in the Schengen area or worldwide with 100% coverage with no deductibles or co-pays.

It must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 EUR for medical, hospitalization, emergencies and repatriation services.

You can purchase Schengen travel insurance from any online provider. You can cancel and get a refund if your visa is denied. Once you purchase the travel insurance for your desired dates, you can download the visa letter that you can submit with your visa application.

Recommended Schengen visa insurance:

• VisitorsCoverage | Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements | Costs $1 a day

Schengen Visa Fee

The Schengen visa fee for an adult is approximately €80 EUR. For children between the ages of 6 and 12, it’s €40 EUR. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from paying the visa fee.

The fee must be paid in local currency, in the form of cash or bank money order. Most Schengen consulates have outsourced the visa process to VFS or BLS. Therefore, in addition to the visa fee, you may have to pay a fee for biometric collection and courier services.

Schengen Visa Processing Time

Schengen visa processing can take from 15 calendar days to 45 calendar days depending on the consulate, country or agent. Apply no later than 15 days prior to your travel. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering Schengen Zone by Air

You do not need to fill in any arrival/departure card on entering the Schengen area. Do not panic if your flight attendant did not give you an arrival/departure card on your flight.

At the immigration, you will generally be asked about your final destination, places you will be visiting and the number of days you are planning on staying. You might also be asked if it is your first time in Europe.

The immigration officer will stamp your passport upon arrival. The number of days you are allowed to stay will not be marked on your passport.

As always, carry a copy of your return ticket and hotel booking just in case. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, don’t forget to get proof of onward ticket .

Leaving Schengen Zone by Air

You must go through passport control on exiting the Schengen area. You will not be asked any questions unless you have overstayed your visa. Passport control is fairly quick, about 10-15 minutes depending on the airport.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is the minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa?

The minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa depends on the country you are applying from and the duration of your stay. As a general rule, you should have at least €60 per day for your stay in the Schengen area. This should cover your travel expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

Does Schengen visa cover Switzerland?

Yes, the Schengen visa covers Switzerland. Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area. You can travel to Switzerland and other Schengen countries with a single visa.

Which Schengen visa is hardest?

There is no specific Schengen visa that is considered the hardest to obtain. But visa refusal statistics show that Norway, France and Belgium have the highest refusal rates.

Which country gives fastest Schengen visa?

The processing time for a Schengen visa may vary depending on the country you are applying from and the purpose of your visit. However, some countries may have faster processing times than others. For example, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are known to have relatively fast processing times.

Which country gives Schengen visa easiest?

There is no specific country that gives Schengen visa easiest. But visa refusal statistics show that Finland, Hungary, Estonia and Poland have the lowest refusal rates.

Do US citizens need a visa to enter the Schengen area?

No, US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. US citizens can travel to the Schengen territory for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

Europe is usually the first choice for most first-time international travelers. It’s a dream for most people to visit European countries at least once in their lifetime. Europe has such an impeccable beauty, history, art, and cuisine.

A Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area, comprised of 27 European countries. Non-EU nationals who are visa-exempt and visa-required are allowed to stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Schengen visas are single, double or multiple-entry visas. First-time Schengen visas are limited in validity, but subsequent visas are 90 days to 5 years of validity.

• European Comission, Migration and Home Affairs
• European Union Law (EUR-Lex), Visa Code

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Schengen Visa Itinerary Guide for Indian Nationals

Last Updated : 21 Apr 2024

Last Updated : 21 Apr 2024 at

30-Second Summary:

A Schengen visa itinerary is required when applying for your Schengen visa. Your travel itinerary for visa application should include the following details:

Applicant’s Name.

Travel Dates.

Travel Purpose.

Flight Details.

Accommodation Details.

Daily activities.

When applying for your Schengen visa , you must provide the correct documents for Schengen . One of these documents includes the travel itinerary. The Schengen visa itinerary is an important document since it provides the authorities with proof of your flight bookings and travel plans.

In this blog, we will show you how to put together the ideal itinerary for your Schengen visa application.

What Is a Schengen Visa Itinerary?

The Schengen visa itinerary is a document that will show the authorities what your travel plan will look like and what you intend to do on your trip.

A travel itinerary provides information such as flight details and hotel room reservations . This allows you to apply for a visa without having confirmed flight tickets or hotel booking.

A travel itinerary can contain various information specific to your travel plans, such as:

Schengen countries you plan to visit.

Arrival and departure dates.

Accommodation destinations.

Flight bookings .

Airports you will travel through.

Contact numbers.

What Documents Can Be Used To Confirm My Flight Itinerary?

The travel itinerary is an important document when applying for a Schengen visa. However, the itinerary does not mean much without providing supporting documents. Here are the documents you need to verify your itinerary:

Proof Of Accommodation

You must provide accommodation reservations to indicate you have a place to stay while visiting the country. This can be in various forms, such as:

Hotel reservations: Hotel reservations are the most common proof of tourist accommodation.

Rental Agreements: Students or employees can usually provide rental agreements as proof of stay.

Invitation Letter: When visiting friends or family, an invitation can be proof of stay. A letter of invitation can also be used in business visas .

Sponsorship Letter: If you are sponsored, you can submit a sponsorship letter proving your stay.

Proof Of Travel

To show the authorities you have actual flight plans, you can submit:

Confirmed Flight Tickets: Flight tickets are a 100% proven way to confirm your flight details. However, it can be costly, especially if your visa gets denied.

Dummy Ticket: A dummy ticket is a ticket that acts as a placeholder for a flight ticket. This means you do not have to buy an approved flight ticket if your visa gets denied.

Flight reservations: Some airlines allow you to reserve flights without paying for the ticket. However, the reservation is generally only valid for a certain period. The flaw in this is that getting an appointment for a Schengen visa can take time, which causes your reservation to expire.

Travel Agency Conformation: If you have booked through a travel agency, you can use their confirmation as proof of your flights.

Proof Of Funds

In some itineraries, you can provide proof of sufficient funds that will cover the duration of your stay. Here are documents that can be used to prove sufficient funds:

Bank Statements: Providing your last 6 months' bank statements is the most common way to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Sponsorship: Sponsorship letters can also be used to prove funds. The letter must state your ties with the sponsor and their financial capabilities.

Employment Letter: When employed, you can submit an employment letter stating your salary, which must prove sufficient to cover your funds.

What Should A Schengen Visa Itinerary Look Like?

Here is an example of a Schengen visa travel itinerary:

Name of Applicant: [Your full name as stated on your passport].

Travel Dates: From [start date] To [end date].

Main Destination: [The main country of visit in the Schengen area].

Purpose Of Visit: [e.g., tourism].

Flight Details

Arrival Flight:

Flight Name: [Name of the airline you are using]

Flight Number: [Number of your flight].

Airport: [The airport you will travel from].

Arrival Time: [Time of arrival]

Flight Date: [Date of your flight (Day-Month-Year)].

Departure Flight:

Flight name: [Name of the airline you are using].

Flight Number: [Number of your return flight].

Airport: [The airport you will use to travel from].

Departure Time: [Time of departure].

Flight Date: [Date of your departure flight (Day-Month-Year)].

Additional Flights:

[If you are travelling to other countries in the Schengen area]

Accommodation Details:

City 1: [Name and Address of the hotel].

City 2: [Name and address of the hotel].

City 3: [Name and address of the hotel].

Planned Activities:

Day 1: [Activities planned for that day]

Day 2: [Activities planned for that day]

Day 3: [Activities planned for that day]

Day 4: [Activities planned for that day]

Day 5: [Activities planned for that day]

Day 6: [Activities planned for that day]

Additional information:

Planned Countries To Visit: [Countries you plan to visit in the Schengen area]

Here is a Schengen visa itinerary template .

Note that the above itinerary is a sample. Depending on your travel purpose, you might need to add additional information.

What Is A Dummy Ticket?

A dummy ticket is used in visa applications to show proof of intended travel without purchasing a fully paid ticket. It simulates a real flight by providing confirmation that includes flight numbers, dates, and times. This is important if authorities want to confirm your flights through airlines.

A dummy ticket is a great way to provide proof of your travel without losing funds if your visa gets denied.

How To Get A Dummy Ticket?

A dummy ticket can be obtained in various ways, such as online tools and certain airline websites. Here are the general steps you can follow to get a dummy ticket:

Go To The Website: Visit the airline or dummy ticket generator website.

Complete The Application: Provide the necessary information. These will be the details on your dummy ticket, which include personal and travel information.

Pay For The Ticket: The dummy ticket must be paid for. However, it is a fraction of the cost compared to an approved flight ticket.

Receive Your Ticket: You will receive it once you have paid for your dummy ticket. This can then be used to confirm your flight details.

Important Details About Obtaining A Dummy Ticket

Here are important details to remember when applying for a dummy ticket:

Check Validity: Before getting a dummy ticket, ensure that it is valid to last the duration of your application. This includes the waiting time for the visa appointment.

Use Reputable Sources: There are various sites providing dummy tickets. Ensure that you use a reputable and well-known source to avoid complications during the application.

Ensure Accuracy: Ensure that the details on your dummy ticket are accurate and correspond with your actual travel dates.

The Schengen visa itinerary is a document that provides vital information to officials about your travel plans. Providing a detailed travel itinerary allows officials to have a seamless review of your documents, contributing to a smoother visa approval process.

When writing your itinerary, ensure that you provide sufficient and accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no official travel itinerary that must be used. You can create your own. However, ensure you provide all the required information in your travel itinerary. Here is a template you can use: Schengen visa Itinerary Template .

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• Application Requirements

Where to buy refundable tickets

Refundable flights are offered by almost all airlines. As a rule, they are more expensive than non-refundable ones. For example, for a flight from Yerevan to Vienna, a buyer will pay around €70 for a non-refundable ticket and €86 for a refundable one by Austrian Airlines.

A buyer can get a refund for a non-refundable ticket if their travel plans have changed. Each airline sets its own refund conditions: they usually take into account the class of service and the refund period. The company can charge fines for the entire ticket or each segment.

On airline websites, a buyer can book a ticket for up to 48 hours without payment. This method is only suitable for those who undergo a fast-track Schengen visa obtainment in 1—3 days. The standard Schengen visa obtainment procedure takes 10-14 business days: flight ticket reservations will be cancelled before this period ends, and the applicant will face visa refusal risks.   

On flight ticket agency websites, buyers can use a service that extends their booking for 6-4 days. This reservation period suits the Schengen visa obtainment period; the buyer does not have to spend money on prepaying for the tickets or paying return fines. Costs of the service start at €70.

You can find an agency that provides free flight booking services for visas if you search “book now pay later flights”.

If the reservation ends before the visa is issued, the agency will provide a new reservation on request without additional payment, literally within an hour. However, the applicant will have to send information about the updated reservation to the visa application centre or consulate.

The application review process takes up to 14 days, so tickets should be booked immediately before the application is submitted. The applicant must select an agency in advance because it is recommended to spend no more than half an hour on booking.

After paying for the reservation, the applicant will receive an itinerary receipt by email. The reservation’s validity can be checked either on the airline’s website or on a GDS website, which is a global flight booking system. 

For example, American Airlines partners with a GDS called Amadeus, which in turn partners with the booking verification app CheckMyTrip. Using CheckMyTrip, travellers can verify the validity of their American Airlines booking and print out their travel itinerary for their Schengen visa. 

To check the booking confirmation and print out the travel itinerary, enter the passenger’s last name in Latin letters and the booking code specified in the electronic ticket on the website.

Ticket booking verification services:

• virtuallythere.com by Sabre. Used by more than 140 airlines;  
• checkmytrip.com by Amadeus. Used by more than 400 airlines;
• viewtrip.com by Travelport. Used by more than 400 airlines. 

Consulate staff want to make sure that the foreigner returns to the country of residence before their visa ends. Therefore, the applicant must confirm their travel itinerary —  for example, by providing a copy of their paid round trip flight tickets or a copy confirming the ticket booking.

You can book tickets without paying on airline or flight ticket agency websites. Booking on airline websites lasts up to 48 hours, which is not enough to get a Schengen visa according to the standard procedure, which is from 10 to 14 business days. Agencies allow you to extend your booking for up to 14 days.

You can check your ticket reservations by using services that airlines and global distribution booking systems cooperate with. To do this, enter the passenger’s last name in English and the six-digit booking code from your e-ticket.

A travel itinerary is a document that contains information about the planned movements of a foreigner in the countries of the Schengen area. Travel itineraries must be provided for obtaining a Type C Schengen visa, i.e. for tourist trips.

Foreigners confirm their travel itinerary with flight tickets that contain information about the passenger, the flight, and the departure and return dates. As a travel itinerary, you can provide paid flight tickets or unpaid but booked tickets.

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What we offer, explore our solutions / services.

Say goodbye to booking desks, long drawn-out forms, and deciphering cryptic Government Travel Regulations. From this moment on, concentrate only on your overseas shopping list and planning activities with your loved ones. Say hello to our end-to-end comprehensive travel solutions inclusive of flight itineraries, hotel bookings, and travel insurance packages, all under one roof.

Flight Itinerary

A flight itinerary is the first essential document you must furnish to get your Visa Processing underway. A flight itinerary should not be confused with the actual flight ticket. While you have to pay to get your ticket in hand, the itinerary is completely free of cost, as it only conveys your travel plans to the Visa Officials. Allow us to take care of your next flight itinerary and pay us only when your Visa is confirmed.

Hotel Booking

Getting confirmed accommodation not only helps you enjoy your stay abroad, it is also a vital requirement for processing your visa. Whether you are visiting one city or multiple cities, hotel booking details must include all your check-in and check-out dates. Partial payment for this service is sufficient to get you a room in any location on the globe.

Travel Insurance

Travel is a time of adventure and fun. No one would like to spend this precious time resolving untoward circumstances and crises. But being prepared is the wisest move. And our travel agents know how to secure your journey in the best way possible by providing you with an exhaustive Travel Insurance Plan.

Strategic Consulting

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Our Pricing Plans

2-Hour Delivery Timelines | Freedom from Price Hikes | No Cancellation Charges | Free Service for Children below 12

These are some of the benefits of booking your travel package with us at SchengenVisaItinerary.com.

Our comprehensive, easy-to-understand Schengen Visa Packages include:

Flight Details

• Unlimited Flights
• Unlimited Corrections
• No Cancellation fees
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Flight + Hotel Details

• Valid Hotel Booking

Flight + Hotel + Insurance Details

• Unlimited Flights & Corrections
• Valid Travel Insurance

With Respect To Each Client

We appreciate clients.

Initially, I was in a dilemma about what to choose for my flight tickets booking but my friend suggested them and I am very happy with their service. They provide budget-friendly pricing, customer-friendly, and instant assistance which makes them the best source for visa applications. They are truly what they say!

from Canada

They are what they say! As I trusted my friend's suggestion on taking your services to get flight itinerary, hotel booking and travel insurance and it worked really well for me. Thank you so much Schengen Visa Itinerary for your good pricing and instant email communication which is the hardest part for any visa appliers.

United States

United States of America

It was a wonderful experience for me to work with the team Schengen Visa Itinerary. Their quick response and true knowledge about their providing services along with the round-trip itinerary encourage me to work again with them in the future.

UNITED KINGDOM

United Kingdom

I would like to appreciate the Schengen Visa Itinerary team services by recommending them to the ones looking for a homely flight itinerary service. I personally got all my flight reservations done by them. THANK YOU!

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I got my Schengen Visa because I got official documents like flight itinerary, accommodation proof and travel insurance within 24 hours from the team of Schengen Visa Itinerary. I want to thank them wholeheartedly, and kudos! to their efforts.

Philippines

Phillipines

I must say they are the best ones in their work. I had a very comfortable and easy time with my flight and hotel itineraries processing with them. They respond and react immediately to their client's help in no time. Also, they advised me of some stunning options about the hotel booking, which were very helpful for my visa application. They are always ready to help patiently anytime and with many services out of their stuff. I got my Visa approved with their provided documents quickly, and I am quite impressed with their teamwork.

They have great service for their customers. As I got my flight itinerary from Schengen Visa Itinerary and at the time of Schengen Visa approval, I had multiple time reset issues with the flight itinerary, and they acted quickly to help me in 8 to 10 minutes.

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I'm very happy with the services provided. I requested a travel itinerary and travel insurance, and the service was quickly completed. They answered any questions that i had and also managed to save me some money. Definitely will be using their services again!

Jacob Mastrantoni

Really professional and nice quick as needed job. Congrats to the staff.

This is the second time that I have requested an itinerary from schengenvisaitinerary (this time, for my mom and sister). Same as the first, everything went smoothly - it was sent to my email in less than 24 hours with the correct details. Hoping for the best outcome for their visa application next week. Thank you to the team, I appreciate your assistance and great customer service! Looking forward to the next time and/or recommending you to others in the future.

RS Schouten

Absolutely loved their service. Their agent stayed online in the chat throughout the time of my reservation to help me with any questions. I needed the documents urgently and they prepared them for me within an hour. I recommended them to a friend as well. :)

The service is fast and accurate, thanks for your help

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This is second time I have used the service of Schengen Visa Itinerary. Both the times, I have got excellent support and timely inputs from the team. There was never a need for sending reminder. My experience so far is absolutely fantastic.

“Excellent Service”

You guys provided an excellent service within few hours. Thanks for helping me in arranging the documents as well. I got my visa without any issues.

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I was able to get my flight itinerary and Hotel reservation in hours without actually buying tickets.

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Sheila Wang

Welcome to us.

To simplify, plan, process, and execute your travel plans with:

• Transparency, commitment, and selflessness.
• Combined expertise in quality deliverance and customer service.
• Tailor-made solutions to incorporate all your travel needs.

To help you experience our beautiful world in a memorable, enjoyable and wholesome manner so that the happy memories you create become our reward for a hard day’s work.

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You – the customer – are our biggest asset. That is why we honour each travel project with sincerity, timeliness, and loyalty, regardless of how small or big they are. After all, your satisfaction is our ultimate goal, and we believe that no effort made in that direction goes in vain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read our frequently asked questions.

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1. Which countries do you provide flight itinerary, hotel reservation and medical insurance for?

Do i have to commit to a contract.

The answer is ALL and ANY country around the globe! You could be an Indian resident, an NRI, or a foreign national – we will process your travel documents for any Visa Application. It also does not matter which country or countries you are travelling to. Our service is available to all. We work as per International and Schengen requirements and try our best to incorporate your airline, hotel and insurance preferences.

2. What is the best time to approach you for Visa Processing work?

You can hire our visa processing services any time of the year. We provide flight bookings, hotel reservations and insurance packages for all seasons and all reasons!

3. Can you handle multiple city travel bookings and itineraries? I want to visit multiple cities. Is there a limit on flight and hotel reservations that I can make?

Yes, absolutely! There is no limit to the number of flight and hotel bookings you want us to take up. If you are planning several individual or group trips in the near future, we will cater to those bookings simultaneously as well. Our packages include a maximum number of hotels. If you want to add to that list, please note that there will be a nominal charge per hotel booking. Our only request is that we need a complete round trip to work with, which will be treated as separate orders.

4. What should I do if my travel plans change after receiving my itinerary from you?

It is perfectly fine with us if you want to change your travel plans after receiving your travel itinerary. It is also possible that you might have inadvertently shared the wrong travel dates or cancelled a particular location from your trip entirely. We take complete care of ticket / booking cancellations and request you to pay only the service fee in case of re-bookings. The revised itinerary will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours. For speedier revisions of 12 hours or less, we do charge a nominal fee. Please call us at +1-516-835-7843 to know the latest applicable charges.

5. If I am denied my visa, will you refund my money?

We provide refunds only for those services which fall within our scope of work. If you are denied a visa due to errors we are responsible for, we guarantee you a full refund. However, we cannot take responsibility for visa rejections arising due to circumstances beyond our control or scope of work. We will need your Letter of Rejection duly authorized by the Embassy Official, along with any other rejection documents you might have. These will help us process your request for Refund successfully. For Insurance cancellations, you will need to approach us before the start date of the insurance package. Insurance Refunds will attract service charges and cancellation fee as stated in the policy.

6. Do you provide discounts for group travels?

Yes, the more the merrier, and the greater discounts and incentives you receive from us! Our group discount offers are unbeatable and one of the best in the market.

7. How quickly will you process my flight and hotel booking?

We start processing your travel information as soon as we receive your payment. Again, depending upon the pricing plan you choose, we can transfer the documents to you within 1, 6 or a maximum of 24 hours. We have an extensive team of Schengen Travel Agents with multiple years of domain expertise who support our customers’ requirements 24 x 7.

8. How can I check if you have chosen the best available flights and hotels?

We believe in maintaining transparent relations with our customers. That is why we give you all the airline and hotel booking details as soon as they are finalized. You can verify these details directly to ensure that we have indeed given you the best deal. Simply visit the applicable airline and hotel website, and enter your reservation code and name. You will be able to view your booking details immediately. Alternatively, you can also call the hotel or airline and request for your booking details first-hand.

9. For how many days will my flight / hotel booking and insurance package be valid?

The validity of your flight and hotel bookings as well as insurance plan can vary from one service provider to another. However, the typical duration is 2 weeks. But there are chances of airlines cancelling certain itineraries if a particular flight is over-booked. Same is the case for hotels as well. However, there is no cause for alarm. Being in this business, we can easily re-book your flight or hotel room(s) immediately, if such a situation rises.

10. Can you provide flight and hotel reservations for urgent visa requirements?

Yes, absolutely! You can contact our team of Schengen Travel Agents with your requirements and they will be quite happy to address your itinerary requirements on an as-per-demand basis. All we need is your complete support in providing us with the details we seek. We can provide you with a confirmed flight and hotel booking in as less as 1 hour!

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ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA Requirements & Application Process (VIA Center)

When we first toured Europe, we visited 16 different countries with a Germany-issued Schengen visa. But to our surprise, there was one destination that totally captivated us — ITALY. This boot-shaped Mediterranean state spoiled us with its delectable cuisine, jaw-dropping architecture, awe-inspiring sights, and enlightening history. We stayed in Italy for two weeks, but we knew from Day 1 that it would not be enough and that a return trip was bound to happen sooner or later.

Sooner, it turned out. Just a couple of years later, we found ourselves collecting all the documents needed to complete another Schengen Visa application. But this time, we were praying to the visa gods of Italy.

This wasn’t the first time we applied for a Schengen visa, but of all our visa applications, this made us the most nervous. Italy is notorious within my travel circles as one of the strictest when it comes to evaluating applications. I can only assume that the main reason is the sheer number of Filipino workers in Italy, around 170,000 documented OFWs plus tens of thousands undocumented. If online sources are to be believed, Italy has one of the highest rejection rates, along with France and Spain. But our plan involved staying in Italy the longest so we had to try.

We’re thankful that we did. As we began preparing, we realized that — yes, it is strict — but the process is also a lot easier and more straightforward. We applied via the PIASI VIA Center (Visa Information and Application Center). No prior appointment needed and no soul-crushing interviews. It was pretty fast too. I was granted a visa after only 4 days!

Anyway, here’s how to apply for an Italian Schengen Visa.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN ITALY-ISSUED SCHENGEN VISA?

Apply for an Italian Schengen Visa only if one of these apply to you.

• You’re going to Italy or Vatican City ONLY and will not visit any other country.
• You will visit two or more Schengen countries but you will stay the longest in Italy.
• You will stay in multiple Schengen countries for exactly the same number of nights, but Italy is your point of entry (first in your itinerary) in the Schengen area.

I noticed that Schengen embassies count the number of nights when determining where the applicant would be staying the longest.

LIST OF ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. valid passport.

• Current passport and previous passports
• Must have at least 6 months validity (as required by Philippine Immigration)
• Must have at least 3 months validity remaining from the target end of the trip or target visa expiry (as required by Italian Embassy)

2. Accomplished Application Form

You can do it online or by hand.

• If online, you can fill it out here .
• If by hand, you can download from here .

Make sure that you don’t leave blanks. If the field does not apply to you, write NA or N/A.

For minors, the form must be signed by BOTH parents.

3. Recent Photo

• Both passport-size and 2×2″ photos are accepted. I submitted 2×2; Vins submitted passport-size. They accepted both.
• Colored ICAO standard photo with white background
• Ears should be visible. Lips must be closed.
• You must be wearing collared shirt or blouse.

4. Introduction Letter

This is highly encouraged. Because there is no interview with the consul or visa officer, you won’t have a chance to explain your purpose of travel in detail or clarify things you think they might find confusing. Having a cover letter can help your case.

Here’s a sample:

5. Proof of Available Accommodations

• Hotel booking under the name of the applicant. You may book from hotel booking websites and choose properties that allow FREE CANCELLATION so you can cancel easily in case the application is denied.

IF INVITED BY SOMEONE IN ITALY

• Letter of invitation. I think the letter has a standard format, but we don’t have a copy.
• Proof of citizenship or permit of stay of the inviting party
• PSA/NSO documents to prove relationship, if the inviting person is a relative. These may be birth certificates, a marriage certificates, or combination of them.

6. Photocopy of Passport Pages

• Photocopy of the bio page (page 2) and last page (In case of Emergency page) of the valid passport
• Photocopy of previous visas and immigration stamps on current and previous passports

7. Proof of Employment

IF EMPLOYED:

• Certificate of Employment
• Approved Leave of Absence
• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Approved Travel Authority (For government workers only. Ignore if not applicable.)
• Professional License Card (PRC Card, only if applicable. Ignore otherwise.)

IF SELF-EMPLOYED:

• Business license/permits
• BIR Registration
• SEC Registration (corporation) / DTI Registration (sole proprietor)
• Financial Statement with Company Income Tax Return
• GIS (General Information Sheet of company, if corporation)
• Articles of Incorporation (if corporation)

The copies of GIS, BIR Plate, and Articles of Incorporation are not in the official checklist, but we were told that they are also required. Thankfully, we had a soft copy of the docs they wanted so we just printed them out at a nearby computer shop and submitted the lacking docs that same afternoon.

IF STUDENT:

• Certificate of Enrolment
• Approved Leave of Absence (if traveling within school months)

8. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank certificate supported by corresponding statement of account or passbook, showing 6 months of account history
• International credit card statements
• Land titles or copy of proof of real estate property
• For minors, proof of financial means of parents or legal guardian

9. Travel insurance

• Minimum coverage of €30,000 (with additional 15-day allowance beyond your travel dates).
• Must be valid and accepted throughout the Schengen area.
• Must be purchased from an accredited company.

PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus SUPREME plan is specifically designed for Schengen visa applications. It’s perhaps the easiest insurance to get online. The Poor Traveler readers can also enjoy a special rate when you book on the PGA Sompo website and use the promo code: WORTHIT .

10. Identity Documents

• PSA/NSO-issued birth certificate
• If married, PSA/NSO-issued marriage certificate
• If minor or student, notarized Affidavit of Support signed by BOTH parents
• If minor and not traveling with parents, DSWD Clearance

11. Complete Itinerary

Your itinerary must reflect the dates you indicated when you accomplished the application form. Below is a sample. This is the format I followed. You can also download an editable version here .

12. Flight Reservations

Including outward and return flights. We also submitted all the flights we plan to take within the Schengen area. Make sure your document has a Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number).

To avoid wasting money, DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS until your visa is approved. You just need to reserve .

Find a travel agency that can reserve flights for you. In our case, we got all our flight reservations from Gazelle Travel and Tours. You can reserve flights here: HOW TO GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS

13. Visa Fee

Here’s the cost of Short Term Visa (Tourism/Visit) when I applied:

12yo or older = 60€ (P3519) 6-11yo = 35€ (P2053) 5yo or younger = FREE

However, there is a report that visa fees across all Schengen embassies have increased to EUR 80 per applicant.

In addition, you also need to pay the P1450 handling fee charged by VIA PIASI. According to their website and the matrices on site, the handling fee is only P1350, but we were charged P1450. I’m not sure if we were charged an additional P100 for something else.

Anyway, that’s a total of P4969 .

You can get FLIGHT RESERVATIONS, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, and TRAVEL INSURANCE online! We got in touch with Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-registered DOT-accredited travel agency so they could easily offer these services to our readers. For the rates and more info, read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

How to apply for an italian schengen visa, 1. complete the required documents..

Gather all the requirements as listed above. You might also want to download this checklist , so you have an easy reference.

For easier processing, arrange your documents according to the order above. We also arranged the photocopies of our stamps and past visas according to how they appear on our passports.

Although there is no specified paper size, we decided to print all our docs on A4-size paper because it is the European standard.

2. Submit the requirements to the VIA Center.

Here are the addresses and business hours of the PIASI VIA Center in Makati and Cebu.

VIA Center Makati 3F Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines Phone: +632-845-9200 / +632-845-9215 Email: [email protected]

VIA Center Cebu 1004 Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines Phone: +63-32-412-7447 Email: [email protected]

You can schedule an appointment or you can simply walk in.

If you wish to book an appointment, you may secure a slot by phone. Here are the details:

Appointment Hotline: (02) 845 9200 Call hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm Closed: Sundays and public holidays

But an appointment is OPTIONAL. You can simply show up at VIA Center. That’s what we did. We simply walked in! They accept visa applications in the following times:

VISA APPLICATION HOURS Monday to Thursday, 8am to 2:30pm Friday, 8am to 1:30pm Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays

If you’re applying in Makati, go to the second floor. Although the main office is on the third floor of Allegro Center, their receiving area for walk-in applicants is on the second floor. Here’s our experience.

• Approach the first counter right after the door. The staff will briefly check your application form and photo.
• Register on their logbook.
• Get a queue number and information form. This short form will ask you about your application and how you want your passport to be returned: by pickup or by delivery.
• Take a comfortable seat and wait for your turn. Use this idle time to fill out the information sheet.
• Once your number is called, approach the counter and submit your documents. They will check each document meticulously so it will take some time. If you choose to have your passport delivered, you will have to take care of it here too. You will be asked to go back to your seat and wait for the Biometrics collection.
• Once called, approach the Biometrics counter where a staff will take your fingerprints.
• Climb to the third floor and find the cashier.
• Make payment! Cash only. Don’t forget your acknowledgement receipt AND official receipt.

That’s it! You’re done! VIA Center will then forward your application to the Italian Embassy, which will be the one evaluating it.

In my experience, the whole processing took 3 hours. It should have been 2 hours, but they said we were lacking a couple business documents so we had to go out, print out those docs, and wait for our turn again.

3. Claim your passport and visa.

When the results are in, you will receive a call from VIA Center telling you that the passport is already with them and that it’s ready for pick up or delivery.

We were told that we can only pick up our passports at these times.

PASSPORT RELEASING SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 3pm-5pm ONLY.

We got a call from VIA only 4 days after we submitted our application. This was the fastest Schengen visa application I have experienced! But according to the VIA staff, the average wait is 15 days.

ITALIAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. how long does the entire italian visa application process take.

According to the VIA staff we talked to, the average is 15 days.

Some take longer. In some cases, applicants have to wait over a month. Some get theirs much shorter — 10 days, 7 days, 5 days.

In our case, the whole thing took only 4 days! Here’s my timeline:

• July 23 (Monday) – Submitted our application at VIA Center Makati
• July 26 (Friday) – VIA informed us that our passports were ready for pickup
• July 29 (Monday) – We picked up our passport

I was super nervous at first because it was too quick, but according to a friend who used to work as a visa officer at a Schengen embassy, it does happen occasionally. It’s probably because this was my fourth Schengen visa and I had been to Italy before.

2. How early should I apply for an Italian Schengen visa?

The earliest you can lodge your application is 3 months (90 days) before your intended travel date . If you apply earlier than that, they will refuse your application and tell you to return at a later date.

Update: There is a report that you may now apply as early as 6 months before the trip, but I haven’t confirmed this yet.

3. How long is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

Depends on the itinerary you submit. The Embassy will decide based on your itinerary so take it seriously. Don’t make dummy itineraries. Make sure it’s really your plan.

4. Should I apply for a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa?

Again, it depends on your itinerary and flight reservations. If your itinerary/flight reservations suggest you’re going out of the Schengen zone and then returning after, then apply for a double-entry visa. If you plan to go in and out of the zone many times, then go for the multiple entry visa.

Don’t apply for a multiple-entry visa if you intend to stay in Italy the entire time. There is no need for your visa to be multiple and will probably just raise more questions.

5. How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

The embassy doesn’t disclose the exact amount they need to see on your financial documents. It also depends on the length of your stay and what you plan to do.

I add the cost of all the flights and hotel reservations I submit and then add 60 euro per day of stay in Europe. Some embassies require USD50 per day, some USD 55 per day. But to be safe, I use EUR60 per day.

Once I have the sum of it all, that’s what I consider the minimum amount that I should have in my bank account. MINIMUM. I make sure I have much more funds that that because the embassy will have a very hard time believing that you are willing to spend all your money on this trip.

Because of this, my personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay + cost of flights + cost of accommodations.

6. What are the reasons why my Schengen visa application would be denied?

This applies not just to the Italian Embassy but also other Schengen embassies:

• You can’t prove that you intend to return to the Philippines . You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you plan on staying longer than your declared duration.
• You can’t prove that you can financially afford this trip. You or your sponsor may not be in a good financial standing.
• Your documents are inconsistent. Your application form may be stating one thing, but your supporting documents may be suggesting another.
• Your purpose in Italy or Europe is unclear or dubious . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

We have more detailed explanations in this post: COMMON REASONS WHY VISA APPLICATIONS ARE DENIED!

7. Do I really need flight tickets before applying?

No, you don’t need to plane tickets. If anything, you are DISCOURAGED from purchasing plane tickets so you won’t waste money in the event that your application is rejected.

Actual tickets are NOT a requirement. What you can submit is a so-called FLIGHT RESERVATION , which is different from actual tickets. “Reservations” are just proof that you have blocked these plane seats. Some airlines can hold the booking for you.

Travel agencies can also issue flight reservations. If you don’t have time to go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online.

Our go-to travel agency for flight reservations (and travel insurance) for visa application is Gazelle Travel and Tours , a DTI-registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can contact them completely ONLINE:

MORE INFO: Flight and Hotel Reservations

8. do i need to submit the original copies of the documents.

VIA Center urges applicants to bring both the original and a photocopy of all documents. However, not all of the original copies will be kept by them.

Some requirements call for original copies like passports, bank certificates, birth certificate, and certificates of employment.

For others like land titles and business registration docs, they will only get the photocopy. But they will check the original copies for verification that the photocopies are indeed true copies of the original.

9. I’m applying with a group/family. Do I need to provide a copy of every document for each member?

YES. Schengen visa applications are assessed individually . According to the VIA Embassy website, each applicant must have their own set of requirements.

For example, if there are 4 members of the group/family and all of you will be using the same bank account as proof of funds, you can use that one bank account but provide 4 original copies of the bank certificate, one for each member.

10. Is personal appearance required?

Most of the time, YES.

Part of the process is Biometrics collection, in which they need your fingerprints, so the applicant must be there. However, according to the VIA staff that processed my bio, some applicants who have existing biometric records in the Schengen system may not need to show up. But because it’s hard to tell whether the copies are reliable, they still strongly recommend to personally appear to submit biometrics.

I had my biometrics collected when I applied at the Greek Embassy just over a year ago, but I was still asked for fingerprints.

11. I am visiting European countries outside the Schengen Zone and then re-entering the zone after. What should I answer to the “Indicate number of days” field on the application form: the total number of days in Europe or just the number of days within the zone?

I had this same problem. Our plan was to spend 46 days in Europe but only 22 of those would be spent within the Schengen area: 18 days initially then we’ll go out and re-enter the zone again and spend 4 more days inside.

Initially, I entered the total number of days in Europe, 46 days. But the VIA Center staff told us to write the number of days within the Schengen area, 22 days. But because I had already written 46 days, she instructed us to just add (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) , enclosed in a parenthesis, by hand. So my final answer was 46 DAYS (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) .

I’m not sure if that’s right. I just followed their instructions. We were still granted a suitable visa, so I guess it was okay.

12. On the Schengen Information section (Page 5) of the VIA online application form, what if I have more than one visas?

On Page 5 of the VIA application form, one field asks: “Schengen issued during the past 3 years?” It’s followed fields where you’re supposed to enter the validity dates of the past visas.

The problem is, it seems to be impossible to enter more than one visas.

What I did is, I just entered the validity dates of the latest Schengen visa that I had.

13. On the Fingerprint Information section (Page 6) of the VIA online application form, what am I supposed to answer?

There are only two fields on that page. Here’s what I answered:

• Fingerprints collected previously for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa for the past 3 years? – If you have applied for a Schengen visa before and the embassy (any Schengen embassy) collected your fingerprints within the past 3 years, answer YES. I answered YES because I remember the Greek Embassy took my biometrics 2 years ago.
• Finger Print Validity. – I don’t know what to answer here exactly, but I just entered the date my fingerprints were last collected by a Schengen Embassy.

14. What to answer to the PERMIT INFORMATION section (Page 7) of the VIA online application form?

I was perplexed by this too because there was no description. I didn’t know what to answer.

Thankfully, I found a Schengen Visa Application Form guide on the website of the French Embassy! The French to the rescue!

According to it, it’s specifically asking for: Entry permits for the final country of destination , where applicable.

“Fill this space only if you do not have the nationality of your country of residence and present your visa or your permit with a photocopy.”

Because I am a Filipino residing in the Philippines, it means it doesn’t apply to me. So I ticked NO .

15. On the Members Information section (Page 9) of the application form, there are tick boxes that read “by a applicant”, “by a sponsor”, and “means of support”. What are these?

The header of that section is missing. You’re supposed to fill in the blank. What it’s actually asking is this: “Cost of travelling and living during the applicant’s stay is covered ______.”

If you will be shouldering your travel expenses, tick “BY APPLICANT.” Then choose the means of support that you will be using. DO NOT tick the “BY A SPONSOR” box. That’s only for sponsored applicants!

16. What does an Italian Schengen Visa look like?

17. i earn this much per month, have this much funds in my bank account, have visited these countries and have these supporting documents. will my application be approved.

I have no idea. No one and nothing can guarantee visa approval beforehand. The only person who can answer this question is the visa officer evaluating your application.

You can be adequately prepared for it, but sometimes, we just don’t know what the eff is going to happen.

Sometimes, no matter how qualified or how adequately prepared you are, you can still end up denied a visa. I have heard about cases wherein I just couldn’t figure out what went wrong. I have a friend who has a great travel history, financial records, rootedness proof. Everything was great, in my opinion. And yet her application was denied. And it’s not exclusive to Schengen visa. I know another who was applying for a Japanese visa for the third time. He meets all the items of someone who would surely be guaranteed approval, but was refused a visa, too.

18. What other countries can I visit using an Italian Schengen visa?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter any of the 26 states that are part of the Schengen agreement. Think of it as an almost all-access pass to many countries in Europe, eliminating the immigration borders within the Schengen zone and the hassle of having to apply for a visa for each individual country. These are the countries who are part of the Schengen Zone:

Some non-Schengen countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey also accept double- or multiple-entry Schengen visas (with certain conditions about the visa types and length of stay, among others).

For more Schengen Visa Frequently Asked Questions, check out this post: Schengen Visa for Filipinos

This article is based on my own Schengen Visa application (Tourist) via PIASI VIA Center, the official service provider of the Embassy of Italy. If you have inquiries about anything outside my personal experience, I’m afraid I won’t be of help. However, feel free to post questions in the comments section below because some of our readers might know better.

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Fell in love with Italy on my first visit. I also have that feeling na kailangan kong bumalik ng Italy. Anyways, congrats on another Schengen Visa and Enjoy! Please italian dish for me❤️

Thanks, Ailea! We’re super excited to return! :D

Very informative and helpful. Thank you!

For the hotel reservations, you said it should be under the applicant’s name, and each applicant must have his/her own set of required documents for submission. But what if we are travelling as a family and booked a family room; can they also use the hotel reservation that is under my name? Thanks, Yoshke!

Hi Laila, I think okay lang. I-explain mo na lang sa letter. Ganun din yung sa amin ni Vins eh. Lahat ng hotels namin ay under my name, pero inexplain ko sa letter. We used just one letter na dalawa kaming signatories but tig-1 copy each kami na sinubmit. :)

Tip: If you are booking via booking.com there is a part “Guest Name” where you can specify the names of the guest, just put comma (, ) in each name, this way your hotel booking will show the names of all guest in a single hotel booking. That’s what i did when i applied visa for my mom.

Oooooooh! Thanks for sharing this!

Didn’t know this! Will try this next time!

hi. thank you for sharing. its very informative. my question is what additional documents are needed if one of the spouses is not employed, but is financially capable of travelling? thanks.

I’m a bit confused. Is it you who will be traveling but your trip will be sponsored by your spouse? Or is it your spouse who will be traveling? If it’s the latter, will you be sponsoring your spouse’s trip?

i got a schengen . visa already through Norway last 2014 i wasnt . able to . use my visa since i got . tied in my . schedule in USA is . that . gonna affect my . new application in Italian Embassy since i will be staying here longer

Hi Luisa, I’m not familiar with the complications of an unused Schengen visa if meron man. :S

Thanks for sharing your wealthy information,this is an useful article for all people

Hi! In your checklist, i saw you listed “Notarized affidavit of support” for means of support for students. Does it really need to be notarized? Thank you so much for this article btw very informative

Hi Andrea, i haven’t tried applying for or as a student, but that’s what the official checklist states, so i guess it has to be notarized.

Ok thank you again!

Hello po! Thank you very much for this very informative blog. I just have a question po on the intro letter. Me and my fiance are travelling this December and will be getting married this December yet too. This trip will be for our honeymoon. Since we have to apply for a visa now, technically we have to put single as status and leave the Philippines as married. Would there be any complication if we put honeymoon as reason in our letter? Thank you in advance.

I submitted my application just yesterday via the VIA center but I forgot that I have a flight on Oct 22 to Singapore.

They are saying that it will take around 15 working days for visa processing. Do you know of many instances where the visa was released around 4-5 days after submission?

Hi Jan Si, is it your first trip to the Schengen area? Did you receive your passport back with your visa yet?

In my case, it only took 4 days.

There are a few members of our Support Group who got theirs in under 5 days too.

Thank you for this blog. This gives me ideas about applying for the VISA.

I just want to ask, Sir if Financial Statement from my bank is still needed even though someone will shoulder all of my expenses in Italy? Does the Sponsor Letter not enough?

Thank you .

Yep, they will look for financial statements ESPECIALLY if you’re sponsored.

We explained the reason for that here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/07/visa-immigration-boyfriend-girlfriend/

Hi! Do you know any embassy in Cebu which I can apply Schengen Visa? And is it possible to apply for a schengen visa for 30 days even though it will be my first time? I am planning to visit Europe in May 2020 with a planned entry in Paris. Thank you for your information

Hi Melody, naku, wala akong contact na travel agency sa Cebu. :(

Hi sir, ask ko lang po pano po gawin ulit since denied po application sa Italian embassy kahapon.. i need your thoughts lang po to advise me, what po mag apply ako ulit, since yung dating strong ties ko is my business pero hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR kasi hindi kasi yun sakin na land or place nakiki business lang ako dun, kaya proof ko lang sa business na yun ay Brgy. Business permit lang at DTI, sa next application ko po ilalagay ko parin po ba yun na business ko? Since wala naman ako ibang work kundi yun lang po. Or baka kasi ma dedisapprove na naman ako since hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR hinanapan kasi ni officer ng BIR sa business na yun . Need your advice lang po. Salamat sa mga sagot..

Hi July, naku, mahirap nga yan kasi pag yung proof of income or employment ang concern, mahigpit talaga sila.

You can try applying at another embassy na mas maluwag, pero baka maging problem pa rin talaga yung business mo since kulang ng documents.

Hi, so d ko masyado na gets to.

Pero if ng apply kame ng France VISA, then gusto namen pmnta ng ibang Schengen state. Should we need to inform the French Embassy? or upon getting the VISA automatic n un n pede kame pmnta kun san san? Thanks po.

If may Schengen visa ka na, pwede ka na pumunta anywhere within the Schengen zone basta within the validity period and allowed length of stay.

Hi Yoshke, hope you are well. just want to ask if we also need to book train tickets in italy when applying for schengen visa?or we can just indicate in our itinerary that we will buy train tickets when our visa is approved?and can we buy them in the train stations on the same date we travel?

Hi Anna, in our case, we didn’t submit train tickets. We only submitted the flights to and from Europe and flights WITHIN Europe, since may mga legs na lilipad talaga. Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train tickets. Not sure if ganun sa lahat or we just got lucky.

Did you submit confirmed flight details within schengen? Or just reservations lng? Wer po pwede mag avail? We are also planning to take the night train from Rome to Munich. Do we have to purchase the train tickets as well?

I submitted flight reservations to and within Schengen, not confirmed tickets. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/06/flight-hotel-reservations-visa-application/

I didn’t submit train tickets, though. Only flights.

Hi Yoshke, ok thanks sa reply :) another concern ko is yong husband ko is from myanmar and im here sa singapore ,nsa pilipinas xa (balikbayan visa holder)and dun xa mag aapply ng schengen visa,meron xang small business,talyer sa harap mismo ng bahay namin at nag bubuy and sell din xa,pede na kya un as source of income nia?wala xa BIR or ITR or whatever e,brgy permit lng ang meron siya,(in his name)but meron din xa sarili bank account which have enough funds.pede q nmn din siguro isama sa requirements nia ung funds ko?what do you think?we also owned properties.

I don’t know for sure, pero I think okay lang na isama yung funds mo kasi you’re married naman. If ako nasa position mo, I would probably write a letter explaining everything and that you’re traveling together.

Hindi ko alam how much it would help because the Italian Embassy is known for being very strict. But yun ang gagawin ko. That’s just me.

thanks so much Yoshke..cross fingers we’ll get the visa!merry christmas!

Happy Holidays! And good luck with your application.

Hello! I just want to say thank you because this article helped us in our visa application. My boyfriend & I applied last November 13, and our visa got approved last week of November. Italian embassy is very strict pero ‘pag complete naman requirements, there’s nothing to worry. Thank you!! Keep on helping. :)

hello, tnong ko lng po base sa experience nyo, nkatnggap b kau ng call gling sa italian embassy n ready na ung visa nyo? 2 weeks n kc akong nag aantay wla prin akong nrereceive na notif. thank you

Yes po. We received a call from VIA po na pwede na iclaim.

Congrats, Maria!

Saan kayo sa Italy punta?

Hi, hope you can help me. Would like to apply for a Schengen visa (still deciding which country where we were staying the longest.) My concern is, I am working as a freelance and just registered sa BIR last Oct so no ITR yet. I will be travelling with my ‘fiance’ and our minor daughter who were both US citizen (US passport) and does not need a visa to travel in Italy, Poland or Schengen zone. Of course my ‘fiance’ will be paying for everything. My question is how should I go about my visa application? Since my ‘fiance’ is paying for everything, can I just submit all his financial documents instead of mine?

I’d really appreciate your answer as we planning to travel next year around July. We have traveled together but only in Singapore and Thailand.

Yes, you can submit his financial docs but you will also need to submit yours. Hihingin pa rin nila yung sayo kahit sponsored.

But to be honest with you, I feel like the odds are against you. Schengen Embassies in general are much stricter sa sponsored applicants tapos working as freelance without ITR. If you want to still try, you can naman, but here’s my advice:

– Choose a less strict embassy. Given your situation, I think mahihirapan ka if mag-apply ka sa Italian or Spanish Embassy. – Submit an Affidavit of Support, notarized, and signed by your fiance – Submit proof of relationship. Since you have a child, I think you can submit the child’s birth certificate showing that you two are the parents – Submit more proof of travel history. Aside from the stamps, you can submit your photos together when you traveled to Thailand and Singapore. – Submit a cover letter

If I were in your shoes though, i-build ko pa muna yung travel history ko. I would visit other visa countries first na less strict before ako mag-Schengen. (Yun actually yung ginawa ko.) Thailand and Singapore kasi ay parehong visa-free. Makakatulong kasi if meron kang visas from other countries kahit Japan, Korea, or Australia lang.

It’s going to be an uphill battle. But I hope this helps.

Ito ay sa tingin ko lang po. Best to consult pa rin a travel agency kasi mas alam nila.

Good luck!!! Balitaan mo kami please if mag-apply kayo para makatulong din sa ibang readers. Hope na ma-approve! :)

just want to ask is it better to apply sa VIA center compared if i apply directly sa embassy ng italy? sayang din kasi yung fee na ibabayad sa VIA ehh. Although baka mas helpful ba mag check ng requirements beforesubmitting it sa VIA center?

Thanks in advance!!

Hi James, we haven’t tried applying directly so I can’t compare. But based on what I heard from friends who have, I think it’s less stressful to apply sa VIA. Sa VIA kasi, they will guide you talaga and tell you pag may kulang or need pa for better chances of approval.

Hi, was wondering if you’d know this. If you submitted your application thru VIA, will you be notified of the status by VIA as well? Or the embassy will be the one to inform you? Will it be via a text message, a phone call or email? Thanks in advance! :-)

Hi Satchiko,

In our case, VIA informed us. :)

Hi, do you know if there’s any chance na pwedeng i pull out yung passport ko from the application in case the processing takes too long? I have another scheduled trip next month to South Korea. I’ll submit on Jan 13 and my trip to KR is on Feb 7. Or do you think it’s possible to request for expedited processing? Thank you!

Hi – i followed all your instructions. my flight is on 28 April arriving France on 29 April where I will meet my 2 Canadian Citizen sisters. We will be staying most in Italy in our 12-day stay including our 7-day Italy-Adriatic Western Mediterranean cruise.

I have complete documents already including confirmed cruise booking, hotel accommodation and plane ticket to France.

Do you think i can file my application/complete documents on Monday 27 January 2020 – since I will already be in Makati on this date.

I am a senior citize living and working in Muntinlupa City

thanks – Mrs. Cris

Di ko po alam sa ngayon. There was news that they would be extending the application period to 6 months before the trip, but I don’t know if that has been implemented yet. :S

How did you submit trains/plane reservations within schngen area? Do we really have a confirmed reservation? Or just right the time/date that we are planning to take? Thanks in advance!

Plane reservations, I submitted. (Not confirmed tickets. Just flight reservations.)

But for the trains, I just indicated the ones I wanted to take in the itinerary. I didn’t submit tickets.

I read your article as my guide prior to submitting my requirements to VIA. Once you received a call from them, will they tell you right away if your visa has been approved or denied?

Thank you! :)

Hi CJ, nope. They will only tell you that your passport is ready for pickup. They won’t say if approved or denied. You’ll only find out upon pickup.

Hi! Just for Info. New visa fee is Euro 80 for adult

Thanks for sharing!

Hi Yosh, planing to apply once better situation na. I read in the requirements na they need flight/trains bookings upon application.. ” If travelling across Schengen countries, please submit bookings of all trains, flights and car rentals from one country to another.”

Since we can apply visa 180 days before the expected date of arrival pa Do you know a way to book (not purchase) train reservations?

I will surely use this as a guide hopefully (when miss rona stops being a diva) for my next year’s solo summer trip in Europe. I’ll apply via VIA center in Cebu. I want to stay in Italy the longest. This will be my first time traveling to Europe and a non-visa free country. I’ve been to visa-free countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia and Cambodia. I just registered as a freelancer last May 2020. Do you think the odds will be in my favour?

Very informative blog!

Hi,we are a family of 6, planning to get a shengen visa. Is it ok to make the same cover letter for each member? I have a business that will support the family’s trip. However, my husband is currently not working anymore. Although we travelled as a family, to the US several times and other asian countries already. Wil it be a problem for him being unemployed?

I think that’s OK. When we apply as a group, we only use 1 cover letter with all our names and signatures. Then each of us submit a copy of that letter.

Regarding your other question, since it’s a family trip and you’re married and you’re traveling with him, I think they would be less strict since the purpose of the trip is very clear (assuming your docs are all good and your own finances can support all of you). But that’s just my take on it.

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I realy liked your blog, very informative.

Hi po! Required po ba sundin yung itinerary na isa-submit? Planning to spend 12 days in Rome, Milan, Assisi, and Sicily po kasi. Praning lang ako baka suspicious sa kanila yung andami kong pupuntahan so I thought of not putting it na lang sa itinerary na ibibigay for VISA.

Hi James! OK lang naman po yung maraming pupuntahan, as long as realistic naman. :)

Pwede namang mag-deviate from the itinerary, lalo na if within Italy lang din naman. Once you’re inside kasi, there is no way din naman to track it.

Even mag-flight po within the country ok lang na hindi i-include?

Sa case namin, we submitted lahat ng flights namin even within Schengen Zone. Wala naman kaming flights within Italy lang since ang dineclare namin dun ay mag-train or bus lang kami. (Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train/bus booking.)

Hi po ulit! Regarding naman sa travel dates, need po ba sundin yung in-indicate during VISA application?

As long as within the allowed period indicated sa actual visa.

Thanks for the awesome article! Is the Certificate of Leave of Absence optional? I will be providing Certificate of Employment and ITR documents.

Sa case namin, if my memory serves me right, hiningi sya talaga. Di ko lang alam if ganun din sa iba.

ma dali lang po ba ang pagkuha ng re entry visa?i almost 15years in italy last year nag bakasyon ako ang malapit nko bumalik uwe pero naaksidente nmn ako…

have you gone into an interview upon submission of requirements?

For Italian Schengen Visa, no. There was just someone from VIA who checked our requirements.

Question lang yung sa Proof of Financial means lahat ba yun kailangan? tas need ba under our name yung sa land titles?and we dont have credit card kasi,

Yung bank cert and bank statements ay required. ‘Yung ibang items under it ay kung meron ka lang.

Hi. Do you have experience in appealing an Italian schengen visa denial? Is it advisable to appeal a denial? Or would it be better to apply to a different schengen country?

Do I need an approved leave of absence during summer break? Usuallu we are free naman to have vacation at this period of time (Public Teacher) Is my profession enough considered as a rootedness proof?

Hello po! I have been previously granted a Schengen visa by the French embassy nung 2015 pero I lost the passport na. Should I mention that po sa cover letter?

If I were in your position po, I would mention it. Do you have a photo or soft copy of that visa?

Hello po! I have a copy but altered siya (read: redacted yung info as I sent a pic of it to a friend). So, yung ginawa ko na lang is in-attach ko yung orig copy nung insurance ko for that previous trip. We submitted our app last May 25 and we have yet to hear from them.

Hello! Just wanted to ask if you were required to present an approved Leave form when you applied for a Germany-issued Schengen visa? I am planning to apply for a Schengen visa and will stay in Germany the longest. Thanks.

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Which Country Will Join Schengen in 2024

• Published: April 21, 2024
• EU Policies , Schengen Boarders , Schengen Tourism , Schengen Travel , Schengen Visa

The Schengen Area represents one of the most significant achievements in European integration, facilitating the free movement of people across national borders without the need for passport checks.

Recently, this zone of free movement expanded slightly with the partial inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria, an integration process marked by over a decade of evaluations and preparations. 

This article explores potential candidates for Schengen membership in 2024, assessing their readiness and the broader implications of their inclusion.

As nations strive for seamless border transitions, the implications of expanding this area are significant not only for member states but also for the European Union’s external relations and internal security protocols. 

Background Information

Membership in the Schengen Area requires adherence to a stringent set of criteria that ensure the candidate country is prepared for the elimination of border controls.

These criteria include robust border management, a well-functioning visa system, and adherence to the Schengen acquis, which encompasses data protection, police cooperation, and respect for fundamental rights. 

The Schengen Area, established in 1985 and implemented in 1995, has gradually expanded to include 26 European countries, fostering easier travel and economic exchange but also facing challenges such as migration management and security coordination. 

As countries seek entry into this zone, they must demonstrate not only the capability to manage their borders but also the ability to integrate into a complex system of security and information sharing that binds the area.

This continuous expansion has prompted ongoing debates about the balance between freedom of movement and the security of external borders, reflecting the evolving political and security landscape of Europe.

Recent Developments

Partial integration of romania and bulgaria.

The decision to allow partial Schengen integration highlights the European Union’s strategic flexibility in expanding its border-free zone.

By adapting membership requirements to accommodate unique national circumstances, the EU can maintain stringent security standards while fostering greater integration. 

For Romania and Bulgaria, this achievement not only signifies a step closer to full Schengen inclusion but also enhances their geopolitical stance within Europe.

As they continue to work towards meeting the complete criteria, their progress serves as a beacon for other candidate countries, illustrating the tangible benefits of sustained compliance and reform.

Challenges Overcome

The path to this achievement has not been straightforward. Romania and Bulgaria have undergone thirteen years of rigorous scrutiny regarding their border security and visa management systems.

These evaluations aimed to ensure that both nations fully complied with Schengen standards, focusing on areas such as law enforcement cooperation, data sharing, and the protection of fundamental rights within their jurisdictions. 

The process involved multiple assessments by Schengen evaluators, who periodically reviewed progress and identified areas requiring further improvement.

These continuous efforts underscored the commitment of both countries to uphold the high standards required for Schengen membership, despite facing significant political and logistical hurdles along the way.

Setting a Precedent

This partial admission highlights a critical pathway for prospective Schengen members, illustrating that although the journey may be protracted, adherence to stringent EU norms and continuous improvements in security and policy frameworks are quintessential. 

The example of Romania and Bulgaria serves as a beacon for countries like Croatia and others in the Balkans, which are navigating similar hurdles.

Their success can potentially inspire and expedite the integration processes for these nations, thereby enriching the cohesion and operational synergy within the Schengen Area.

This development reaffirms the EU’s commitment to expansion based on merit and preparedness, ensuring a stronger, unified Europe.

Candidates for 2024

Exploring the likely candidates for Schengen Area membership in 2024, we assess their readiness and the challenges they face.

Potential Entrants

As the European Union looks toward the future of the Schengen Area, several candidates stand out for potential inclusion in 2024. Croatia, in particular, has made significant strides in aligning with EU regulations and standards.

Recent political stability and economic advancements position it as a prime candidate for Schengen membership. Similarly, other Balkan countries, motivated by the recent inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria, are intensifying their efforts to meet the required criteria.

Challenges and Advancements

Each candidate faces unique challenges. For instance, while Croatia benefits from a relatively stable political landscape, it must still enhance its border controls and data security measures to fully comply with Schengen requirements.

Other countries might struggle with bureaucratic inefficiencies or lack the necessary infrastructure to manage cross-border flows effectively. However, advancements in technology and increased EU support have enabled these nations to make significant progress toward integration.

Implications of Expansion

Economic and security impacts.

The economic benefits of expanding the Schengen Area include not only streamlined logistics and decreased operational costs for businesses but also the potential for increased tourism and service exchange.

This expansion can lead to a more integrated and competitive market, providing a boost to economic growth across the region. 

On the security front, while open borders facilitate ease of movement for citizens, they also require advanced monitoring technologies and intelligence sharing to safeguard against threats.

The implementation of comprehensive security protocols and the efficient use of Schengen Information System (SIS) are essential to manage risks associated with easier cross-border travel, ensuring that the benefits of increased economic activity do not come at the expense of security.

Political Ramifications

The expansion of the Schengen Area introduces complexities in balancing national sovereignty with collective European goals. As borders open wider, the seamless integration demands more cohesive policies on immigration and law enforcement.

This could lead to significant shifts in political power dynamics within the EU, as smaller or newer member states gain equal footing in the borderless area. 

Moreover, the ability to manage and secure borders effectively without individual national oversight could become a contentious issue, potentially redefining the role of national governments in an increasingly integrated Europe.

These discussions will be pivotal in shaping the future political landscape of the EU.

Opposition and Challenges

While the expansion of the Schengen Area holds promise, it also faces significant opposition and challenges, rooted in political, economic, and social concerns.

Sources of Opposition

Opposition to Schengen expansion often stems from concerns over increased immigration and the perceived dilution of border security.

Economic disparities between countries can also fuel resistance, as wealthier nations may fear the burden of supporting weaker economies through shared borders. 

Additionally, cultural and identity concerns play a role, with some populations feeling that an influx of foreign nationals may undermine local traditions and societal norms.

Integration Hurdles

Specific challenges to the 2024 expansion include aligning disparate legal systems and ensuring all candidate countries can effectively implement Schengen’s stringent data protection and security protocols.

Political resistance from within certain EU countries, combined with logistical challenges in harmonizing systems across diverse political landscapes, could slow down or even stall the process. 

Moreover, the technological infrastructure required to manage and monitor cross-border movements must be robust and uniformly applied across all new member states, posing significant financial and administrative burdens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a country join the schengen area.

To join the Schengen Area, a country must fulfill rigorous conditions ensuring reliable border management, a consistent visa regime, and strict adherence to the comprehensive body of regulations known as the Schengen acquis, which covers areas such as judicial cooperation, police collaboration, and the Schengen Information System (SIS).

These requirements ensure the integrity and security of the area are maintained.

What are the benefits of joining the Schengen Area?

Joining the Schengen Area facilitates a substantial increase in tourism and trade efficiencies by removing internal borders, promoting economic growth, and strengthening social and cultural exchanges.

It offers citizens the privilege of traveling freely for work, study, or leisure, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering a sense of European unity.

Are there any drawbacks to joining the Schengen Area?

Joining the Schengen Area may lead to challenges such as managing heightened immigration flows, ensuring robust security across open borders, and addressing potential cultural and social concerns that arise from increased population mobility.

Additionally, member states may face financial and administrative burdens associated with upgrading border infrastructure and harmonizing cross-border law enforcement efforts.

The potential expansion of the Schengen Area in 2024 presents both significant opportunities and formidable challenges. Successfully integrating new members hinges on meeting stringent criteria and overcoming diverse opposition rooted in political, economic, and social concerns. 

As countries like Croatia and others in the Balkans strive towards membership, the EU must carefully manage the balance between enhancing free movement and maintaining security and sovereignty.

The expansion process will not only test the resilience and adaptability of the EU’s policies but also shape the future of European integration, demonstrating the union’s commitment to unity and cooperation amidst complex global challenges.

• EuroNews – Detailed coverage on Romania and Bulgaria’s partial Schengen Area inclusion: Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen Area
• European Commission – Official information on Schengen criteria and regulations: Schengen Borders Code
• EU Observer – Analysis of potential candidates for Schengen expansion and political impacts: Schengen Expansion Analysis  
• Schengen Visa Information: For comprehensive details on the Schengen Visa, its requirements, and application process, visit Schengen Visa . This resource provides up-to-date information beneficial for potential applicants and those interested in the intricacies of Schengen Area policies.

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The rise of booze-free backpacking: why gen Z are choosing to travel sober

As more young travellers opt for morning yoga over late-night parties, tour companies are shifting their focus away from alcohol-fuelled activities

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I ssy McDermott used to go on holidays to drink: she did schoolies, partied her way through Central America, Europe and Asia, and “worked at a party hostel in Indonesia where I drank every day for an entire month”. But over the past year, she has experienced a shift.

The 23-year-old Sydneysider, who also leads group tours with Plotpackers, a UK-based company marketing more affordable trips to young social media creators, became tired of the party life and wanted to travel “to experience the culture and adventure, rather than drinking” when she goes on holiday. She went to India in February and didn’t drink at all, even when she ventured out with large groups of fellow travellers.

McDermott is one of many gen Zs – those born between 1997 and 2012 – who are choosing to drink less, including when they travel.

Dr Amy Pennay, the deputy director of the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research at La Trobe University, has been studying “fundamental changes” in young people’s drinking patterns for 10 years. She believes the decline in gen Z drinking is because “they are more cautious and risk averse”.

“They are worried about their futures and economic security, they are more disciplined and surveilled by parents and on social media, they are more health-conscious, they are anxious, and mental health problems are increasing for young people.”

Drinking isn’t seen as “cool” as it once was, Pennay adds. This trend, she says, is playing out globally, “at least in high-income countries” – in line with the decrease in other risky activities including drug use, truancy and crime.

Student Universe, a discount flight and travel business, has noticed “a significant uptick in young people wanting to avoid alcohol on holiday”, says brand manager Will Jones. The company conducted a study of 1,000 gen Z Australians that showed 84% would take a holiday without drinking. Safety (62%), money (57%) and a desire to not feel unwell and affect the next day’s activities (56%) were the strongest deterrents.

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A sober experience

With gen Z’s travel priorities shifting, travel companies that target the demographic have been forced to shift too. Contiki has upped its focus on wellness and sustainability experiences after its research also revealed that most gen Zs (77%) would consider an alcohol-free trip.

“The most common question I’m asked is ‘how is travel changing?’ and we have certainly seen a shift in how gen Z are travelling,” says Toni Ambler, the managing director of Contiki. “Gen Z travellers value experiences over big nights out.”

Ambler references the hikes, safaris, food tours, cold plunges and cultural experiences included on Contiki tours. She says more than 80% of tours include a “make travel matter experience” focused on sustainability. For example, on Contiki tours through India, travellers visit the Dhonk centre, a social enterprise making and selling local crafts, while in Canada, Cree knowledge keepers teach about plant medicine in Jasper national park.

Contiki recently added a South Korean tour featuring a K-pop dance class. A the Philippines tour announced this year “was introduced to satiate the appetite of young travellers looking to visit more remote locations in a safe but authentic way”, Ambler says.

Boutique disrupters are also reimagining the group tour. Australian author Bri Lee takes small groups on trips through Morocco, Egypt and Turkey through Aweventurer, a company that aims to “create experiences as if it is your first and last trip”. On these tours, attenders connect over reading and writing, instead of over drinking.

Emma Dower, a 28-year-old teacher from Donnybrook in Victoria, went on the Turkey trip led by Lee because she wanted to travel with “like-minded people”.

“We visited ancient ruins and ballooned over the mountains of Cappadocia, but the true highlight was the meaningful and intellectual discussion with my peers,” Dower says.

Other Aweventurer trip leaders include influencer and Tammy Fit founder Tammy Hembrow as well as artist and author Reyna Noriega, who market their trips to their legions of young, mostly female followers.

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‘I had the shock of my life’

Amid a cost-of-living crisis, young backpackers coming to Australia are also noticing a move away from drinking. Lauren Frater, 20, who is in Sydney on a working holiday visa from the UK, says back home she was working 60 to 70 hours a week across two minimum-wage jobs and “drank excessively after and in between work”. She says “initially, yes, I was attracted to Australia for the backpacker party scene”, but soon realised it would be hard to keep up.

“I had the shock of my life when I discovered just how expensive it is to drink out here,” Frater says. “After a full-on party week in Sydney and realising how much money I had spent, I was quite disappointed as I had now knocked off almost a week of travel from my itinerary based on how much I had spent drinking and partying.

“I kind of had the realisation that if I wanted to do this trip, I really needed to make some lifestyle changes.”

The backpacker drinking scene hasn’t been extinguished, however. Bella Robben, a 20-year-old American residing in Melbourne, who has spent the past two years backpacking across the world, says: “I know just how big the drinking culture is within it [backpacking].”

She enjoys meeting new people when she travels, and drinking can help with that, but she says it “definitely takes its toll emotionally, mentally, financially and physically”.

“How much I drink also depends on the culture and attitude of the location. For example, when I travelled to Barcelona, it was essential to experience the nightlife whereas when I visited Morocco, although we tried a couple of the local beers, drinking as a whole was not ingrained in their culture.”

“The cost of alcohol also plays a big part in whether I decide to drink or not, especially since I am travelling on a budget. Here in Australia, the price of alcohol is expensive relative to other places I have been which deters me from drinking.”

Next, Robben plans to drive from Melbourne up the east coast of Australia “to hit every beach possible” before backpacking through south-east Asia.

Meanwhile, McDermott is headed to Oman and Spain next month, with different priorities than when she “used to plan my travels around party hotspots”.

“In Oman, I hope to experience the culture and go on a road trip around the country,” she says. “[Then] I’m going to Majorca for a week. I just want to relax and explore the beautiful beaches and Spanish villages.”

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