About the visa
The Schengen Tourist Visa is a Type C short-stay visa allowing travel for tourism and leisure across all 29 Schengen member states. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. It's the most commonly issued Schengen visa, with tourism representing the largest share of the approximately 11.7 million applications processed in 2024.
Eligibility & key rules
Citizens of over 100 countries require this visa for short stays. You'll need a valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, with 2 blank pages), genuine tourism purpose with clear itinerary and accommodation, sufficient funds (€50–120/day recommended), strong ties to your home country, travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and a clean immigration history.
What you can / cannot do
Permitted
- ✓ Sightseeing and tourism
- ✓ Leisure travel
- ✓ Visiting family and friends
- ✓ Cultural and sporting events
- ✓ Short courses (under 90 days)
- ✓ Medical treatment
- ✓ Transit
Not permitted
- ✗ Paid employment
- ✗ Freelance or remote work
- ✗ Business activities beyond meetings
- ✗ Full-time study
- ✗ Establishing a business
- ✗ Overstaying your visa
Violations can result in deportation, entry bans, and difficulties obtaining future Schengen visas.
Fees, documents & process
As of June 2024, visa fees are as follows. Exemptions may apply for EU citizen family members, students, researchers, young non-profit representatives, and diplomatic passport holders.
| Applicant category |
Fee |
| Adults (12 years and over) |
€90 |
| Children (6–11 years) |
€45 |
| Children under 6 years |
Free |
| Visa Facilitation Agreement countries |
€35 |
