Schengen Visa Guide 2025

Unlock Europe’s Borderless Wonders with a Schengen Visa

Imagine strolling through Paris, skiing in the Alps, or island-hopping in Greece—all with one visa. The Schengen Visa makes it possible, granting you 90 days of travel across 29 countries within a 180-day period as of March 30, 2025. Spanning 4.5 million square kilometers, this no-border zone is your gateway to Europe’s best. Dive into our 2025 Schengen Visa Guide—complete with an interactive map—to plan your journey!

Interactive Schengen Area Map

Explore the Schengen Zone—click any country to see its status and flag!

The 29 Schengen Countries of 2025

These nations form the Schengen Area, fully integrated as of January 2025 (including Bulgaria and Romania by land):

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Extra Destinations with Your Schengen Visa

Extend your trip to these non-Schengen countries that accept a valid Schengen Visa:

• Albania
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Colombia
• Cyprus
• Georgia
• Gibraltar
• Kosovo
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Serbia
• Turkey

Types of Schengen Visas in 2025

Schengen Visas come in various flavors based on your travel purpose and entry needs:

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) - Category C

• Single-Entry: Enter once, stay up to 90 days—exit ends validity.
• Double-Entry: Two entries within 180 days; second exit ends it.
• Multiple-Entry: Unlimited entries for 90 days total in 180 days.

Ideal for tourism, business, family visits, medical trips, short courses, or cultural events.

Airport Transit Visa - Category A

For transiting through a Schengen airport en route to another destination.

Limited Territorial Validity (LTV)

Rare—restricts you to the issuing country (e.g., only France) for humanitarian or obligation cases.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in 2025

Secure your visa with these streamlined steps:

1. Complete Form: Fill out the Schengen Visa Application (online DS-160 style), print two copies, and sign.
2. Book Appointment: Schedule an interview at the embassy of your main destination.
3. Gather Docs: Two copies of passport, insurance (€30,000 min.), funds proof, itinerary, accommodation.
4. Attend Interview: Arrive on time (10-15 mins process), submit biometrics if new.
5. Pay Fees: €90 adults, €45 kids 6-12—non-refundable, receipt issued.

Where? Apply at the embassy of your first or longest-stay country. When? 15 days to 6 months before travel—book early!

Schengen Visa FAQs for 2025