Planning a trip to Europe? You may need a Schengen tourist visa, also known as a short-stay visa, depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit within the Schengen Area. This visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Zone for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending cultural or sports events.
Who Needs a New Zealand Tourist Visa?
- Visa-Exempt Countries: Citizens of certain countries do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area for short stays (usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Check if your country is on the visa-exempt list.
- Non-Visa-Exempt Countries: Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Schengen tourist visa before traveling to the Schengen Zone.
Application Process
- Determine Visa Type: Decide the type of Schengen visa you need based on your travel purpose (tourism, family visit, business, etc.).
- Choose Embassy/Consulate: Identify the Schengen country where you will submit your visa application based on your main destination or the country of first entry (if visiting multiple Schengen countries).
- Complete Application Form: Fill out the Schengen visa application form accurately and truthfully.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect necessary documents such as a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial means, and additional documents based on your travel purpose.
- Book Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the chosen embassy/consulate or Visa Application Centre (VAC) for document submission and biometric data (fingerprints and photo) collection.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee as required.
- Attend Appointment: Attend your appointment at the embassy/consulate or VAC to submit your documents and provide biometric data.
Requirements
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area.
- Schengen Visa Application Form: Fill out the Schengen visa application form completely and accurately.
- Passport-Style Photo: Provide recent passport-size photos meeting specific requirements.
- Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed travel itinerary, including dates of entry and exit, accommodation details, and planned activities.
- Proof of Accommodation: Show proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen Area (hotel reservations, invitation letter from host, etc.).
- Travel Insurance: Obtain travel medical insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation up to €30,000 for the duration of your stay in the Schengen Zone.
