Indonesian citizens who plan to travel to Europe must apply for a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa allows the holder to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries in Europe. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a Schengen visa as an Indonesian citizen.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a travel document that allows the holder to travel to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a zone of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The Schengen visa allows the holder to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Types of Schengen visas
There are three types of Schengen visas:
- Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): This visa allows the holder to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visa: This visa allows the holder to travel only to the country or countries specified in the visa.
- National visa: This visa allows the holder to stay in a single Schengen country for longer than 90 days.
Requirements for a Schengen visa
Indonesian citizens who plan to apply for a Schengen visa must meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay in the Schengen Area, and has at least two blank pages.
- A completed Schengen visa application form.
- A recent passport-size photo.
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in the Schengen Area, such as bank statements.
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
How to apply for a Schengen visa
The application process for a Schengen visa is as follows:
- Fill out the Schengen visa application form online or at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.
- Gather the required documents, including a valid passport, recent passport-size photo, travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, and travel insurance.
- Submit the application and documents to the embassy or consulate.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Wait for the embassy or consulate to process your application.
- If approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.
How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?
The processing time for a Schengen visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the time of year. It is advisable to apply for a Schengen visa at least 3 months before your planned travel date.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
The cost of a Schengen visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the type of visa. The fee for a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) is €80, while the fee for a Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visa is €40. National visa fees can vary.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Schengen visa as an Indonesian citizen requires careful planning and attention to detail. Make sure to check the requirements of the country you plan to visit and allow plenty of time for the application process. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to Europe.
