What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area. The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
With a Schengen Visa, you can enter any of these countries without the need for additional visas or border controls.
The Schengen Visa is issued by the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend most of your time during your trip.
So, if you are planning to visit multiple countries in the Schengen area, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa from the embassy or consulate of the country where you will arrive first or spend the most time.
VFS Global and Schengen Visa
VFS Global is a visa processing company that works with embassies and consulates around the world to provide visa application services. VFS Global is authorized to process Schengen Visa applications on behalf of many European countries.
If you are an Indonesian citizen and you want to apply for a Schengen Visa, you can submit your application through VFS Global.
VFS Global will accept your application, collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and forward your application to the embassy or consulate for processing.
The embassy or consulate will review your application and make a decision on whether to issue you a Schengen Visa.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa through VFS Global
To apply for a Schengen Visa through VFS Global, you will need to follow these steps:
- Visit the VFS Global website and select the country where you want to apply for a Schengen Visa.
- Read the instructions and requirements carefully before you start your application.
- Create an account on the VFS Global website and fill in the application form.
- Book an appointment at a VFS Global visa application center to submit your application and biometric data.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Bring all the required documents to your appointment, including your passport, travel itinerary, and financial documents.
- Submit your application and biometric data at the VFS Global visa application center.
- Wait for the embassy or consulate to process your application and make a decision on whether to issue you 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 recommended that you apply for a Schengen Visa at least 3 weeks before your planned trip.
Documents Required for a Schengen Visa Application
When you apply for a Schengen Visa, you will need to submit several documents to support your application. These documents may include:
- A valid passport
- A completed Schengen Visa application form
- A passport-sized photograph
- Proof of travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.)
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of employment or education
- Proof of ties to your home country (property ownership, family members, etc.)
The embassy or consulate may request additional documents depending on your individual circumstances.
Cost of a Schengen Visa
The cost of a Schengen Visa varies depending on the embassy or consulate and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, the fee for a Schengen Visa is around €80 (~IDR 1,360,000).
You may also need to pay additional fees for services such as visa application centers, courier services, or expedited processing.
It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Validity of a Schengen Visa
The validity of a Schengen Visa depends on the embassy or consulate and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, a Schengen Visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This means that you can travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. After 90 days, you must leave the Schengen area and wait another 180 days before you can re-enter.
It is important to note that a Schengen Visa does not guarantee entry into the Schengen area. The border guard at the port of entry has the final say on whether to allow you into the Schengen area.
Conclusion
If you are an Indonesian citizen and you want to travel to the Schengen area, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa. You can apply for a Schengen Visa through VFS Global, which is authorized to process Schengen Visa applications on behalf of many European countries.
To apply for a Schengen Visa through VFS Global, you will need to follow the instructions and requirements carefully, submit all the required documents, and pay the visa application fee. The embassy or consulate will then review your application and make a decision on whether to issue you a Schengen Visa.
With a Schengen Visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is important to note the validity of the visa and the border guard’s final decision on entry to the Schengen area.
