Traveling to Europe is a dream of many Indonesians. Before flying to Europe, there is a process that you need to go through to obtain a visa. This process is known as a Schengen visa. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about applying for a Schengen visa as an Indonesian citizen.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a permit that allows you to enter and travel through the countries that are part of the Schengen agreement. The Schengen agreement is a treaty signed between 26 European countries that allows the free flow of people between these countries without the need for border checks.
The Schengen visa is issued by the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting first or spending the most time in. Once you have your Schengen visa, you can travel to any of the other Schengen countries without the need for additional visas or border checks.
Who needs a Schengen visa?
Indonesian citizens are required to have a Schengen visa to enter the countries that are part of the Schengen agreement. The only exception is if you hold a diplomatic passport or official passport.
If you are traveling to a non-Schengen country that requires a transit through a Schengen country, you may also need to obtain a Schengen visa. It is important to check the visa requirements of all the countries you will be traveling to before booking your trip.
What are the requirements for a Schengen visa?
The requirements for a Schengen visa may vary slightly depending on the embassy or consulate you are applying to. However, here are the general requirements:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.
- A completed Schengen visa application form.
- Two recent passport-size photos.
- Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in the Schengen area.
- Round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
How to apply for a Schengen visa?
To apply for a Schengen visa, you need to follow these steps:
- Check the visa requirements of the country you will be visiting first or spending the most time in.
- Fill out the Schengen visa application form and gather all the required documents.
- Make an appointment at the embassy or consulate of the country you will be applying to. You may need to do this several weeks in advance as appointments can fill up quickly.
- Attend your appointment and submit your application and documents. You may also be required to pay a visa application fee.
- Wait for your visa to be processed. This can take up to 15 days, although it may take longer during peak travel periods.
- Collect your visa from the embassy or consulate or have it mailed to you.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
The cost of a Schengen visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate you are applying to. The visa fee is usually around €80 for adults and €40 for children under 12 years old. Some embassies or consulates may also charge additional fees for other services, such as visa application center fees or courier fees.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Schengen visa can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth process. Make sure you check the visa requirements of all the countries you will be traveling to and allow enough time to gather all the necessary documents and attend your appointment. By following these steps, you can soon be on your way to exploring the beautiful countries of Europe.
