Schengen visa from the USA
Do you need a Schengen visa? Find out what a Schengen visa will entitle you to, whether you're eligible, and how to purchase one by reading this page.
Schengen Visa from USA
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What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a document that allows people from non-Schengen countries to travel within the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Area includes most EU countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Italy, as well as a few non-EU members like Norway, Switzerland and Iceland.
The Schengen Agreement treaty was signed in 1985 to facilitate the movement of people, goods, services and capital between participating countries.
As of early 2026, 29 European countries are part of the Schengen scheme.
Do I need a Schengen visa if I'm from the USA?
If you're a US citizen with a valid blue passport, you can travel to the Schengen area for your vacation and stay without a Schengen visa for up to 90 days.
When will I need a Schengen visa to travel from the USA?
If you're a green card holder or a non-US citizen, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa if you're visiting a country within the Schengen area.
How long is a Schengen visa valid for?
A Schengen visa lets you stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a 180-day period. This means you can leave and come back multiple times during those 180 days, but the total amount of time spent cannot exceed 90 days. This 180 slot begins the moment you visit the Schengen area, not when your visa arrives.
The 90-day maximum applies to all the countries in the Schengen area. You cannot stay in one Schengen country for 90 days and then go to another for 90. Instead, you'll have to wait a further 90 days before applying again.
Which countries are in the Schengen area?
There are 44 countries in Europe. As of early 2026, 29 of those countries are a part of the Schengen treaty. Those countries are:
How do I apply for a Schengen visa from the USA?
The application process for a Schengen visa depends on your citizenship and residency status. Whether you're a US passport holder, a permanent resident with a green card, or a non-US citizen living in the States, the rules and requirements can differ.
👇 Here's what you need to know before you apply 👇
Applying for a Schengen visa as a US permanent resident
If you're a US citizen with a valid blue passport and are visiting for tourism purposes, you don't need to apply for a Schengen visa. You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa or permit.
- The 90-day limit is only active while you're inside the Schengen Area. If you leave, the clock pauses until you return.
- However, the 90-day allowance resets 180 days after your first entry - not every time you leave and re-enter.
Once you reach the 90-day limit, you won’t be allowed to enter the Schengen Area again for another 90 days.
If you're planning to stay for longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for one of the following:
- A long-term tourist visa
- A residence permit
To apply, contact the consulate or embassy of the country where you’ll be staying the most.
Applying for a Schengen visa as a green card holder or non-US citizen
If you're applying for a Schengen visa from the USA and you're a green card holder or not a US citizen, you must provide proof of either:
- A valid permanent residence card, or
- A US visa that’s valid for at least three months after your return date
Who to contact depends on your travel plans:
- Visiting just one Schengen country? Contact the embassy or consulate of that country.
- Visiting multiple Schengen countries, but staying longer in one? Apply through the embassy or consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most time.
- Visiting multiple countries for equal time? Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you’ll enter first.
What are the Schengen visa application requirements?
If you're a US citizen with a valid blue passport, then you won't need a Schengen visa. If this doesn't apply to you, then you will have to meet the following criteria:
- 2 passport photos (taken within the last 3 months)
- A passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for 3 months after your departure date)
- Travel and medical coverage
- A full travel itinerary
- A receipt that you've paid for your visa
- Proof of financial stability (enough money to spend in the Schengen area)
- Proof of accommodation (only sometimes required)
- A letter of invitation (only sometimes required)
For more precise information, check online or contact the relevant embassies.
What if I'm not from the USA and travelling to the Schengen area?
The requirements for non-US citizens may vary. If you want to know what you're entitled to, learn more about visas, and discover which countries are visa-free, check out our dedicated page.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries do Schengen visas cover?
Schengen visas cover a total of 29 countries within Europe. These are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What is the Schengen visa application fee?
When you submit your Schengen visa application, you will have to pay a fee. The fee has risen in recent years and is now €90 for adults and €45 for children (aged 6—12). Children under the age of 6 can receive a visa free of charge.
Please note that if your visa application is rejected, you cannot claim a refund for the application fee.
Can Schengen visa holders enter the UK?
As the UK is not in the Schengen area, Schengen visa holders will not be able to enter the UK with a Schengen visa. Instead, if you wish to visit the UK, you'll have to obtain a Standard Visitor Visa. Contact the British Consulate or British Embassy to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?
The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 days. This can be extended to up to 45 days (90 in extreme cases) if a problem with the application means it requires further investigation. In case there are any issues, make sure you apply within a reasonable amount of time.
The 180-day period during which you can visit the Schengen area starts the day you arrive in one of the Schengen countries, not when your visa gets to you.
How long is a Schengen visa valid for?
With a Schengen visa, you can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a 180-day period. This means you can leave before those 90 days are up and return as long as it's during that 180 day span.
Once you've used up all your days, you can apply again in another 90 days.
What if my Schengen visa application is rejected?
If you think your Schengen visa application was rejected unjustifiably, you can appeal to the consulate that made that decision and explain why you think your application shouldn't have been rejected.
In hindsight, if you realize you forgot an important step in the application process, you can apply again, this time with all the needed documents.
You won't be refunded for any rejected applications.
How to apply for a Schengen visa from the USA as an Indian citizen?
If you're an Indian citizen or a citizen from outside of Europe and the US, you'll need to contact the consulate or embassy of the country that you're travelling to in order to apply for a Schengen visa. If you're travelling to more than one country, you must contact the consulate or embassy of the country that you'll be staying at the longest.
Is there more information available about the Schengen visa?
Yes! If you'd like to find out more information about the Schengen visa application process, visit the European Commission's official page 'Applying for a Schengen visa'.