What is a Schengen Visa? How to Obtain It? 2026 Comprehensive Guide

The Schengen visa is a mandatory document for citizens of the Republic of Turkey who wish to enter the Schengen area, which includes 29 European countries, and travel between these countries without border control. Anyone planning to travel to Europe for various purposes such as tourism, business, education, or family visits must determine the correct type of visa before their trip and manage the application process thoroughly.

In this guide, you will find all the details from what a Schengen visa is to the application steps, required documents, current fees, what to do after a visa rejection, and special situations. As Marsel Visa, a visa consultancy firm based in Istanbul, we provide end-to-end support to our clients both in Turkey and through our Berlin office during this process.

We address each stage of the process step by step below, with the most up-to-date information and practical examples.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is an official travel document that allows citizens of countries not included in the Schengen area to enter this region for a short or long period. The main purpose of the Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, is to provide free movement between member countries without customs and passport control.

A visa holder can travel freely between all countries in the Schengen area with a single visa. This feature provides great convenience, especially for those who want to visit multiple European countries in a single trip; there is no need to obtain separate visas from each country.

The Schengen visa is evaluated in different categories according to the purpose of travel. For trips made for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, cultural events, or short-term education, a short-term (Type C) visa is sufficient, while a national (Type D) visa is required for situations such as work or long-term education.

Which Countries Are in the Schengen Area?

The Schengen area currently includes 29 European countries, and not all of these countries are members of the European Union. You can find the countries included in the Schengen area in the table below.

Since the application may change over time in countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, which are members of the European Union but not fully included in the Schengen area, it is important to check the current status before traveling. Additionally, some microstates like Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, although not official Schengen members, are among the regions where entry can be made with a Schengen visa.

What is the 90/180 Rule for Schengen Visas?

The duration you can stay in Europe with a Schengen visa is determined by a calculation known as the 90/180 rule. According to this rule, you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

This calculation is not based on the calendar year, but rather on a rolling 180-day window. This means that each day you travel counts towards your total stay within the last 180 days up to that day.

Example: If you stayed in the Schengen area for 30 days between January 1 – January 30, you have the right to stay for another 60 days within the remaining 180-day period. You can use these 60 days all at once or divide them into multiple short trips — but the total must not exceed 90 days.

Even if you have a multiple entry Schengen visa, this rule does not change; the validity period of the visa (such as 6 months, 1 year, 5 years) and the number of days you can actually stay in the area (maximum 90 days) are two different concepts.

What Are the Types of Schengen Visas?

The Schengen visa is divided into three main categories based on the duration and purpose of travel. Choosing the correct type of visa is critical for the acceptance of your application.

Type A (Airport Transit) Visa

Type A visa is issued to passengers traveling to a non-Schengen country via a transfer at an airport in a Schengen country. This visa is only valid in the international transit area of the airport and does not allow you to actually enter the country by passing through border security. If you need to exit the transit area, you will need a Type C visa, not a Type A.

Type C (Short Stay) Visa

Type C visa is a short-term Schengen visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days. Tourism, business meetings, family/friend visits, participation in cultural-sporting events, and short-term educational programs fall into this category. This visa can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.

Type D (National/Long-Term) Visa

Type D visa is required for travel purposes exceeding 90 days for education, work, family reunification, or residency. This visa is usually granted for a maximum of 1 year and allows for the application of a residence permit after entering the country that issued the visa.

Difference Between Single Entry, Double Entry, and Multiple Entry Visa

The Schengen visa also varies according to the number of entries, and this detail is clearly stated on your visa.

First-time applicants are generally issued a single-entry visa, while applicants with a regular and trouble-free travel history may be granted multiple-entry visas, even with a validity of 1-5 years over time.

From Which Country Should the Schengen Visa Be Obtained?

The Schengen visa application must be made to the consulate of the main country to be traveled to or to an authorized application center. If you are planning a trip that covers multiple Schengen countries, the country you need to apply to varies according to specific rules.

If there is a country where you will stay the longest during your trip, you must submit your application to that country's representation. For example, if you will stay in Italy for 5 days and in France for 2 days, you should apply to the Italian Consulate. If you will stay the same amount of time in all countries, you apply to the representation of the country where you will first enter the Schengen area.

Failure to apply this rule correctly may lead to the rejection of the application or it not being processed. Therefore, it is important to determine the application country after clarifying your travel plans.

How to Obtain a Schengen Visa? Step by Step Application Process

The Schengen visa application is a process that follows a specific order and each step is interconnected. Below you can find all the stages of this process.

1. Filling out the application form: The official visa application form of the country you are applying to must be filled out completely with personal information and the purpose of travel, and it must be signed.
2. Collecting the necessary documents: Passport, biometric photo, travel health insurance, financial situation documents, and documents supporting the purpose of travel should be gathered.
3. Making an appointment: The application is made with an appointment obtained through the online system of the consulate or an authorized application center (such as VFS Global, iDATA, TLS Contact); applications without an appointment are not accepted.
4. Collecting biometric data: During the appointment, biometric data such as fingerprints and digital photos are recorded; this data remains valid for 59 months and does not need to be taken again during this period.
5. Payment of the application fee: The consulate fee and any application center service fee, if applicable, are paid during the appointment.
6. Evaluation and conclusion of the application: The application file is reviewed by the consulate; it is concluded within 15 business days in the standard process, but this period may be extended in case of additional document requests or high volume.

Completing all steps in the application process thoroughly shortens the processing time and reduces the risk of visa denial.

Required Documents for Schengen Visa

There are standard documents required from all applicants for a Schengen visa application. Preparing these documents up-to-date, completely, and accurately increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

• Valid passport: It must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of travel, issued within the last 10 years, and contain at least 2 blank pages.
• Visa application form: The official form of the country being applied to must be filled out completely and signed.
• Biometric photo: 2 photos taken within the last 6 months, measuring 35x45 mm, with a white background are required.
• Travel health insurance: A policy valid in all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 must be provided.
• Flight reservation: A round-trip plane ticket or reservation document is required.
• Accommodation document: A hotel reservation or invitation letter must cover the entire duration of the trip.
• Financial situation documents: A bank statement for the last 3 months must prove that you can cover travel expenses.
• Documents showing the purpose of travel: Documents such as an invitation letter for business travel or an itinerary for tourism should be included.

Documents must be prepared in the official language of the country applied to or in English; if in a different language, they must be supported by a sworn translation.

Additional Documents According to Employment Status

The applicant's employment status requires the preparation of different documents in addition to standard documents.

Each of these documents is aimed at proving the applicant's financial adequacy and intent to return after travel; consulates place these two elements at the center of their evaluation.

Schengen Visa Fees 2026

A standard fee set by the European Commission applies for the Schengen visa; in addition, a service fee for the application center is also paid.

If you apply through a visa application center (VFS Global, iDATA, TLS Contact, etc.), an additional service fee ranging from approximately €10-40 is paid in addition to the consulate fee. These fees are collected in Turkish Lira equivalent according to the exchange rate on the day of payment and cash payment is usually requested.

Important note: Visa application fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome (approval or rejection). It is recommended to confirm the current fee information of the relevant consulate before applying, as fees can be updated periodically.

How Many Days Does a Schengen Visa Take? Waiting Times by Country

The standard processing time for Schengen visa applications is 15 calendar days from the date the application reaches the consulate. However, this period can vary significantly depending on the country, season, and application volume.

In cases where additional document review is required, the duration can extend to 30 days, and in special circumstances, up to 45 days. In some countries — especially in high-demand destinations — the total time from the appointment booking stage to the result stage can take several months, and during peak periods, it can approach a year, as confirmed by official sources. Therefore, the figure of "15 days" should be considered only as the evaluation period after the application reaches the consulate, separate from the appointment waiting time.

Considering this realistic picture, it is critically important to start the appointment process at least 2-3 months before your travel date to ensure that possible delays do not affect your travel plans.

When Should You Apply for a Schengen Visa?

The official rule for applying for a Schengen visa states that applications must be made at least 6 months and no later than 15 days before the travel date. However, this is an "absolute" limit; in practice, applying this late carries serious risks.

During peak seasons (summer months, school holidays, holiday periods), it is recommended to start the appointment process 2-3 months before your travel date, as finding an appointment becomes more difficult. This way, you ensure both finding a suitable appointment date and having time for any possible additional document requests.

Another advantage of early application is that you have enough time to complete any deficiencies in your documents if they are identified. This flexibility disappears with last-minute applications, and there is a risk of trip cancellation.

How to Get a Schengen Visa Appointment?

Before applying for a Schengen visa, it is mandatory to make an appointment at the application center authorized by the country you are applying to. Organizations such as VFS Global, iDATA, TLS Contact, and BLS International are the official application points for different countries in Turkey, and no applications are accepted without an appointment.

The most critical point when making an appointment is to correctly select the category that matches your travel purpose. Making an incorrect choice among categories such as tourist, business, or family visit can lead to your application being rejected and the service fee paid not being refunded.

Each country's appointment system varies in terms of quota density and category structure. For example, the appointment process for Poland differs according to the Istanbul and Ankara jurisdiction areas, while in Germany, appointment waiting times can currently extend to months. Therefore, it is important to research each country's appointment process before making your travel plans.

How to Track a Schengen Visa Application?

After your application is processed, you will be given a tracking number by the application center or consulate. This number allows you to check the status of your application through the online system.

The status of your application is usually indicated by stages such as "received", "under review", and "completed". When the result is announced, you will be informed via email or SMS from the application center, and you will be asked to visit the center during the specified hours to collect your passport.

It is important to keep your contact information (phone, email) up to date throughout the process to avoid missing any notifications. Especially in cases like additional document requests, responding quickly helps prevent delays in the process.

Schengen Visa Denial: Reasons, Appeal, and Reapplication

A Schengen visa application can be denied if certain conditions are not met. The denial decision is officially communicated to the applicant, and the reasons are explained.

Most Common Reasons for Denial

• Missing or incorrect documents: The most common reason for denial is the absence, outdated status, or incorrect preparation of the requested documents.
• Insufficient financial resources: The applicant's inability to prove financial capability to cover travel expenses.
• Uncertainty of travel plans: The absence of accommodation or transportation reservations, or the inability to clearly express the purpose of travel.
• Insufficient proof of intent to return: The applicant's failure to demonstrate sufficient ties (employment, family, property) to return to their country at the end of the visa period.
• Lack of insurance: The failure to provide valid travel health insurance that meets Schengen requirements.
• Inconsistent information: Discrepancies between the application form and other documents.

Process of Appealing a Rejection Decision

Applicants who wish to appeal a rejection decision can submit a formal appeal letter to the consulate by preparing their additional documents. In some countries, there is also the option to appeal through administrative courts; this process varies from country to country.

Correct Timing for Reapplication

There is no specific waiting period set by the consulates for reapplication after a visa rejection; what matters is whether the reason for the rejection has been corrected. Reapplication can be made after steps such as completing missing documents, strengthening financial status, or clarifying travel plans have been taken.

How to Obtain a Long-Term (Multiple Entry) Schengen Visa?

Applicants wishing to obtain a long-term, multiple entry Schengen visa are expected to have a certain travel history. First-time applicants have a low chance of directly obtaining a 1 or 5-year visa; such visas are generally granted gradually to individuals with a trouble-free travel history.

To increase the chances of obtaining a long-term visa, it may be beneficial to regularly apply for a visa from the same country, to have used previous visas in accordance with the rules, and to provide business or institutional travel reasons if possible. Applicants who present a strong financial situation and active bank account statements are also at an advantage in this process.

At this point, realistic expectation management is important: no consultancy service or combination of documents can guarantee long-term visa approval; the final decision always belongs to the relevant consulate.

New Development in Schengen Visa: "Trusted Person" Status on the Agenda

The "trusted person" status is a new regulation proposal that envisions granting multi-year Schengen visas to applicants who meet certain conditions, discussed between Turkey and the European Union. As of July 2026, this regulation has not yet come into effect, and technical work is expected to begin to determine who will benefit from this status (Source: NTV).

According to the discussed model, it is being considered to grant a 2-year visa to eligible applicants, followed by a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa after a trouble-free travel history. Groups expected to fall under this scope include owners of publicly traded companies, business people who are members of industrial/commercial chambers in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, as well as academics and students conducting research in Europe.

The aim of the regulation is to reduce the burden on applicants who have to apply several times a year due to short-term visas and to alleviate the application intensity at consulates; authorities anticipate a decrease of 200,000 to 400,000 in the annual number of applications as a result. However, this is still in the draft stage, and the final implementation, scope, and application conditions may change until officially announced.

What does this mean?Currently, the existing application process (the standard steps described in this guide) remains valid. When the "trusted person" status is formalized, the eligibility criteria and application method will become clear; as Marsel Visa, we are closely following this process and keeping our clients informed of developments.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Schengen Visa?

The letter of intent is an official document in which the applicant clearly expresses their purpose of travel, plan, and intention to return. It is addressed to the consulate and should include elements such as travel dates, places to be visited, accommodation information, and assurance of return.

You can prepare your own letter of intent using the basic template below:

"To [Consulate name],

I am [full name], a citizen of the Republic of Turkey born on [date of birth]. I am working as [position] at [company name] and I plan to travel to [country name] for [purpose of travel] between [date range].

During my travel, I will be staying at [accommodation information]. My travel expenses will be covered by me, and I declare that I will return to Turkey for [reason for return] when my plan is completed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, [Full Name, Contact Information]"

The letter of intent should be short, clear, and consistent; it should not contain any statements that contradict the application form and other documents.

Schengen Visa in Special Cases

In addition to the standard document list, some additional arrangements may be required based on the applicant's personal situation.

Sponsored Applications

Applicants without a regular income can usually apply by showing a first-degree relative (spouse, mother, father) as a sponsor. Documents proving the sponsor's financial capability and a written letter of commitment should be added to the application file.

Housewives and Unemployed Applicants

Housewives and unemployed individuals without a regular income can apply with sponsor support. Documents such as the sponsor's pay stub or bank statement should be included in the file.

Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed individuals are expected to present documents proving their profession (tax certificate, trade registry) and bank statements showing income consistency.

Students

Students typically document their financial situation through sponsorship from parents or first-degree relatives. Student certificate and, if available, transcript are the essential documents proving their educational status.

Retirees

Retirees can document their regular pension income with a bank statement or pension booklet; additional documents supporting the intention to return may be requested.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a Schengen Visa

Small mistakes made during the application process can lead to serious consequences (rejection or delay). The most common mistakes are as follows:

• Incomplete or incorrectly filled application form, not double-checking all fields.
• Submitting expired or non-compliant documents (especially insurance and biometric photo).
• Failure to provide sufficient financial proof to cover travel expenses.
• Inconsistency in dates for flight and hotel reservations or unclear travel plans.
• Missing documents supporting the purpose of travel (invitation letter, conference registration, etc.).
• Submitting the application too close to or too early before the travel date.

Most of these mistakes can be easily avoided by following a careful checklist before applying.

How Do We Manage Your Schengen Visa Process with Marsel Visa?

As Marsel Visa, we provide end-to-end professional support to our clients at every stage of the Schengen visa application process. Our goal is to manage the complexity of the process on your behalf and prepare your application in the most solid way.

Correct Country and Visa Type Selection

We clarify which country and visa category you need to apply for by evaluating your travel plan. This step prevents category errors that may occur during the appointment and application stages from the very beginning.

Document Preparation and Pre-Check

We ensure that all the necessary documents for your application are complete, and we reduce potential rejection risks by conducting a detailed pre-check before submission. We also clarify any additional document requirements specific to your professional status at this stage.

Appointment Tracking and Application Management

By regularly monitoring appointment systems, we determine the most suitable date for your travel plan and manage the application process from start to finish.

Seamless Support Between Turkey and Germany with the Berlin Office

Thanks to Marsel Visa's Berlin office, we also provide on-site consultancy services to Turkish citizens living or working in Germany. This dual office structure offers a significant advantage for our clients who wish to apply from both Turkey and Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Schengen visa valid for? A Schengen visa can be issued for varying durations from a few months to 5 years, depending on the applicant's travel history and the consulate's decision. Regardless of the visa duration, the 90 days stay within 180 days rule always applies.

How many days does it take to get a Schengen visa? The standard processing time is 15 business days, but this period may extend to 30-45 days in case of high demand or additional document requests. In some countries, the appointment waiting time may exceed this figure significantly.

If the Schengen visa is denied, is the fee refunded? No, Schengen visa application fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application (approval or denial). This fee is for processing the application.

What should I do if my visa is denied? You can learn your denial reason from the official denial letter and reapply after addressing your deficiencies, or you can exercise your right to appeal. As Marsel Visa, we also provide support in determining strategies after a denial.

What should be the minimum bank account balance for a Schengen visa? There is no net minimum amount that applies to all countries; the required amount varies depending on the duration of travel and the standards of the country being applied to. As a general rule, you are expected to present a balance that shows you can safely cover your travel expenses.

Can students obtain a Schengen visa? Yes, students can obtain a Schengen visa, but they usually need to document their financial situation through a sponsor (parent or first-degree relative).

How can I obtain a multiple-entry Schengen visa? A multiple-entry visa is generally granted gradually to applicants with a regular and trouble-free travel history. While it is possible to obtain a multiple-entry visa on the first application, it is not guaranteed; the decision is entirely up to the relevant consulate.

Can I enter a different country outside the one for which the Schengen visa was obtained? As a rule, you are expected to first enter the country for which you obtained the visa; after this entry, you can travel freely to other countries in the Schengen area.

Is travel health insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa? Yes, a travel health insurance policy valid in all Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is one of the required documents for the application.

Does the Schengen visa become invalid if the passport expires? Yes, when your passport expires, the visa on it also automatically becomes invalid. Therefore, it is important to check the validity period of your passport before applying.

Conclusion

The Schengen visa application process becomes largely predictable with the correct visa type selection, complete document preparation, and timely appointment scheduling. The key to reducing the risk of rejection is to clearly state your travel purpose and meticulously prepare all the documents requested by the consulate.

By contacting Marsel Visa experts, you can securely manage your Schengen visa application from start to finish and receive professional consulting support in Germany through both our office in Turkey and our office in Berlin.

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