Book an Appointment
In 2023, 10.3 million travelers applied for Schengen visas, and international tourism continues to boom. However, the process can seem intimidating for first-time applicants. On top of that, the EU has announced major shifts in the Schengen visa application process that are currently in development, leaving many wondering how to apply for a Schengen visa in 2025.
Travelers from many non-EU countries require a Schengen visa to enter the Zone. Citizens of China, India, and other countries require a Schengen visa to travel to any country in the Schengen Area (such as France or Italy, for example).
If you hold a passport from the US, UK, or another visa-exempt nation, you won’t need one for short trips.
How is the Schengen visa application process changing?
The European Union is introducing the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP), an online platform that will digitize the visa application process. With EU VAP, travelers will be able to:
• Apply for Schengen visas online.
• Upload supporting documents digitally.
• Track application progress through a unified portal.
The majority of the application process will take place online with one exception: biometrics will still need to be submitted in person. While it won’t be up and running in 2025, EU VAP is currently being developed and is expected to be fully operational by 2030.
Additionally, Schengen visas will no longer be stamped into traveler’s passports. They will be digital.
How to apply for a Schengen visa in 2025
The Schengen visa application process hasn’t gone online quite yet, however.
Make a plan
You’ll need to apply for a specific country within the zone. If you’re planning to travel to Paris, for example, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa through France.
Find your local visa application center
Most consulates/embassies outsource visa processing to a partner such as TLScontact, VFS Global, and more. Locate the center nearest to you and review their requirements.
Prepare your application
Compile required documents, including:
• A completed Schengen visa application form.
• A valid passport (with at least two blank pages and three months’ validity post-trip).
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of Schengen-compliant travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
• Flight and accommodation bookings.
• Financial proof.
Other documents may be requested, so always check with your visa center or consulate.
Book an appointment
In 2025, in-person appointments are mandatory for applicants. Appointments fill up quickly, so book them as early as possible, especially during the peak season.
Attend your appointment and submit your application
At your scheduled appointment, you’ll need to bring physical originals/copies. A visa officer will review your file to ensure it’s complete and collect your biometrics (fingerprints, unless you have already submitted them in the past 59 months). You’ll submit your application for processing at this time.
Track its progress and receive an answer
Processing depends on a variety of factors but typically does not exceed 15 business days. Long-stay visa applications can take longer to process (1 month or more).
Source: https://www.traveldailynews.com/column/featured-articles/how-to-apply-for-a-schengen-visa-in-2025-before-big-changes-come/
