Schengen visa: €90 fee, the 90/180 rule & countries in 2026
Last reviewed 12 July 2026 · Source: European Commission / national consulatesA Schengen short-stay visa (type C) lets holders travel throughout the 29-country Schengen area with no internal border checks, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays; those who aren’t apply at the consulate of their main destination. This guide covers the fee, the all-important 90/180 rule, the country list, and how to apply.
At a glance
- Document
- Schengen visa (type C, short stay)
- Official fee
- €90 adult · €45 child (6–11)
- Maximum stay
- 90 days in any 180
- Area
- 29 countries
- Entries
- Single, double or multiple
- Processing
- ~15 calendar days (up to 45)
- Passport validity
- 3 months beyond departure + issued within 10 years
- Apply at
- Consulate / VFS of main destination
Which countries are in the Schengen area
The area covers most EU members plus four non-EU states. As of 2026 it includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Ireland is in the EU but not in Schengen and issues its own visas. One valid Schengen visa covers all 29.
The 90/180 rule explained
The single most misunderstood point: short-stay visitors may spend a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window, across the whole area combined — not per country. To check compliance on any date, count backwards 180 days; the total days you were present in the Schengen area during that window must not exceed 90. The days “roll off” as they pass out of the 180-day window, so the allowance gradually regenerates. Overstaying, even by a day, can trigger fines and future entry bans.
Schengen visa fee
| Applicant | Government fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | €90 |
| Child 6–11 | €45 |
| Child under 6 | Free |
| Reduced (visa-facilitation nationalities) | €35 |
A separate service fee applies if you lodge through an outsourced visa centre. The government fee is non-refundable if the visa is refused.
Requirements
- A passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least three months beyond your intended departure, with two blank pages.
- A completed application form and a compliant biometric photo.
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000.
- Proof of accommodation, itinerary and round-trip travel.
- Evidence of sufficient funds and, often, ties to your home country.
How to apply
- Identify the country where you’ll spend the most time (or your first entry point) — you apply there.
- Book an appointment at that country’s consulate or authorised visa centre.
- Complete the form, gather documents, and buy compliant insurance.
- Attend the appointment, give fingerprints, and pay the €90 fee.
- Wait about 15 calendar days (longer in peak season) for a decision.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Schengen visa?
€90 for adults, €45 for children 6–11, free under 6, and €35 for nationalities with a visa-facilitation agreement, plus any service-centre fee.
Does the 90 days reset when I change countries?
No. The 90-day allowance is shared across the whole Schengen area within any 180-day window.
Which country do I apply to?
The one where you’ll spend the most time, or if evenly split, your first point of entry.
Is ETIAS the same as a Schengen visa?
No. ETIAS is a cheaper travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals, not a visa. If you need a Schengen visa, ETIAS does not apply to you.
Do I need insurance?
Yes — travel medical insurance of at least €30,000 is mandatory for the visa.
← Back to all destinations · Related: ETIAS explained, UK ETA, travel insurance for visas, passport validity rules.