Schengen Visa from USA

Step-by-step guide to the Schengen visa application process for US residents, requirements and more relevant information on having a successful visa application.

VisaGuide / Schengen Visa / Applying from the US

Europe remains the top favorite overseas destination for US travelers. With its tourist destinations, historical monuments and sites, beautiful mountains, and landscapes, the old continent keeps luring travelers across the globe. Almost 16 million US residents entered Europe in 2017 alone, and this number just keeps increasing every year. After neighboring Mexico, Europe was the second most visited by Americans within the same year.

But, although traveling may be a piece of cake for some travelers, some travelers might find it more difficult to explore new places. For some people, traveling includes applications and processes that are often confusing and time-consuming, in particular when it comes to traveling to beautiful Europe.

If you are living in the United States and you do not know what procedures you should follow to enter Europe, this article will make it clear to you.

Do I Need to Apply for a Visa to Go to Europe from the USA?

Due to the visa-free agreement between the United States and the countries in the Schengen Area, US citizens do not need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Europe for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, they will need to apply for an ETIAS  starting in May 2025 in order to be permitted to enter any of the Schengen states. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System and is quite similar to the American ESTA.

You will have to apply for a Schengen visa from the US prior to your trip if you belong to any of the following categories:

Please keep in mind that you will be able to get a Schengen visa from the US only if you are a Green Card holder. In case you are there on a visa, you will not be able to apply for a Schengen Visa. Instead, you will have to go to your country of residence in order to be able to apply.

What Are the Types of Schengen Visas Available for Applicants in the USA?

Applicants from the United States can apply for the following visas, depending on the purpose of visiting the Schengen countries:

Which EU Countries Can Americans Visit Without a Visa?

US travelers can visit the following EU countries without having to obtain a short-term Schengen visa:

  • Austria.
  • Belgium.
  • Croatia.
  • Czech Republic.
  • Denmark.
  • Estonia.
  • Finland.
  • France.
  • Germany.
  • Greece.
  • Hungary.
  • Iceland.
  • Italy.
  • Latvia.
  • Liechtenstein.
  • Lithuania.
  • Luxembourg.
  • Malta.
  • The Netherlands.
  • Norway.
  • Poland.
  • Portugal.
  • Slovakia.
  • Slovenia.
  • Spain.
  • Sweden.
  • Switzerland

When Should I Submit the Schengen Visa Application From the United States?

If you are applying for a Schengen visa from the United States, it is generally recommended to submit your application at least 90 days (3 months) before your intended departure date to this region. This allows for sufficient time for visa processing, as well as any additional steps, such as scheduling an appointment and collecting the required documents. The latest you can do so is two months prior to the date of your planned trip.

However, the most advisable time to file your application is three weeks prior to your trip to the Schengen zone.

Schengen Visa Required Documents When Applying from the USA

Here are the documents that you need to submit to apply for a Schengen visa from the USA:

  • Schengen Visa Application Form. Complete the Schengen Visa Application Form with true and correct information. Make sure to fill out all the questions and avoid leaving any blank gaps. The form is the same for all countries in Schengen. Once you complete it, you need to print it twice and sign both copies at the end.
  • Your passport must be valid for another three months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Member State. The document must have been issued within the last 10 years and must have at least two empty pages for the visa sticker.
  • Passport-size photographs. Enclose two photos of yourself taken within the last 3 months. The photographs must be in passport format and must comply with the Schengen visa photograph guidelines, or they will not be accepted.
  • Schengen Travel Health Insurance for Europe. You will need an insurance policy with a minimum amount of €30,000 that covers any medical emergencies and repatriation in case of death.
  • Proof of Accommodation. You must submit documents through which you prove where you will be staying throughout your time in the Schengen Member States. That could be:
    • A hotel booking.
    • A letter of invitation.
    • A rent agreement.
  • Flight Itinerary. A document through which you prove you have a saved seat on your flight from the United States to Europe. It also contains the dates you enter and leaves Schengen.
  • Cover Letter. A letter in which you explain your whole trip in detail, what you will be doing, the places you will be visiting, the reason for your visit to the Member State, and why the embassy or consulate should approve your visa application.
  • Proof of financial means. Documents proving that you have sufficient incomes to cover the cost of your trip to the Schengen Area and your daily expenses (e.g., bank statement).
  • Proof of paid fee. You must pay the required application fee and save the receipt as proof of payment.
  • Additional Documents: Depending on your employment status, you might have to submit the following documents:
  • If you are an employee:
    • Leave permission from the employer.
    • Employment contract.
    • Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.
  • If you are self-employed:
    • A copy of your business license.
    • Income Tax Return (ITR).
  • If you are retired:
    • Pension statement of the last 6 months.
  • If you are studying at a US university:
    • Proof of enrollment.
    • No objection letter from School or University in the US.
  • If you are unemployed and married to a US citizen:
    • Your spouse’s Confirmation of Employment. This document should be issued by the employer of your spouse and must indicate details as to the position held by your spouse within the company, as well as the starting date.
    • Spouse’s valid passport.
    • An officially translated marriage certificate. If your marriage certificate is not in English, translation is required. This translation must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place or by the Legalization Bureau of the Foreign Office in the US. In case this Certificate was issued outside the EU, it must bear a stamp by the Foreign Office of the issuing country or its Embassy in the US.

*Depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the purpose of your visit, you may be required to submit specific documents. Some Schengen countries may also have extra requirements.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa From the USA?

The application process for a Schengen visa from the US includes the following steps:

  1. Choose what type of Schengen visa you need.
  2. Locate the nearest diplomatic missions (embassy or consulate).
  3. Book an appointment.
  4. Complete the Schengen visa application form.
  5. Collect the required documents.
  6. Submit the application.
  7. Pay the application fee.
  8. Attend the interview.
  9. Wait to receive your Schengen visa.

Choose What Type of Schengen Visa You Need

There are different types of Schengen visas that you must select depending on your purpose of visit. For example, if you are traveling to Europe for tourism, you should select a Schengen (Tourist) visa; if you plan on conducting business, you need to apply for a Business Schengen Visa , etc.

Locate the Nearest Diplomatic Missions (Embassy or Consulate)

Identify the Schengen country you plan to visit and find out which embassy or consulate is responsible for visa applications from residents of your state.

Book an Appointment

Visit the embassy/consulate’s website or a visa application center’s website (if applicable) to schedule an appointment to submit your application and biometric data.

Keep in mind that every applicant needs to show up at the appointment on time and cannot send someone over to attend the interview on their behalf. Underage applicants must be accompanied by their mother/father/legal guardian.

Complete the Schengen Visa Application Form

Each applicant is required to fully complete and sign the Schengen visa application form. The form is available in other languages besides the official language of the Member State. The form contains questions regarding your personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, etc.), your travel document, and the purpose of your visit.

The form can be completed online, then must be downloaded, printed, and signed by the applicant.

Collect the Required Documents

You can find the list of required documents above in the article.

Submit the Application

Depending on how your destination country has regulated visa submission, you may have to submit your application at their:

  • Embassy.
  • Consulate.
  • Visa Center.
  • Embassy/consulate/visa center of another Schengen country to which your destination country has outsourced visa submission.

You will also need to submit your documents and biometrics together with the Schengen visa application form.

*In the US, each embassy and each consulate have their own jurisdiction area. This means that where you need to file your application also depends on the jurisdiction area under which you fall.

Pay the Application Fee

The fees for a Schengen visa are the same, no matter where you are applying from. Currently, the fee for a Schengen visa for adults is $69 and $40 for children under 12. Children below the age of 6 are exempt.

In addition, there are categories of people who are exempt from paying the fee or who only have to pay a lower fee. Check the Schengen visa fees for more!

Keep in mind that in case of visa rejection or application withdrawal, you will not be able to get your money back.

Attend the Interview

The interview lasts around ten minutes. Throughout this time, you will have to answer the questions the visa interviewer asks.

They will ask you about your background, the reasons why you wish to visit the Schengen Zone, and other questions related to your trip.

After the interview, the information that you provided will be entered into the online system, and you will receive a printed copy of your application. This process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you get the printed form, you should verify that all the details are correct and sign the form.

Wait to Receive Your Schengen Visa

You will receive a notification in your email regarding the status of your Schengen visa application (approved/rejected). If your visa has been approved, you can visit the embassy to collect your visa and passport.

Where to File My Application for a Schengen Visa in the United States?

Just because the Schengen states have a standard visa policy, it does not mean you can file your visa application at whichever Schengen embassy is in the United States. There are strict rules on where an applicant shall file their application.

Therefore, before scheduling an appointment with the embassy or consulate, decide on the following:

  • How many Schengen countries will you visit?
  • If you are planning to visit more than one country:
    • How much will you remain in each?
    • In which country will you step first?

Visiting One Country in Europe

If you are going to visit only one country, then file your application at the embassy/consulate/visa center of that country in the United States. For example, if you want to visit France, you should submit your application at the nearest French mission (Embassy or Consulate).

Visiting More Than One Country in Europe

On the other hand, if you will be visiting more than one country, then file your application at the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country in which you will spend most days. If you plan on spending equal time in all the countries that you will visit, then you should apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will land first.

What to Do if My Visa Application for Europe Is Denied?

If your Schengen visa application from the United States has been denied, you have two options- either reapply or appeal the visa application decision.

If you decide to give it another try by reapplying, you must make sure to fix the mistakes you made during your first application, or in case you failed to submit any document, make sure to gather every document from the checklist.

An appeal can be conducted if you believe that the decision on your visa application denial was a mistake and you did everything correctly on your application. In this case, you can conduct a letter of appeal against the Member State that refused your application.

*The competent authorities of the Schengen Member State that made the decision on your visa application will provide you with the reasons why your application was rejected.

Travel Tips for Americans Visiting Europe

If you’re an American planning to visit Europe, here are some travel tips to help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:

  • Ensure your passport is valid and check visa requirements.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance for unexpected expenses.
  • Research the customs, culture, and laws of the countries you’ll visit.
  • Familiarize yourself with basic phrases in the local language.
  • Pack light and bring versatile clothing for different weather.
  • Carry a power adapter or converter for electronics.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans.
  • Use a mix of cash and cards, keeping them secure from pickpockets.
  • Research and book transportation in advance.
  • Check if vaccinations are required before traveling.
  • Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and healthcare options.
  • Respect local customs and learn basic etiquette.
  • Stay connected with a local SIM card or international data plan.
  • Explore beyond popular tourist spots to experience local culture.
Did you find this page helpful?
Yes No