Schengen Visa FAQs: Your Questions Answered

The Schengen visa process raises a lot of questions for first-time applicants, from which countries it covers to how to avoid rejection. Here are answers to the questions we get asked most.

What Countries Does It Cover

The Schengen visa covers 27 European countries including France, Germany, Italy and Spain, allowing free movement between all member states on a single visa once you've entered the zone.

How Long Is It Valid For

It's typically valid for the exact duration of your planned trip, up to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period — it's not an open-ended long-stay visa.

Common Rejection Reasons

Insufficient funds, an unclear or inconsistent travel purpose, and incomplete or poorly organised documentation are the most common reasons applications get rejected, often avoidable with careful preparation.

How to Improve Approval Chances

Submitting a complete, well-organised application — ideally through an experienced travel agency familiar with current requirements — is the single best way to maximise your approval chances and avoid unnecessary delays.