Schengen Centre
Understand your Schengen route before you apply.
Check visa guidance, calculate your 90/180-day allowance, find the right application country and build a personalised document checklist before your appointment.
29 countries
in the Schengen Area
90 days
max stay per 180-day period
€30,000
min. insurance cover
Passula does not submit applications; it helps you plan and track your Schengen preparation.
Tools
Everything you need in one place
Eligibility Check
Find out whether you likely need a Schengen visa and which country to apply through.
Start check →90/180 Calculator
Calculate your remaining Schengen days and check whether your planned trip fits within the allowance.
Calculate now →Document Checklist
Build your personalised Schengen document checklist and track which documents are ready.
View checklist →Appointment Guide
Understand how Schengen appointment booking works and how to prepare before your slot.
Read guide →Essentials
Understanding the Schengen Area
What is the Schengen Area?
29 European countries share open internal borders and a common short-stay visa policy. A single Schengen visa generally allows travel across all member states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What is the 90/180-day rule?
At any point in time, you may not have spent more than 90 days in the Schengen Area within the previous 180 days. This rule applies to both visa holders and visa-exempt travellers.
Which country to apply to?
Apply to the country where you will spend the most nights. If you spend equal time in multiple countries, apply through your first point of entry into the Schengen Area.
Member States
29 Schengen countries
Visa Type
The short-stay Schengen visa
A Type C short-stay visa is the most common Schengen visa. It permits stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area and is used for tourism, family visits, and business trips.
For stays longer than 90 days or for study, work, or national purposes, a long-stay national visa (Type D) issued by the specific country is required. This is a separate process from the standard Schengen short-stay application.
Valid for all 29 Schengen countries
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Tourism, family visits, business trips
Apply up to 6 months before travel
Travel insurance (min. €30,000) required
Risk Awareness
Common mistakes that lead to refusal
Approval depends on your personal circumstances, documents, travel history, and the rules of the country you apply to.
These flags are not here to worry you — they help you spot gaps early, before your appointment.
Applying to the wrong country
You must apply through the country where you spend the most nights. Applying to the wrong country can lead to refusal.
Weak financial evidence
Bank statements must show consistent funds, not a sudden deposit before the application.
Passport expiry too close
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return date.
Missing travel insurance
Travel insurance covering the entire Schengen Area with at least €30,000 is mandatory.
Unclear accommodation proof
Every night of your stay should have a corresponding booking or invitation letter.
Exceeding the 90/180-day allowance
Even visa-exempt travellers must respect the 90-in-180 rule. Overstaying can result in bans.
Documents
Build your document checklist
Track the status of each required document, note expiry dates, and mark items as prepared, missing, or not applicable — all in one place.
Open checklistSample preview — your actual checklist will be personalised.
Appointment
Prepare before you book
Passula helps you prepare everything before booking your appointment. Appointment availability must be checked directly with the official provider.
Appointment guideVFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International
Avoid unofficial appointment sellers
Prepare your pack before booking
Availability changes frequently
FAQ
Common questions
Start your Schengen journey
Check eligibility, calculate your days, build your checklist, and prepare your application — all in one place.