What border officers check
Before you fly, check two things in your passport: how long it stays valid after your planned departure, and how many completely blank pages it has. The exact numbers depend on your destination and your nationality. There is no single worldwide rule, so confirm the requirement for the country you are entering on that country's official government or embassy page.
Key facts
- For a Schengen visa application, your passport's expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, it should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited. (Source: European Commission)
- A Schengen visa application must be lodged at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand. (Source: European Commission)
- A Schengen visa costs €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6-12, €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus, and €67.50 for applicants from Cabo Verde. (Source: European Commission)
- Normal Schengen visa processing takes 15 days, and can be extended to up to 45 days if more examination or documents are needed. (Source: European Commission)
- Rules differ by country. Check the official travel advice for your destination before booking.
Who it affects
Anyone crossing a border, but especially:
- Travellers whose passport expires within the next year.
- People with a passport that is nearly full, even if it is still valid.
- Non-EU nationals who need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen area.
- Families travelling with children, whose passports may have different validity dates.
- Anyone transiting through an airport in the Schengen area, because some nationalities also need an airport transit visa (according to the European Commission).
What to do step by step
- Find your destination's official entry requirements. Use the government travel advice for that country, or the embassy or consulate of your main destination. For the Schengen area, the European Commission's visa policy page and the country pages it links to are the starting point.
- Check your passport's expiry date. Compare it with the date you plan to leave your destination, not the date you arrive.
- Count your blank pages. A blank page is one with no stamps, visas or marks. If you are close to full, renew before you book non-refundable travel.
- If you need a Schengen visa, apply at the consulate of the country you intend to visit. If you are visiting more than one Schengen country, apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time. If your stays are of equal length, apply at the consulate of the first country you will visit.
- Apply in good time. Submit your Schengen visa application at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand. You may need to book an appointment first.
- Prepare the documents. For a Schengen visa you need a valid passport, a visa application form, a photo meeting ICAO standards, medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation, and supporting documents on your purpose of stay, financial means, accommodation and intention to return home. Your fingerprints are collected when you apply, with exemptions for some categories. Additional documents may also be requested by the consulates.
- If you are refused a visa, the decision will tell you why it was rejected and how to appeal.
Costs and timing
Schengen visa fees are €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6-12, €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus, and €67.50 for applicants from Cabo Verde. An additional fee may apply if you use a visa service centre. The fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.
Normal processing is 15 days. This can be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination or additional documents are required. Family members of EU or EEA citizens covered by the Free Movement Directive may be eligible for a free and accelerated procedure.
If your passport does not meet the validity or blank-page rules for your destination, you can be refused boarding or refused entry. Check the official rules before you pay for flights or accommodation.
Exceptions
- Some travellers are exempt from Schengen visa requirements, including certain diplomats, armed forces, refugees and pupils on school excursions.
- Some nationalities need an airport transit visa when connecting through the international transit area of a Schengen airport. For certain additional nationalities, this applies only at some Schengen airports. Some categories are exempt under Article 3(5) of the Visa Code (according to the European Commission).
- EU nationals, non-EU family members, UK nationals and their family members residing in an EU country, and minors have separate guidance. The EU's travel documents pages cover these groups separately.
- If your passport is expired or lost, the EU's travel documents guidance provides guidance on the relevant procedures.
What is not yet confirmed
This guide covers the rules published in the official sources listed below. Individual countries may apply additional requirements, and consulates may request extra documents. Always check the official page for your destination and nationality before travelling.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
It depends on your destination and nationality. For a Schengen visa application, the passport's expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, it should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited. Check the official rules for your destination.
How many blank pages do I need?
The number of blank pages required depends on the country you are entering. Check the official entry requirements for your destination before you travel.
When should I apply for a Schengen visa?
According to the European Commission, submit your application at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand. You may need to book an appointment first. Normal processing is 15 days, and can be extended to up to 45 days.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
According to the European Commission, €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6-12, €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus, and €67.50 for applicants from Cabo Verde. An additional fee may apply if you use a visa service centre. Some categories can have the fee waived.
Where do I apply if I am visiting more than one Schengen country?
According to the European Commission, apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time. If your stays are of equal length, apply at the consulate of the first country you will visit.
This is general guidance only. Ask a doctor, pharmacist or travel clinic about your own health situation, ideally weeks before travelling.
Sources
- European Commission — Applying for a Schengen visa (checked October 13, 2026)
- European Union — Documents you need for travel in Europe (checked October 13, 2026)
- UK Government — Foreign travel advice (checked October 13, 2026)
About the author
Bookskies Editorial TeamBookskies uses AI for drafts and translations. This organizational byline does not identify a named expert or certify a human review. Check the guide’s sources and documented review status before relying on time-sensitive claims.
