Getting a Schengen Visa from the United States (U.S.)

If you’re a United States (U.S.) resident planning to visit Europe, chances are you’ll be traveling to one or more of the 29 countries within the Schengen Area. For U.S. citizens, visa requirements may not apply for shorter stays, but if you’re a U.S. Green Card holder or a resident from a non-visa-exempt country, applying for a Schengen visa is mandatory. Let AXA walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for a Schengen visa from the United States.

Do I need a Schengen Visa as a U.S. Citizen?

As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a visa to visit the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided your trip is for tourism or business. However, this will change in 2025, when U.S. travelers will need to apply for a visa waiver through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This process should be relatively simple and costs around €7 / $8.

In the meantime, make sure your U.S. passport is valid and meets the following conditions:

• Issued less than 10 years ago
• Valid for at least three months after your planned departure
• Contains at least two blank pages

Without meeting these requirements, entry may be denied.

What if I’m a U.S. Permanent Resident or Green Card Holder?

If you hold a U.S. Green Card or permanent residency but are a national of a country that requires a visa for Schengen travel—such as India, China, or Russia—you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa from the United States. The process is similar to that of other travelers, but additional documentation may be required, such as proof of employment or business ownership, and for students, a Form I-20 or reference letter from your educational institution.

How Can I Apply for a Schengen Visa from the U.S.?

Applying for a Schengen visa from the U.S. is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.
   • If you’re visiting more than one country, apply at the embassy where you’ll be spending the most time. If stays are equal, apply to the country you’ll enter first.
2. Attend an in-person interview at your scheduled appointment, where biometric data (fingerprints and photos) will be collected, and pay the visa application fee.
3. Submit your required documents and wait for your visa decision. The process typically takes two weeks, but may vary.

If you’re in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, or Washington D.C., you can also submit your application at a VFS Global center.

When Should I Apply?

It’s recommended to apply for a Schengen visa no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before your departure. To avoid delays, give yourself at least one to two months to gather all necessary documents.

Schengen Visa Requirements

To apply for a Schengen visa, you’ll need to submit a variety of documents depending on your situation. However, the general requirements include:

• Schengen Visa application form
• Two recent passport photos
• Valid passport
• Photocopy of passport biometric page
• Travel and medical insurance with coverage up to €30,000 (arround $33,000)
• Proof of travel itinerary (flight reservations, accommodation)
• Proof of paid visa fee
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable)

For students and Green Card holders, additional documents such as Form I-20 or proof of employment may be necessary. Be sure to check with your destination country’s consulate for updated requirements.

How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost?

The cost of a Schengen visa from the U.S. is standardized at $90 for adults and $45 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free. Additional administrative fees may apply depending on where you submit your application, but keep in mind that visa fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied.

How Long is a Schengen Visa Valid?

A short-stay Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. There are other visa types, such as the Type D long-term visa, which allows stays of more than three months. The visa you need depends on the length and purpose of your trip, whether it's for tourism, business, study, or other purposes.

Can I Travel to All European Countries with a Schengen Visa?

While a Schengen visa allows you to travel freely among the Schengen Area countries, not all European countries are part of this zone. Be sure to verify visa requirements for any non-Schengen countries you plan to visit, such as the United Kingdom or Ireland.

How Can AXA Help?

When applying for a Schengen visa, one key requirement is Schengen travel insurance that covers medical expenses up to $30,000. AXA offers flexible Schengen travel insurance plans that meet the EU’s visa requirements.

Here’s what AXA Schengen travel insurance covers:

• Up to $100,000 in medical expenses
• Up to $500 in dental expenses
• Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• 24/7 assistance

AXA travel insurance certificate is accepted by all 29 Schengen countries. You can purchase your Schengen travel insurance online in minutes and download the certificate instantly.