Schengen Visa from the US: Requirements & Fees (2025)
Applying for a Schengen visa from the United States is often more complex than many applicants expect. While US citizens can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays, most non-US citizens legally residing in the US must complete a full Schengen visa application. Limited appointment availability, strict consular jurisdiction rules, and detailed administrative requirements frequently lead to confusion and delays.
Successfully obtaining a Schengen visa from the US depends on a few non-negotiable factors: applying through the correct consulate or visa center, submitting a complete and coherent application file, meeting financial requirements, and providing Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance from the very beginning of the process, as this document is systematically checked by consulates.
- 🇺🇸 US citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days
- 🛂 Most non-US citizens living in the US must apply for a Schengen visa (check nationalities below)
- 🏥 Travel medical insurance is mandatory and reviewed during the application
- 💶 Schengen visa cost (2025): €90 visa fee for adults (≈ $100), $20–$45 visa center fee (VFS/BLS/TLS), plus travel medical insurance (price depends on duration, age and coverage)
- 📍 Applications must respect strict consular jurisdiction rules
- ⏳ Average processing time: 15–30 days, excluding appointment delays
What is a Schengen visa when applying from the US?
A Schengen visa is an official travel authorisation that allows non-EU nationals to enter and travel within the Schengen Area, which currently comprises 29 European countries, for a limited and clearly defined purpose. When applying from the United States, this visa mainly concerns non-US citizens legally residing in the US, such as green card holders, international students, and foreign workers.
In practice, most applicants from the US apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), which permits travel for tourism, business, family visits, or short professional stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Other visa types exist but follow different rules and application processes.
Visa type | Purpose | Maximum duration | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
🟦 Type C – Short-stay Schengen visa | Tourism, business, family visit, conferences | Up to 90 days within 180 days | Most non-US citizens applying from the US |
🟩 Type D – National long-stay visa | Work, studies, family reunification | More than 90 days | Applicants planning long-term stays in one country |
🟨 Airport Transit visa (Type A) | Transit through a Schengen airport only | No entry into Schengen | Nationals of specific countries in transit |
🔁 Multiple-entry Schengen visa | Repeated short trips | Up to 5 years (within 90/180 rule) | Frequent travelers with strong travel history |
A Schengen visa issued by one member state allows travel throughout the entire Schengen Area, provided that the declared travel purpose and duration are respected. Identifying the correct visa type at the outset is essential, as applying under the wrong category can lead to delays or refusal.
To avoid delays and missing documents, you can use HelloSafe to compare Schengen-compliant travel insurance options and download a ready-to-submit certificate in minutes.
Get your instant, compliant Schengen visa certificateDo you need a Schengen visa when applying from the US?
Whether you need a Schengen visa when applying from the United States depends entirely on your nationality, not on the country where you live. This distinction is essential, as many applicants assume that residing in the US automatically grants visa-free access to Europe, which is not the case.
Nationality (examples) | Schengen visa required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
🇺🇸 United States | ❌ No | Visa-free travel up to 90 days (ETIAS expected from 2026) |
🇨🇦 Canada | ❌ No | Visa-free for short stays |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ❌ No | Visa-free up to 90 days |
🇮🇳 India | ✅ Yes | Schengen visa required, even with US residence |
🇨🇳 China | ✅ Yes | Schengen visa mandatory |
🇵🇭 Philippines | ✅ Yes | Schengen visa required |
🇳🇬 Nigeria | ✅ Yes | Schengen visa required |
🇵🇰 Pakistan | ✅ Yes | Schengen visa required |
🇧🇩 Bangladesh | ✅ Yes | Schengen visa required |
🇪🇬 Egypt | ✅ Yes | Schengen visa required |
Schengen visa rules for US citizens
US citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short stays in the Schengen Area. They can travel freely for tourism, business trips, or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the so-called 90/180 rule. No prior visa application is required, but travelers must still meet entry conditions at the border (valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds).
From a regulatory perspective, this visa-free regime will change slightly in the coming years. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to become mandatory for visa-exempt travelers, including US citizens, from 2026. ETIAS is not a visa, but an online travel authorization that must be obtained before departure.
Schengen visa rules for non-US citizens living in the US
For non-US citizens residing in the United States, the situation is different. Even with a valid US residence status, a Schengen visa is usually required.
- Green card holders must apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Europe. Permanent US residence does not replace Schengen visa requirements.
- F-1, H-1B, J-1 and L-1 visa holders are also required to apply, provided their US visa and status remain valid beyond the intended return date.
- Visitors in the US on a B1/B2 visa cannot apply for a Schengen visa from the US, as they are not considered legal residents. In this case, the application must be submitted in the country of habitual residence.
Applicant status | Schengen visa required? |
|---|---|
US citizen | ❌ No |
Green card holder | ✅ Yes |
F-1 / H-1B / J-1 | ✅ Yes |
B1/B2 visitor | ❌ No |
Understanding your status from the outset helps avoid unnecessary refusals and ensures that your Schengen visa application is submitted from the correct country and under the right legal conditions.
How to apply for a Schengen visa from the US?
Applying for a Schengen visa from the United States follows a clear, step-by-step process, but each stage must be completed carefully. Overlooking a single detail—such as applying at the wrong visa center or submitting incomplete documents—can lead to delays, cancelled appointments, or a rejected application.
🗺️ Step 1: Identify your main Schengen destination
You must apply to the consulate of the Schengen country where you will spend the most nights during your stay.
If your itinerary is evenly split between several countries, the consulate of your first point of entry becomes responsible.
Choosing the wrong destination can result in your application being rejected or redirected.
🏛️ Step 2: Find where to apply for a Schengen visa in the US (consular jurisdiction)
Choosing where to submit your application is a critical administrative step. Schengen consulates enforce strict consular jurisdiction rules, and applications filed at the wrong location are usually rejected without being processed, even if all documents are correct.
Consular jurisdiction explained
Jurisdiction is determined by your US state of residence, not by appointment availability or personal preference. Each consulate or visa center covers a predefined list of US states, and applicants must prove they legally reside within that area.
Applying outside your jurisdiction typically leads to:
- ❌ automatic rejection of the application
- ❌ loss of visa and service fees
- ❌ delays caused by having to restart the process
Proof of residence is verified using a green card or valid US visa, often combined with a lease, utility bill, or state ID.
Main Schengen visa centers in the US
Destination country | Visa service provider | Main US locations (examples) | Official booking platform |
|---|---|---|---|
🇫🇷 France | TLS Contact / VFS Global | New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles | tlscontact.com / vfsglobal.com |
🇪🇸 Spain | BLS International | New York, Washington DC, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago | blsinternational.com |
🇮🇹 Italy | VFS Global | New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco | vfsglobal.com |
🇩🇪 Germany | VFS Global | New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles | vfsglobal.com |
🇳🇱 Netherlands | VFS Global | New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston | vfsglobal.com |
Before booking, always check the jurisdiction map on the provider’s official website.
📅 Step 3: Book your Schengen visa appointment
Visa appointments must be booked online through the official platform of the relevant visa center.
Availability varies significantly by country, city, and season, with long waiting times common in major US cities.
Appointments are often the main bottleneck of the process, so booking as early as possible is strongly recommended.
📝 Step 4: Complete the Schengen visa application form
The Schengen visa application form must be filled out accurately and consistently. Any mismatch between the form, itinerary, and supporting documents may trigger additional checks, requests for clarification, or processing delays.
Depending on the destination country, the application form is completed through different official platforms. Below are some common examples used by Schengen consulates in the US:
Destination country | Application form platform | How it works |
|---|---|---|
🇫🇷 France | France-Visas | Online form to complete before booking the appointment |
🇩🇪 Germany | VIDEX | Online form to print and sign |
🇮🇹 Italy | Schengen application (PDF or online, depending on consulate) | Printed and submitted at the appointment |
🇪🇸 Spain | Schengen application form (PDF) | Completed, printed and signed |
🇳🇱 Netherlands | Online application via VFS Global | Form completed before appointment |
Applicants must ensure that all information entered in the form exactly matches the supporting documents, including travel dates, destination, and personal details. Any discrepancy can lead to additional scrutiny or delays in the application process.
📂 Step 5: Prepare all required documents (including travel insurance)
Submitting a complete and well-structured file is essential. Even minor omissions or inconsistencies can make the application inadmissible.
Document | What is expected by the consulate |
|---|---|
📝 Schengen visa application form | Fully completed, dated and signed |
🛂 Valid passport | Issued within the last 10 years, minimum 2 blank pages |
🇺🇸 Proof of legal US residence | Green card or valid US visa covering the return date |
📸 Passport photo | Schengen format (35×45 mm, light background) |
✈️ Travel itinerary | Entry and exit dates clearly stated |
🏨 Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking, rental agreement or invitation letter |
💳 Proof of financial means | Bank statements or equivalent financial evidence |
🏥 Travel medical insurance | Schengen-compliant, covering the entire stay |
All documents must be consistent across the file. Date or destination mismatches are a frequent cause of follow-up requests.
Financial requirements explained :
There is no fixed minimum bank balance at Schengen level. In practice:
- consulates expect €70–€100 per day (≈ $75–$110 per day)
- bank statements from the last 3 months are usually required
- statements must clearly show the applicant’s name, balance, and transactions
If you want to secure one of the most systematically checked documents in your file, HelloSafe lets you compare Schengen visa travel insurance and instantly generate a consulate-compliant certificate for your exact travel dates.
Get your instant, compliant Schengen visa certificate🖐️ Step 6: Attend the appointment and provide biometrics
On the day of the appointment, you must:
- submit your full document file
- pay the visa fee
- provide fingerprints and a photo
Biometric collection is mandatory for most applicants and finalises the submission of the application.
What travel insurance is required for a Schengen visa from the US?
When applying for a Schengen visa from the United States, travel medical insurance is one of the first documents checked by consulates. It is not a formality: a non-compliant policy can block the application before it is even examined. For many applicants, understanding what is actually required helps avoid last-minute stress and costly mistakes.
Mandatory Schengen travel insurance requirements
Your travel insurance must comply with strict Schengen rules. The table below summarises what consulates expect and what is commonly rejected.
Requirement | What is required by Schengen rules | Common mistakes ❌ |
|---|---|---|
💶 Medical coverage | At least €30,000 | Coverage below the minimum |
🌍 Geographic validity | All Schengen countries | Insurance limited to one country |
🏥 Medical care | Emergency treatment & hospitalisation | No hospital coverage |
✈️ Repatriation | Medical repatriation included | Repatriation excluded |
📅 Coverage period | Entire stay (entry → exit dates) | Dates shorter than itinerary |
Insurance that does not meet every single requirement is considered invalid, even if the rest of the application is complete.
Not sure whether your policy is truly Schengen-compliant (coverage, repatriation, dates, Schengen-wide validity)? HelloSafe helps you verify requirements and get a certificate that matches consular expectations.
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Why travel insurance is verified before the appointment
The insurance certificate is part of the mandatory document checklist and is usually reviewed as soon as your file is submitted. In many US visa centers, applications with missing or incorrect insurance documents are flagged immediately.
One of the most frequent issues is date inconsistency. If the insurance coverage does not exactly match the travel dates declared in your application form and itinerary, the consulate may request corrections, delay processing, or consider the file incomplete.
Many applicants applying from the US opt for online Schengen insurance solutions that provide an instant, consulate-compliant certificate, which is particularly helpful when appointment slots open at short notice or when travel dates need to be adjusted.
For this reason, platforms like HelloSafe are often used to quickly obtain a Schengen-compliant travel insurance certificate, fully aligned with visa requirements and ready to be included in the application file without delaying the process.
How much does a Schengen visa cost when applying from the US?
When applying for a Schengen visa from the United States, the total cost includes official visa fees set at EU level and additional service-related expenses. Below are the amounts expressed in US dollars, based on current exchange rates, to help applicants budget more easily.
Official Schengen visa fees
Schengen short-stay visa fees are the same for all Schengen countries. Since June 2024, the following fees apply and remain valid for 2025.
Applicant | Visa fee (approx. in USD) |
|---|---|
Adults | $100 💵 (≈ €90) |
Children aged 6–11 | $50 💵 (≈ €45) |
Children under 6 | Free |
These fees are paid at the time of the appointment and are non-refundable, even if the visa application is refused.
Additional costs to anticipate
Beyond the official visa fee, applicants applying from the US should factor in the following costs:
- Visa center service fees: typically $20 to $45, depending on the provider (VFS Global, BLS International, TLS Contact) and the location
- Travel medical insurance: price varies according to the length of stay, age of the applicant, and level of coverage, but remains a mandatory requirement for all Schengen visa applications
Although travel insurance represents an extra cost, it is systematically checked by consulates and must fully comply with Schengen requirements to avoid delays or refusals.
Get Schengen visa insurance from €1/dayHow long does it take to get a Schengen visa from the US?
The time required to obtain a Schengen visa from the United States depends not only on the official Schengen processing rules, but also on key dates and seasonal patterns specific to the US that directly affect appointment availability and processing speed.
📅 Typical timelines
- Legal processing time: up to 15 calendar days once a complete application is submitted
- Extended cases: processing may take 30 to 45 days if additional checks are required
- Appointment availability: in practice, this is often the longest part of the process in the US
📌 Key dates in the US to pay special attention to
Certain periods in the United States consistently lead to appointment shortages and longer waiting times at Schengen visa centers:
- May to August: peak travel season in the US, driven by summer vacations and school holidays
- Late November to early January: increased demand around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, combined with reduced staffing
- March–April: spring break travel generates higher appointment demand in major US cities
- September: renewed demand linked to business travel, conferences, and academic mobility
During these periods, appointment slots in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco may be fully booked weeks in advance, even if the legal processing time remains unchanged.
To avoid delays, applicants applying from the US should factor in both the official processing timeframe and the US-specific demand peaks, and submit their application as early as possible within the allowed window.
When appointments open at short notice, having your insurance certificate ready can save you valuable time. HelloSafe can generate a Schengen-compliant certificate quickly, so you can finalize your file immediately.
What are the most common reasons for Schengen visa refusal from the US?
Schengen visa refusals for applications submitted from the United States are most often due to administrative weaknesses rather than the applicant’s location. The table below summarises the issues most frequently identified by consulates and why they matter.
Refusal reason | What consulates look for | Why applications are refused |
|---|---|---|
📂 Incomplete or inconsistent documents | A coherent file with matching dates, destinations, and personal details | Missing documents or contradictions between the form, itinerary, and supporting papers |
💳 Insufficient financial proof | Clear evidence of sufficient funds for the entire stay | Low balances, irregular income, or unclear financial sources |
🚪 Doubts about intention to leave Schengen (reason 8) | Strong ties to the US (job, studies, residence) | Weak proof of return or unclear travel purpose |
🏥 Non-compliant travel insurance | €30,000 coverage, Schengen-wide validity, correct dates | Insurance below requirements or coverage dates not matching the itinerary |
Most refusals can be avoided by ensuring that the application file is complete, consistent, and compliant with Schengen rules from the outset.
Choose insurance with a refund if your visa is refusedCan green card holders apply for a Schengen visa from the US?
Yes, US green card holders can apply for a Schengen visa directly from the United States. Permanent residence in the US allows applicants to submit their application through the relevant Schengen consulate or visa center in their state of residence.
However, holding a green card does not remove the obligation to meet standard Schengen visa requirements.
- 🪪 The green card must be valid beyond the intended return date from the Schengen Area. Expiring or conditional status can lead to additional scrutiny.
- 🏠 Strong ties to the US must be clearly demonstrated, such as stable employment, ongoing studies, a lease or property ownership, and long-term residence.
- 📂 Applicants must provide the same supporting documents as other non-US citizens, including proof of financial means and Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance.
Consulates assess green card holders primarily on their ability and intention to return to the US after the trip. A well-documented application showing stable residence and economic ties significantly improves approval chances.
FAQ
Yes. Travel medical insurance is a mandatory document and is usually required at the time of the appointment. In some cases, visa centers check the insurance certificate as soon as the file is submitted. Applying without valid insurance can lead to delays or an incomplete application.
In most cases, yes. However, the insurance dates must always match the declared travel dates in your application. If your appointment is postponed or your itinerary changes, you may need to update your insurance certificate and provide a revised version to the visa center or consulate.
Yes. A third party (family member, spouse, or employer) can purchase the insurance on your behalf, as long as your name, travel dates, and passport details are correctly stated on the certificate. Consulates focus on compliance, not on who paid for the policy.
No. Schengen consulates apply strict jurisdiction rules based on your US state of residence. Applying at a visa center outside your jurisdiction usually results in rejection or the application being returned without processing, even if appointments are available elsewhere.
Holding a valid US residence status allows you to apply from the US, but it does not guarantee approval. Consulates still assess financial stability, travel purpose, and especially the intention to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires.
The most frequent refusal ground is reason 8: doubts about the intention to leave the Schengen Area. This often happens when ties to the US (employment, studies, long-term residence) are not clearly documented, even if the applicant lives legally in the US.
Yes, this is a recurring concern raised by applicants, particularly in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. Appointment availability fluctuates throughout the year and is a topic frequently discussed on Reddit. Booking early and preparing documents in advance helps reduce last-minute pressure.
Yes. Non-compliant travel insurance—such as insufficient coverage, incorrect dates, or limited geographic validity—is a common cause of delays and refusals. Insurance must strictly meet Schengen requirements to be accepted.
You can generally apply up to 6 months before your planned trip. Given appointment delays and seasonal demand in the US, applying as early as possible is strongly recommended, especially for summer and end-of-year travel.
