A Schengen Visa lets you travel across 29 European countries without the need for multiple visas. It gives you the freedom to move between member nations easily, whether for tourism, business, or visiting family. The visa is issued by the Embassy or Consulate of the country you intend to visit first or where you’ll spend most of your stay.

Citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Zone are required to apply for a Schengen Visa before traveling. These applicants must fulfill all visa requirements and attend an interview at the relevant Embassy or Consulate to gain permission to enter any of the 29 Schengen member countries.

Yes, you can apply for a Schengen Visa together with your family members. To do so, you’ll need to include the main applicant’s financial documents to support the other applications. It’s also important to provide sponsorship letters and proof of family relationships — such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate — translated into English.

The processing time for a visa application varies depending on several factors, such as the type of visa you’re applying for, the destination country, and the time of year.

On average, the process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on your visa category and individual circumstances.