Detailed Guide to Schengen Visa Rules (2025/2026 Update)

Try the Schengen visa if you want to move to Europe. The Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. As of 2025, several important updates have been introduced that applicants must understand before planning their trip. This guide breaks down the latest rules, processes, and upcoming changes that affect travelers in 2025 and beyond.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

Most non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals need a Schengen visa for short stays in the region. This applies whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or family purposes.

However, citizens from certain visa-exempt countries, such as the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, among others, can still enter for short stays without a visa. Starting in 2025, these travelers will also need to comply with new digital entry requirements under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). This means even those who previously entered visa-free will now undergo digital registration when crossing borders.

Schengen Area Coverage

The Schengen Area currently includes 29 European countries that have removed internal border checks, allowing smooth movement between member states.

As of 2025, the Schengen Area includes the following 29 countries:

European Union Member States (25)

1. 1. Austria

• 2. Belgium
• 3. Bulgaria
• 4. Croatia
• 5. Czech Republic
• 6. Denmark
• 7. Estonia
• 8. Finland
• 9. France
• 10. Germany
• 11. Greece
• 12. Hungary
• 13. Italy
• 14. Latvia
• 15. Lithuania
• 16. Luxembourg
• 17. Malta
• 18. Netherlands
• 19. Poland
• 20. Portugal
• 21. Romania
• 22. Slovakia
• 23. Slovenia
• 24. Spain
• 25. Sweden
   

Non-European Union Countries (4)
 

• 26. Iceland
• 27. Liechtenstein
• 28. Norway
• 29. Switzerland
   

Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area in 2025 for air and sea travel, bringing the total number of member countries to 29. This group of countries allows for border-free travel with uniform visa policies among them, simplifying entry procedures for travelers connecting through these countries.

Types of Schengen Visas

• Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Allows up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Ideal for tourism, business meetings, and visiting family or friends.

• Airport Transit Visa (Type A): Required if you are transiting through a Schengen airport but not entering the Schengen zone itself.

Choosing the correct visa type ensures your application is processed correctly and avoids unnecessary delays. Having trouble choosing the right visa type? Do not panic, we got you ]covered!

Application Procedures

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• • Where to apply: Submit your Schengen visa documents through the designated collection centers, such as VFS or TLS, similar to the UK and Australia. Embassy interviews are uncommon for tourist visas and usually apply only to other categories like work or spouse visas.

• • When to apply: Apply no later than 15 calendar days before travel and no earlier than six months before your intended trip.

• • How to apply: Complete the official Schengen visa application form online (never reuse someone else’s form to avoid system errors).

Schedule an appointment and attend in person to submit biometrics and documents.
Submit your documents at the authorized visa center or embassy. 

If this information is not clear to you, Victoria Visa Consultancy is here to guide you throughout the whole process. We will provide personalized information on where, when and how to apply for a Schengen Visa.

Key Documentation Requirements

To apply successfully, travelers are generally required to present essential identification, travel, and financial documents that support their visa application. These typically include valid travel papers, proof of accommodation and travel plans, evidence of sufficient financial means, and relevant insurance coverage. The specific items may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the embassy’s requirements, so it’s always best to consult a professional for a personalized checklist.

Every applicant must also provide biometric data (digital photo and fingerprints). This data is valid for 59 months, meaning repeat applicants can often skip re-collection. These documents are supposed to be provided in a specific manner and only professional visa consultants like Victoria Visa can help put the documents in the required order and format. 

Processing and Admissibility

A visa application is inadmissible if submitted late, incomplete, or without key documents. If your application is deemed inadmissible, the visa fee is refunded.

Complete and accurate documentation remains the best way to ensure smooth processing and avoid unnecessary delays. Victoria Visa Consultants will help ensure your application is admissible. 

Schengen Stay Requirements

The 90/180 rule is strict. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.
 

Overstaying, even by a few days, can result in entry bans or future visa refusals. To avoid this, use the official Schengen stay calculator before each trip or consult Victoria Visa for professional guidance.

New Entry/Exit System (EES) 2025-2026

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is one of the most significant changes for travelers in 2025.

• • What it is: EES replaces manual passport stamping with a digital system that records the entry and exit of all non-EU nationals, including visa-free travelers.

• • When it starts: It was launched on October 12, 2025, and will be fully implemented on April 10, 2026.

• • How it works: Your biometric and travel data (photo and fingerprints) will be recorded at your first border crossing. Some countries will offer self-service kiosks or mobile apps for faster registration.
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Why is this beneficial?

•    -Faster border crossings after your first entry
•    -Improved security and identity verification
•    -Automatic calculation of remaining stay duration
•    -No more passport stamping
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Visa Facilitation and Special Categories

•   • Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals: Eligible for priority processing and, in many cases, free visas.

•   • Golden Visa and Investment Options: Certain countries offer long-term residence through investment. For instance, Greece will expand its Golden Visa program in 2025 to include new start-up investment routes.

Additional Points for Applicants

•   • Repeat Travelers: Those who already submitted biometrics in the last 59 months may enjoy a faster process.

•   • Purpose-Specific Checklists: Always use the latest embassy or VFS-provided checklists that match your travel reason.

•   • EES Compliance: Even travelers who do not need a visa must still comply with the new

•   • EES registration system from 2025 onwards.
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Recent and Upcoming Changes (2025 and Beyond)

Here are the top changes shaping Schengen travel:

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•   • EES Digital Registration (October 2025 rollout)

•   • Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen Entry for air and sea routes (January 2025)

•   • Greece’s Start-up Visa Pathway under the Golden Visa Program (2025)

•   • Possible Visa Fee Adjustments and periodic rule updates

It is important to check official Schengen and embassy websites regularly since visa rules and fees may vary each year. We have updated information on the visa rules and will are more than ready to help. 

Victoria Visa Consultants is Here to Help You

If you are dreaming of studying, working, or traveling to Europe, we are here to help you. Victoria Visa Consultancy helps Kenyan travelers, students and professionals throughout the Schengen visa process. 

During consultation, we will provide personalized guidance which includes a quick Schengen Visa checklist, documents required and what you need to do before and after submission. Book an appointment today for a smooth Schengen Visa application. Click here to fill out a free appointment form.