Although many articles cover the Schengen Visa, travelers still frequently ask about it when planning trips to Europe. This is understandable, as the travel culture in Indonesia is growing rapidly. So, why a Schengen Visa? With a Schengen Visa, travelers can freely explore 26 European countries.
The 26 Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Where should one apply for a Schengen Visa? You can choose any of these countries, provided it’s your primary destination. It can be the first country you enter or where you’ll spend the most time. Avoid applying in a country considered “easier” just to obtain the visa, as it could lead to issues if you don’t actually visit that country.
The Schengen Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes only. It doesn’t cover purposes like work or family reunification. Schengen Visas must now be applied for through the Visa Application Center (VFS) in Jakarta, instead of directly through embassies.
This differs from 2014, when some countries still required direct applications to their embassies. I remember the stress of applying directly at the Dutch Embassy, especially during the interview process. Now, the Dutch Embassy handles Schengen Visas through VFS Global in Jakarta. Dutch Schengen Visas can be applied for at VFS Visa Application Centers in Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya, making the process smoother.
My experience with a Spanish Schengen Visa was equally straightforward through VFS in 2016. The process was simplified as I only interacted with VFS staff, who focused on document verification rather than embassy staff interviews.
The required documents for a Schengen Visa are similar across countries. Documents should be provided on the day of the application, and they can be in English, French, Spanish, or Dutch. Documents in Indonesian or other languages must include official translations.
Here are the documents required for a Dutch Schengen Visa:
1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months (bring the original and copies of all stamped and visa pages). Include previous passports if available.
2. Visa Photo: Two recent (within six months) color photos, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm with a white background. Some embassies offer a photo service, though it may be pricier.
3. Travel Insurance: Mandatory for Schengen countries. Several travel insurance options are available in Indonesia. You can apply online, pay via credit card or bank transfer, and print the policy. Keep the policy with you while in Europe.
4. Proof of Financial Means: This varies by country. For example, Dutch guidelines suggest a minimum of €34 per day, while Spain requires €60 per day. Three months of bank statements are generally acceptable proof.
5. Flight Reservation: Some travelers use travel agencies to reserve flights without payment. Personally, I’ve applied with fully paid flight tickets to ensure smooth processing.
6. Accommodation Proof: I often book refundable hotels on platforms like Booking.com, which allow cancellations until two days before arrival. This is helpful since I sometimes stay with friends in Europe.
7. Employment Certificate: This letter confirms stable employment in Indonesia, indicating that you intend to return and aren’t likely to overstay.
8. Itinerary: Include a detailed plan covering countries, cities, and even specific destinations and schedules if possible.
Once documents are complete, book an appointment online to submit the application. Walk-in applications are not accepted. When booking, select an available slot (marked in blue). You’ll receive a queue number and appointment time by email.
Bring cash for the visa fee payment in Indonesian Rupiah, based on the current exchange rate. VFS staff will provide the total, including any additional fees for optional services like passport delivery or SMS updates on application status.
As of June, the Schengen Visa fee is €60 (around IDR 990,000) for applicants 12 and older. VFS charges an additional EUR 25 (around IDR 416,500) for service fees, though fees vary based on the exchange rate.