Are you looking to travel to Germany, Italy, The Netherlands or any of the Schengen countries soon as a tourist? Do you need a visa (check here)?

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team has listed the steps for applying for the same! Let's go and happy travelling!

What are the different Schengen countries?

• Your Schengen visa application is subject to your entry point in the Schengen countries or the member country where you will stay the longest.
• Depending on your planned itinerary or tour package, you must apply for a visa at the embassy offices here in Doha or visa centres.
• Depending on your reason for the visit, the consulate may give you a single entry visa, double entry visa, or a multiple entry visa.

General process of applying for the visa

• Step 1: Fill in the application form and prepare the required documents.
• Step 2: Book an appointment with the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Center.
• Step 3: Submit your application and the documents on your scheduled date.
• Step 4: Biometrics will be done at the centre after document submission.
• Step 5: Track your application. You can usually also get your passport delivered or pick it up yourself after you get the confirmation that it is ready.

ILQ tips

• Please make sure to apply at least two months ahead of time to ensure enough time for visa processing.
• Appointment slots at the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Center may not be easily available during peak travelling season in Qatar (eg, during summer vacation & eid holidays). Make sure to plan ahead of time.
• Please note that the checklist and the details mentioned below is based on the Schengen visa requirements for Germany, as per the VFS Global Qatar website. They are subject to change, and other countries may also need additional or other specific documents. Kindly check the official websites and respective embassies or contact the respective visa centres for the full and latest details.

Visa centres in Qatar & the Schengen countries they represent

Capago

• France

VFS Global

• Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway and The Netherlands, Sweden, Slovakia

BLS International

• Spain

Please check out this listing for the complete list of embassies in Qatar.

Note:

• The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter and leave the Schengen.
• The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa has a longer validity.
• When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stay is 90 days. If you get a multiple-entry visa, you may leave and return any number of times within 180 days, but the combined stay within the region must not be more than 90 days.

Steps to apply for Schengen Visa

• The first step is filling out, printing and signing the visa application form.

Documents required

Please note that the checklist and the details mentioned below are based on the Schengen visa requirements for Germany, as per the VFS Global Qatar website.

For Qatari nationals

• Passport
  • Validity of a minimum of three months from the date of expiry of the requested visa
  • Passport not older than ten years (issued within the last ten years)
  • A minimum of two blank pages to be used for visas
  • Previous passport, if applicable
• One recent passport-sized photograph (3.5x4.5 cm)
  • Must not be older than six months with bright background and frontal view of the face
  • Do not glue or staple the photos to the application form
• Photocopies
  • One copy of passport pages with personal data
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas
• Overseas medical insurance
  • Only insurance companies authorized by the German Embassy in Doha are accepted
  • Valid for the entire duration of the period of the first stay and valid for all Schengen states
  • Minimum coverage is €30,000 including repatriation (medical insurances linked to credit cards are not accepted)
  • For multiple entry visas: a signed form ‘Declaration on Travel Health Insurance’ must be submitted
• Flight reservation and accommodation
  • Valid & confirmed hotel reservation including full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking reference)
  • If applicable: package tours/round trips (reservation for each segment of the stay including full address)
  • If applicable: copy of contract/proof of property with full residential address if you will stay at an apartment/house in Germany that you own)
  • Valid & confirmed flight reservation
• Proof of financial means
  • Recent bank statements (for the last three months, employment letter, proof of personal property, assets, credit cards with proof of credit limit)
  • In case financial means are provided by a relative, please submit the filled-out letter of guarantee with a passport copy of the relative

• For minors below the age of 18
  • Both parents/legal guardian must sign the application form (this is very important)
  • A form “letter of consent” signed by the parents/legal guardian must be attached
  • Passport copies of parents/legal guardian
  • Birth certificate with an English translation

For non-Qatari nationals

• Passport
  • Validity of a minimum of three months from the date of expiry of the requested visa
  • Passport not older than ten years (issued within the last ten years)
  • A minimum of two blank pages to be used for visas
  • Previous passport, if applicable
  • Qatar ID (with minimum validity up to return to Qatar)
• One recent passport-sized photograph (3.5x4.5 cm)
  • Must not be older than six months with bright background and frontal view of the face
  • Do not glue or staple the photos to the application form
• Photocopies
  • One copy of passport pages with personal data and the signature of the passport holder
  • One copy of the Qatar ID
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas
• Overseas medical insurance
  • Only insurance companies authorized by the German Embassy in Doha are accepted
  • Valid for the entire duration of the period of the first stay and valid for all Schengen states
  • Minimum coverage is €30,000.00, including repatriation (Medical insurances linked to credit cards are not accepted)
  • For multiple entry visas: a signed form ‘Declaration on Travel Health Insurance’ must be submitted
• Flight reservation and accommodation
  • Valid & confirmed hotel reservation including full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking reference)
  • Vouchers from travel agencies are not accepted as proof of accommodation
  • Valid & confirmed flight reservation
• Letter from local employer/sponsor (not older than one month) must include
  • Must be addressed to the German Embassy and signed by the legal representative of the company as per Company Registration
  • Name, postal address, telephone number, the position of the employee
  • Salary income of the applicant
  • Attached copy of the Company Registration/computer card showing the legal representative
• Proof of financial means
  • Original stamped and signed personal bank statements with salary income (minimum last three months and not older than two weeks from the day of submission)
  • In case financial means are provided by a relative in direct line (parent/child) or spouse, please submit a birth certificate or marriage certificate with an English translation to prove the relationship
• Accompanying domestic workers
  • Must have resided in Qatar for not less than one year and worked for the same employer for at least six months
  • Stamped original and copy of employment contract registered with the competent Qatari labour authorities
  • Duly filled out letter of guarantee signed by the sponsor
  • Passport copy of sponsor and copy of his/her Schengen visa if applicable

Kindly note that the German Embassy in Doha reserves the right to request additional documents and/or ask the applicant to come for an interview at any time.

How long will it take for you to receive the visa?

As per VFS Global, receiving the visa might take approximately 15 calendar days, but this is not guaranteed especially during peak season.

What is the cost of a Schengen visa?

This is €80 for adults and €40 for children from 6 to 12 years old. Free for children below six years. Additional Visa Center or Embassy service fees may apply.

Finally, please complete the application form and double-check the documents before submitting them.

Source: VFS Global, Schengen Visa Info

Written by Marson Lumanglas; Updated by Vrinda Abilash

Did you find this article helpful? Drop us a line in the comment section below, and also, don't forget to like and share this article -- it keeps us going!

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

Vrinda Abilash

Start a discussion