Indonesian passport holders who wish to travel to Europe need to obtain a Schengen Visa. The Schengen Visa is a document that allows its holder to travel freely across the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries. In this article, we will discuss all the important details about the Schengen Visa for Indonesian passport holders.
What is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows its holder to travel freely across the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. It is named after the Schengen Agreement, which was signed in 1985 by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg.
The Schengen Area consists of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Types of Schengen Visa
There are three types of Schengen Visa:
- Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) – allows its holder to travel freely across all Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) – allows its holder to travel only to the Schengen country or countries specified in the visa.
- National Visa – allows its holder to stay in the Schengen country that issued the visa for more than 90 days.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
Indonesian passport holders can apply for a Schengen Visa at the embassy or consulate of any Schengen state that they intend to visit the most. If their itinerary includes multiple Schengen countries, they should apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that will be their main destination or the country where they will spend the longest time.
The visa application process usually involves the following steps:
- Fill out the Schengen Visa application form.
- Gather the required documents, such as passport, photo, travel insurance, flight itinerary, hotel reservation, proof of financial means, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate.
- Make an appointment at the embassy or consulate and submit the application and documents in person.
- Pay the visa fee, which is usually around €80.
- Wait for the visa processing time, which can take up to 15 days.
- Collect the visa if it is approved or appeal the decision if it is rejected.
Requirements for Schengen Visa
To be eligible for a Schengen Visa, Indonesian passport holders need to meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid passport that does not expire within the next six months.
- Have a clear purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, study, or transit.
- Have sufficient financial means to cover their travel expenses and stay in Europe.
- Have a return ticket or onward ticket to a non-Schengen country.
- Have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
- Have no record of criminal or immigration offenses.
Tips for Schengen Visa Application
Here are some tips to increase the chances of getting a Schengen Visa:
- Apply well in advance of the intended travel date, as visa processing can take up to 15 days.
- Provide clear and honest information in the application form and supporting documents.
- Show strong ties to Indonesia, such as employment, family, property, or social connections.
- Provide a detailed travel itinerary that includes all the places to be visited and the activities to be undertaken.
- Have sufficient funds in the bank account, as proof of financial means is an important requirement.
- Obtain a letter of invitation or sponsor from a Schengen resident or company if possible.
Conclusion
The Schengen Visa is a mandatory requirement for Indonesian passport holders who wish to travel to Europe. By following the guidelines and requirements outlined in this article, Indonesian passport holders can apply for and obtain a Schengen Visa with ease and confidence. It is important to plan ahead and prepare all the necessary documents to avoid any delays or rejections.
