Schengen Visa FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

The typical processing time for a Schengen visa from Bangladesh is:

Yes! After submitting your application at VFS Global, you’ll receive a reference number. Use this to track your application:

• Online: Visit VFS Global Bangladesh and use the tracking feature
• SMS: You’ll receive SMS updates if you opted for this service
• Email: Status updates sent to your registered email

Note: “In Process” status can last the entire processing period — this is normal. Don’t panic if status doesn’t change for days.

Common reasons for delays include:

• Peak season: Summer (April-September) and holidays (December) have higher volume
• Security checks: Some applications require additional verification
• Missing documents: Embassy may be waiting for additional information
• Complex travel history: Previous visa issues may require review
• Embassy workload: Some countries process slower than others

If your application exceeds 45 days, you can contact VFS for an update.

Here’s the complete list of required documents:

🪪 Identity Documents

• Valid Passport: At least 3 months validity beyond return date, 2+ blank pages, issued within last 10 years
• Passport Copies: Bio page + all pages with stamps/visas
• Completed Application Form: Signed, all fields filled
• Passport Photos: 2 photos, 35×45mm, white background, taken within 6 months

✈️ Travel Documents

• Cover Letter: Purpose, dates, itinerary, ties to Bangladesh
• Flight Reservation: Round-trip booking (refundable recommended)
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings for entire stay
• Travel Itinerary: Day-by-day plan

🏥 Travel Insurance

• Minimum €30,000 coverage
• Valid for ALL 27 Schengen countries
• Covers every day of your trip

💰 Financial Documents

• Bank Statements: Last 6 months, sealed by bank
• Solvency Certificate: Additional proof of funds
• Sponsorship Documents: If someone else is paying

💼 Employment/Status Proof

• Employees: NOC letter, payslips, employment contract
• Business Owners: Trade license, TIN, business bank statements
• Students: Enrollment letter, student ID

For a detailed checklist customized to your situation, use our Personalized Visa Checklist Generator.

Yes, travel insurance is 100% mandatory. Your application will be rejected without it.

Insurance Requirements:

Need help finding the right insurance? Check our Travel Insurance Guide.

While there’s no official minimum, the general guideline is:

More important than the exact amount:

• ✅ Consistent balance over 6 months (not sudden large deposits)
• ✅ Regular income credits (salary, business income)
• ✅ No overdrafts or bounced transactions
• ✅ Bank statements officially sealed

No — and we recommend against buying confirmed, non-refundable tickets before visa approval!

Here’s what you should do instead:

• Flight Reservation/Hold: Many airlines offer ticket holds for a small fee
• Refundable Tickets: Book fully refundable tickets you can cancel if rejected
• Travel Agent Bookings: Agencies like goFLY can provide visa-purpose flight reservations

Yes! This is one of the biggest advantages of the Schengen Visa. With a single visa, you can travel freely between all 27 Schengen member countries:

Once inside the Schengen area, there are no border checks between member countries — you can travel by train, bus, or car without passport control.

This is crucial — applying to the wrong country can result in rejection. Follow these rules:

The 90/180 rule is the most important rule for Schengen visa holders:

Key Points:

• It’s 90 days TOTAL in all Schengen countries combined, not per country
• The 180 days is a rolling window, not a fixed calendar period
• Every day you enter Schengen, look back 180 days and count how many days you were present
• Overstaying can result in fines, bans, and future visa rejections

Example:

If you spent 30 days in France in January, you have 60 days remaining for the next 150 days. If you visit Germany for 20 days in March, you now have only 40 days left until July.

Use the official EU Schengen Calculator to track your days.

The current Schengen visa fees (as of June 2024 EU revision):

*Exchange rates are approximate. Fees paid in BDT at day’s exchange rate.

Additional Costs to Budget:

• Travel Insurance: ৳3,000-8,000 depending on coverage and duration
• Photos: ৳300-500 for passport-sized photos
• Document Photocopies: ৳200-500
• Bank Statement Sealing: ৳500-1,000
• Translation (if needed): ৳500-2,000 per document
• SMS Updates/Courier (optional): ৳500-1,500

Yes, certain categories may be exempt from visa fees (though VFS service fees may still apply):

• Children under 6 years: Free embassy fee
• Students and researchers: Some countries offer reduced fees (check specific country)
• Diplomats and officials: On official business with service passports
• Family members of EU citizens: In some circumstances

Always check the specific country’s VFS page for current exemptions.

VFS Global Bangladesh typically accepts:

• Cash: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) — most common
• Debit/Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard (check specific VFS)
• Bank Draft: Some locations accept

Note: Payment methods may vary by VFS location and country. Confirm before your appointment.

Based on processing 3,000+ visas, here are our proven tips for success:

✅ 1. Complete & Accurate Documentation

• Use our Schengen Visa Checklist to ensure nothing is missing
• Double-check every form field for accuracy
• Ensure all names match exactly across documents

✅ 2. Choose the Correct Visa Type

• Tourist visa for vacation/sightseeing
• Business visa for meetings/conferences
• Visit visa for family/friends
• Wrong category = rejection risk

✅ 3. Show Strong Financial Stability

• 6 months of consistent bank statements
• Regular salary/income credits
• No suspicious last-minute deposits
• €50-100 per day of planned stay

✅ 4. Demonstrate Ties to Bangladesh

• Stable employment (NOC letter, contract)
• Running business (trade license, TIN)
• Property ownership
• Family obligations (children, elderly parents)

✅ 5. Apply Early

• 4-6 weeks before travel minimum
• Earlier during peak seasons
• Up to 6 months in advance allowed

✅ 6. Be Consistent

• All dates should match across documents
• Cover letter should align with bookings
• Itinerary should match hotel reservations

A strong cover letter should include:

• Your Details: Full name, passport number, contact information
• Purpose of Travel: Clear explanation (tourism/business/family visit)
• Travel Dates: Exact entry and exit dates
• Countries & Cities: Where you’ll visit and why
• Accommodation: Where you’ll stay each night
• Funding: Who is paying for the trip and how
• Ties to Bangladesh: Why you MUST return (job, business, family)
• Previous Travel: If you’ve traveled internationally before (shows good history)
• Professional Closing: Thank you and signature

Yes, significantly! Good travel history shows you’re a genuine traveler who follows immigration rules.

Positive Travel History:

• Previous Schengen visas (used and returned on time)
• UK, USA, Canada, Australia visas
• Travel to other countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai)
• No overstays or immigration issues

If You Have No Travel History:

Don’t worry — everyone starts somewhere! To compensate:

• Show stronger financial evidence
• Provide clear ties to Bangladesh
• Consider building travel history with easier destinations first (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore)
• Have a well-documented, sensible itinerary

Extensions are rarely granted and only in exceptional circumstances:

Valid Reasons for Extension (May Be Considered):

• Medical Emergency: Serious illness preventing travel
• Force Majeure: Natural disasters, flight cancellations, political situations
• Humanitarian Reasons: Death or serious illness of family member in Schengen

NOT Valid Reasons:

• ❌ “I want to stay longer for tourism”
• ❌ “My return flight was expensive to change”
• ❌ “I found a job opportunity”

These are two different things printed on your visa sticker:

Example: If your visa shows validity June 1 – September 1 with 15 days duration, you can enter anytime between June 1-September 1, but can only stay 15 days total. You must exit before your 15 days expire AND before September 1, whichever comes first.

Application Timeline Recommendations:

Peak Seasons to Avoid or Plan Extra Early:

• April – September: Summer vacation period (highest volume)
• December: Winter holidays and Christmas
• Eid periods: Many Bangladeshi travelers apply

VFS appointment availability varies by country, but generally:

• Appointment release: Slots are released periodically (varies by country)
• Best time to check: Early morning (~9 AM) when new slots often appear
• Peak seasons: Slots fill within hours — check daily
• Off-peak: Usually easier to find slots

Tips for Securing Appointments:

• Check VFS portal daily during peak seasons
• Be flexible with dates if possible
• Check early morning for new releases
• Consider goFLY’s appointment booking assistance

If your application is rejected:

1. You’ll Receive a Rejection Letter

The embassy will provide a written rejection notice stating:

• The specific reason(s) for rejection
• Which article of the Visa Code applies
• Information about your right to appeal

2. Common Rejection Reasons Include:

• Insufficient proof of financial means
• Doubts about intention to leave before visa expiry
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Invalid travel insurance
• Unverified purpose of travel
• Previous immigration violations

3. Your Options After Rejection:

• Appeal: Challenge the decision (usually within 15-30 days)
• Reapply: Address the issues and submit a new application
• Seek Professional Help: Consult experts like goFLY to understand what went wrong

Yes, you can reapply immediately — there’s no mandatory waiting period for most rejections.

Before Reapplying:

1. Understand the rejection reason: Read the rejection letter carefully
2. Address the specific issues: If it was financial proof, provide stronger evidence
3. Gather new/updated documents: Fresh bank statements, updated employer letter, etc.
4. Consider what changed: If nothing changed, reapplying may yield the same result
5. Seek professional advice: goFLY can review your case and advise on improvements

The appeal process varies by country, but generally:

Appeal Process:

1. Deadline: Usually 15-30 days from rejection date (check your rejection letter)
2. Where to Submit: Specified in the rejection letter (embassy or administrative court)
3. What to Include: Appeal letter, original rejection, supporting documents addressing the rejection reasons
4. Fee: Some countries charge an appeal fee

When to Appeal vs. Reapply:

• Appeal if: You believe the embassy made an error or misunderstood your documents
• Reapply if: The rejection was valid but you can now provide better documentation

Note: Appeals have lower success rates than well-prepared reapplications. Consider professional advice before deciding.

After processing 3,000+ visas, here are the top mistakes we see:

Most Bangladeshi applicants do not need a formal interview. However:

• Biometrics appointment: You must attend VFS in person for fingerprints and photo
• Embassy interview: In some cases, the embassy may call you for an interview (rare)
• Document clarification: Embassy may call to verify information

If Called for Interview:

• Be on time
• Bring all original documents
• Answer questions honestly and clearly
• Don’t provide more information than asked
• Stay calm and confident

Biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) are mandatory for most applicants.

Biometrics Details:

• What: 10 fingerprints + digital facial photograph
• Where: At VFS Global or Embassy during your appointment
• Validity: Stored in VIS (Visa Information System) for 59 months
• Reuse: If you applied within last 59 months, biometrics may be on file

Exemptions:

• Children under 12 years
• Persons physically unable to provide fingerprints
• Heads of State and government on official visits

Note: Even if biometrics are on file, you may still need to attend VFS for document submission.

For Self-Employed/Business Owners:

Yes! Provide these documents:

• Trade license (valid, current)
• TIN certificate
• Business bank statements (6 months)
• Company registration (if applicable)
• Business profile on letterhead
• Client contracts/invoices (optional but helpful)

For New Employees:

Yes, but: New employment can be viewed as less stable. Strengthen with:

• Employment contract showing terms
• Probation period details
• Strong personal bank balance
• Additional ties to Bangladesh (property, family)
• Sponsor support if needed

Tip: If you just started a job, waiting 3-6 months before applying shows more stability.

Yes, but it’s more challenging. You need to compensate with:

Option 1: Self-Funded

• Strong personal savings (well above minimum requirements)
• Other income sources (investments, rental income)
• Proof of financial stability without employment

Option 2: Sponsored Trip

• Sponsor’s complete financial documentation
• Sponsorship/undertaking letter
• Proof of relationship to sponsor
• Sponsor’s bank statements and employment proof

Critical for Unemployed Applicants:

• Strong ties to Bangladesh (property, family obligations)
• Clear explanation in cover letter
• Genuine purpose of travel

Important truth: No country is officially “easier” than others.

Visa approval depends on:

• Your documentation quality
• Your financial stability
• Your travel history
• Your ties to Bangladesh
• The credibility of your purpose

Some people believe certain countries have higher approval rates, but:

• Statistics vary year to year
• Approval rates depend on applicant pool, not just embassy
• Applying to the wrong country = rejection

Focus on: Preparing the best possible application for the country you’re actually visiting.