Countries That Require a Schengen Visa From Indonesians

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a visa that allows unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. This visa allows the holder to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. Now that you know what a Schengen visa is, let's explore why it's such a valuable asset for travelers heading to Europe.

Benefits of Holding a Schengen Visa

Holding a Schengen visa offers great flexibility for travelers, as it allows you to visit multiple countries without having to apply for additional visas. This is especially useful for those who want to explore Europe freely. So with that level of flexibility, which countries can you actually visit with just this one visa?

Where Can You Go with a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa grants you the freedom to travel across 29 member countries within the Schengen zone without having to go through passport checks at each border. This means you can start your journey in France, then continue to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and beyond—as long as your visa is still valid.
 

Here are some examples of popular travel routes you can take with a Schengen visa:
 

• Western Route: France → Belgium → Netherlands → Germany
  
  

• Southern Route: Italy → Switzerland → Austria → Slovenia
  
  

• Northern Route: Denmark → Sweden → Norway → Finland
   

However, it's important to remember that countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area, so you’ll still need a separate visa to visit them.
 

To make planning easier, below is a complete and up-to-date list of 29 Schengen countries, complete with their top tourist attractions and the best time to visit.

List of Schengen Countries

The Schengen Area is the largest visa-free zone in the world, comprising most European countries that have agreed to eliminate internal border controls. This means you only need one Schengen visa to explore 29 countries at once without going through immigration checks between borders.
 

This region is incredibly popular among travelers because it offers a combination of spectacular natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, iconic architecture, and historic cities all interconnected by efficient transportation systems. Whether you want to chase the northern lights in Iceland, relax along the canals of Venice, or explore ancient castles in Slovakia, it’s all accessible in a single trip.
 

Below is a complete list of countries included in the Schengen Area, along with three top tourist attractions in each country and the best time to visit for an optimal travel experience.

Note: The “best time to visit” is a general estimate based on climate, tourist crowd levels, and ideal travel conditions. Be sure to check local event calendars, seasonal weather, and Schengen entry or visa requirements before planning your trip.
 

While Schengen countries share open borders, not everyone can enter freely. Let’s look at who actually needs a Schengen visa to gain access.

Member Countries That Require Visas

All Schengen Area member countries apply a unified visa policy based on Schengen agreement. This means that if you need a visa to enter one Schengen country, you will need the same visa to enter any of the others.
 

This rule is applied collectively and is not determined by each individual country. So, there are no exceptions based on your first destination as Schengen visas are valid consistently across the entire zone. However, not everyone can enter freely. Many non-EU countries are still required to apply for a Schengen visa before departure.

Non-EU Countries That Must Apply for a Schengen Visa

Most citizens from outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) are required to apply for a Schengen visa before entering the Schengen Area. This includes travelers from various countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Some of the countries that require a Schengen visa include: Indonesia, India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Turkey, and the Philippines.
 

This visa is mandatory even for short visits such as tourism, business, or transit. Therefore, it’s important to check your country’s status on the official European Commission list or with the relevant embassy before planning your trip to Europe.
 

Now that the visa is in hand, how long can you stay and how flexible is it to use?

How Long Is a Schengen Visa Valid?

A Schengen visa generally allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This means you can remain in the Schengen zone for three months, but you must then leave for another three months before reentering.
 

There are several types of visa validity:
 

• Single Entry: Allows entry into the Schengen zone only once
  
  

• Double Entry: Allows you to enter twice within the visa’s validity period
  
  

• Multiple Entry: Lets you enter and exit multiple times, as long as you stay within the 90-days-in-180-days rule
   

If you have plans for long-term travel or frequent visits, be sure to choose a visa type that suits your mobility needs. That said, there are some special exceptions especially for nationals of certain countries.

Exceptions and Special Regulations

Some countries have special agreements with the European Union that allow their citizens to enter the Schengen Area without a visa for short-term visits. For example, nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
 

Now let’s move on to the most practical part; how exactly do you apply for a Schengen Visa from Indonesia?

Schengen Visa Application Process

While you're preparing your documents and budgeting for fees, don't overlook one of the most critical components of a successful Schengen visa application: your travel insurance. Many applicants treat this as an afterthought, but in reality, it’s one of the first things checked by visa officers. Your insurance must meet specific criteria not just any travel policy will do. It needs to provide adequate coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation costs, with a minimum value of €30,000. Without it, even a perfectly prepared application could be rejected.
 

Let’s take a closer look at what kind of travel insurance you need and how Oona can help you meet those requirements with ease.
 

1. Document Preparation
 

• A valid passport
  
  

• Completed application form
  
  

• Passport-sized photo
  
  

• Travel insurance
  
  

• Proof of accommodation
  
  

• Proof of sufficient financial means
  
  

2. Application Procedure
 

• Determine the type of visa you need (tourism, business, family visit)
  
  

• Apply at the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country you plan to visit
  
  

• Schedule a visa interview (if required)
  
  

3. Processing Time and Fees
 

• Visa processing usually takes around 15 working days, but it may take longer during peak periods
  
  

• The Schengen visa fee is typically €80 for adults, with discounts available for children and certain traveler categories
   

While you're preparing your documents and budgeting for fees, don't overlook one of the most critical components of a successful Schengen visa application which is your travel insurance.

Travel Insurance Requirements

One of the most important documents in the Schengen visa application is international travel insurance. The insurance must cover a minimum of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation.
 

Oona Insurance offers international travel insurance that meets Schengen visa requirements. You can explore Oona’s travel insurance options on our official site.

Read Also: Guide to the Schengen Visa Application Process from Indonesia

With your travel insurance sorted, it's time to focus on the final step that is making sure your entire application is strong, consistent, and convincing.

Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa Application

• Make sure all documents are complete and up to date.
  
  

• Provide accurate and consistent information.
  
  

• Show strong ties to Indonesia, such as permanent employment, family, or property.
  
  

• Purchase appropriate travel insurance.
   

Following these tips can significantly improve your chances of getting approved. Now let’s wrap things up with a quick reminder of what really matters.

Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen Visa may seem complicated, but with the right preparation, the process can go smoothly. Make sure you understand the requirements and comply with all applicable regulations. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Europe.