ENG
English
Bahasa Indonesia
5 Mins read
Copied!
Applying for a Schengen Visa is often seen as complicated by many Indonesian citizens.In fact, with the right guidance, the process can go smoothly. A Schengen Visa allows you to visit 27 European countries with just one entry permit. This article covers the latest requirements, the step-by-step application process from Indonesia, tips to avoid rejection, comparisons between country-specific processes, and the importance of mandatory travel insurance.
For many Indonesians, a European vacation is a lifelong dream. But before you can stroll through the streets of Paris, cruise the canals of Amsterdam, or admire the Colosseum in Rome, you need the golden ticket that unlocks it all: the Schengen Visa.
To help you navigate the application process confidently, this guide will walk you through the essentials — from required documents and step-by-step instructions to insider tips that improve your approval chances.
The Schengen Visa is a short-stay permit that allows you to:
Since the Schengen Agreement came into effect in 1995, the visa has made cross-border movement seamless for travelers. And the rules keep evolving.
Here are the latest updates you should know:
Now that you understand what the visa entails, let’s look at what you’ll need to apply.
Before applying for a Schengen Visa, you must prepare several key documents. Ensure that all documents are complete and accurate to avoid rejection. Here’s the list of essential requirements:
Document |
Description |
|---|---|
Valid Passport |
Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area. |
Completed Application Form |
Available on the official website of the embassy or consulate of your main destination country. Fill it out completely and truthfully. |
Recent Photograph |
Must meet the required size (35x45 mm), colored, with a white background, and taken recently. |
Proof of Accommodation |
Can be hotel bookings, invitation letters from relatives/friends, or other housing confirmations during your stay. |
Travel Insurance |
Must cover medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for all Schengen countries. |
Financial Proof |
Can include recent bank statements, income certificates, or a sponsor letter proving you can afford your stay. |
Transportation Evidence |
Return flight tickets or reservations showing your entry and exit plan. |
Employment or Study Letter |
States your current work or study status, including leave permission or a confirmation from your school/university. |
With your documents in order, the next step is understanding how to navigate the actual visa process, from appointments to interviews.
After you’ve familiarized yourself with the application steps, it’s important to understand the costs involved. Visa fees are standardized across Schengen member states but are paid in Indonesian Rupiah, following the daily exchange rate set by each embassy or visa application center. Be sure to check your selected embassy’s website for accepted payment methods and additional processing service fees (e.g., VFS Global or TLScontact).
Applicant Category |
Visa Fee |
|---|---|
Adults (>12 years) |
€80 |
Children (6–12 years) |
€40 |
Children (<6 years) |
Free |
Note: Some categories such as students, researchers, and participants in cultural/scientific programs may qualify for a fee waiver depending on embassy policy.
Pro Tip: Double-check the payment method and additional admin fees (e.g., VFS Global service charge) on the embassy or VAC website before visiting.
Now that you understand the costs, let’s move on to what matters most: how to actually apply. The Schengen Visa application process may seem daunting, but breaking it down step by step will make it far more manageable.
Applying for a Schengen Visa involves several important steps. Follow this complete guide to navigate the process smoothly:
Choose the country where you’ll spend the most time. If you’ll spend equal days in several countries, apply at the consulate of the country you will enter first.
Example: If you’re visiting the Netherlands for 5 days and Germany for 10 days, apply through the German Embassy or visa center.
Visit the website of the destination country’s embassy or authorized visa center to get the latest updates on requirements, forms, and guidelines.
Examples:
France — Official visa application website for France.
Netherlands — Official Dutch visa application center in Indonesia.
Germany — Official website of the German Embassy in Jakarta.
Complete the visa form (digitally or manually in black ink), ensuring that the data matches your passport and itinerary. Prepare all required supporting documents.
Pro Tips:
Make photocopies of your documents as backup.
Ensure names, dates, and booking references are consistent throughout.
Most embassies require applicants to book an appointment through their official platform or via their designated visa outsourcing partners (like VFS Global or TLScontact). During peak travel seasons, appointments may be booked out weeks in advance, so plan early.
Attend the appointment in person at the embassy or visa center. Be punctual—arrive at least 15–30 minutes early.
During the interview, you may be asked about:
Your itinerary and accommodation plans
Financial means for the trip
Proof that you will return to Indonesia (e.g., job, family, property)
Bring:
Printed application form
All required documents (original + copies)
Passport and biometric data (if not previously collected)
Standard processing time is about 15 working days, but it may vary depending on the country, season, and the completeness of your application. Track your application status online if the visa center provides this feature.
Schengen Visa Processing Time and Fees
The Schengen visa application process usually takes about 15 working days. However, during peak seasons or when the number of applications is high, the processing time may take longer. Therefore, it is recommended to submit your visa application at least three months before your planned departure date.
Schengen visa fees vary depending on the destination country, but generally range between 60 and 80 Euros. Certain categories of applicants such as children, students, or researchers may be eligible for reduced or waived fees.
While the administrative process is important, the quality of your preparation and strategy also plays a significant role. Here are some tips to increase the likelihood of your visa being approved.
Applying for a Schengen Visa can be a challenge, especially for first-time applicants. However, with thorough preparation and the right strategy, your chances of obtaining the visa will be significantly higher. One of the most crucial aspects is understanding the common causes of rejection and how to avoid them from the start.
Visa rejections generally occur due to administrative errors, inaccurate information, or insufficient evidence of strong ties to Indonesia. To help you pass the verification process smoothly, here’s a summary of effective, practical tips:
Tip |
Explanation |
|---|---|
Complete All Documents |
Ensure all documents follow the required format, are up-to-date, and accurate. |
Avoid False Information |
Do not submit misleading data such as fake pay slips—this can lead to blacklisting for 5 years. |
Consistent Itinerary |
Your travel route, hotel bookings, and flight tickets should all support a logical narrative. |
Insurance Compliance |
Your policy must cover the entire Schengen area and meet the minimum coverage of €30,000. |
Stable Bank Balance |
Your bank statement should reflect healthy, adequate financial flows for your travel duration. |
Clear Travel Purpose |
Include supporting documents like official invitations, event itineraries, or institutional letters. |
Show Strong Ties to Indonesia |
Provide proof such as permanent employment, leave letters, property ownership, or family dependents. |
Visa officers will assess whether you pose an “overstay” risk or are unlikely to return to Indonesia. Therefore, every element of your application must consistently convey the message that you will stay in the Schengen area only for the allowed period and return home as planned.
Besides documentation, the visa interview is another critical determining factor. Many applicants are denied not because of incomplete files, but due to poor interview performance.
The interview stage is crucial and should not be underestimated. Even with complete documents, your attitude and answers during the session greatly affect the final outcome.
Here are some tips for a successful visa interview:
Prepare with Mock Interviews: Practice your responses to common questions, such as your travel purpose, length of stay, and funding sources.
Be Honest and Confident: Avoid vague answers. Ensure every detail aligns with the submitted documents.
Bring Physical Copies: Include neatly organized copies of key documents such as your itinerary, hotel bookings, and insurance policy.
If your visa is approved—congratulations! But remember, holding a Schengen Visa also comes with specific rights and responsibilities while you are in Europe.
As a Schengen Visa holder, you are entitled to certain privileges while in the Schengen area, but you are also required to comply with important rules. The following is a summary in an easy-to-read table:
Right |
Explanation |
|---|---|
Free Movement |
You may travel across 27 Schengen countries during your visa validity, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. |
Emergency Medical Access |
You are entitled to emergency medical treatment, as covered by your travel insurance. Ensure your policy meets Schengen standards. |
Tip: Use Oona’s International Travel Insurance for maximum coverage during your stay in Europe.
Responsibility |
Explanation |
|---|---|
Follow Local Laws |
You must comply with the laws and regulations of the countries you visit. Violations can lead to deportation or a future entry ban. |
Maintain Active Insurance |
Your policy must remain valid throughout your trip, covering medical care and repatriation for at least €30,000. |
No Employment Allowed |
You are not allowed to work unless you hold a specific visa that permits employment (e.g., a work or study visa with work rights). |
By understanding and following these rights and obligations, you not only remain compliant but also enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Let’s now summarize the key steps you need to keep in mind.
Applying for a Schengen Visa requires thorough preparation. However, with the right information and an organized approach, the process can go smoothly. Ensure that you gather all the necessary documents, follow the required procedures, and prepare well for your interview. By doing so, your chances of obtaining an approved Schengen Visa will be significantly higher.
