THIS IS  AN OFFICIAL INFORMATION  FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION (subject to changes without notice).

It is suggested you seek professional advise when applying for a Schengen Visa

VISA/PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

Common information for Schengen Visa Applicants

If you intend to transit through or visit several Schengen states (Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway) for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes you have to obtain your Schengen visa from the Consulate of the country of your main destination.  If your main destination cannot be ascertained, the country you first enter is responsible for granting your visa.

Please note that Australian citizens holding an ordinary passport do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days for all Schengen states for tourist or business purposes.

Schengen visas for stays over 90 days are not available.

Visa applications must be in writing, giving all the details required on the special visa application form which must be signed by the applicant, and accompanied by one passport-size photograph. As a rule,Australians  applying for visas must visit the diplomatic or consular offices in person to be interviewed on the reasons and circumstances of the visit. Applications must be accompanied by a valid travel document on which it is materially possible to appose the visa, together with any supporting documents that may be required. This documentation, depending on the type of visa requested or which the Diplomatic Consular Mission   deems it can issue, must necessarily state:
  • the purpose of the visit
  • means of transport and for the return journey
  • means of support during the journey and stay
  • accommodation arrangements.

Once the visa application is accepted on the basis of the documentation produced by the applicant and the results of the interview, which is normally conducted directly and personally, the Diplomatic Mission carries out the statutory preliminary security checks. This involves line accessing the SIS (Schengen Information System) through the "world visa network", to consult the list of foreigners  to be refused admission into the Schengen area.

Diplomatic/consular mission, "after ascertaining that the application can be entertained, and after conducting the necessary investigations in relation to the visa, including the preventive security checks, shall issue the visa within 90 days of the date of application" (30 days for paid employment, 120 days for self-employment).

These deadlines may be exceeded whenever it is necessary to carry out investigations or acquire information, documents and opinions from foreign authorities.

After obtaining a visa please check the visa details in your passport to ascertain for which country or countries you visa is valid (i.e. all Schengen states, only some Schengen states or only one country).

The border authorities are entitled to examine whether, at the time of entry, the prerequisites for entry continue to apply.  This is international practice.  If the prerequisites for entry or transit no longer apply, or if you are unable to provide the relevant evidence, you may be refused entry by the border authorities although you posses a valid visa. 

It is recommend that you carry with you the original letter / sponsorship declaration / copies of documents (e.g. proof of finance) which you enclosed with your visa application.  This will help make the border control procedure easier and avoid delays at the border