What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a unified visa that lets its holder travel freely between the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area, without needing a separate visa for each country. The visa is typically issued for 15 to 90 days within any 180-day period and is used for tourism, visiting relatives, attending conferences, or short-term business. At Trip Away we offer consultation and professional support in preparing your Schengen visa file — assessment, document prep, certified translation, and embassy-grade travel insurance. Submission to the embassy stays in your hands or with our support, and the visa decision rests solely with the embassy.
Core requirements for a Schengen visa from Riyadh
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months after returning from the Schengen area.
- Previous passports and past visas (if available).
- Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background (3.5×4.5 cm).
- Bank statement stamped for the last 6 months in English.
- Proof of employment, university enrollment, or pension salary certificate in English.
- Initial or confirmed flight and hotel reservations for the entire stay.
- Schengen travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.
- Birth certificate (for minors).
Some embassies may request additional documents depending on the trip's nature and purpose. Our team guides you step by step to prepare a complete file with no gaps.
How we support your Schengen visa application
- Free consultation: Reach us on WhatsApp or by phone — we'll choose the right country for your travel schedule and visa duration.
- Document & supporting-paper preparation: We prepare the full file with you — application forms, certified translations, travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage, and a financial file in the format the embassy expects.
- Embassy appointment: We walk you through booking your embassy or VFS appointment, plus fingerprinting and interview procedures — book it yourself, or we can help you book it.
- You submit to the embassy: Submission stays in your hands or with our support, and we're a call away for any question or follow-up. The visa decision and timeline rest solely with the embassy.
- Visa issued: The embassy or VFS contacts you directly when your passport is ready. We celebrate with you and offer to finalize confirmed flight and hotel bookings through us if you wish.
Tips to improve your Schengen visa approval chances
- Apply well ahead of your travel date (at least 6 weeks).
- Choose the right embassy for your trip's main destination — the country where you'll spend the longest time.
- Make sure official documents and stamps are translated by a translator approved by the embassy.
- Submit a clear financial file with consistent account activity that covers trip expenses.
- If you've been refused before, lean on our experience to analyze the rejection and submit a stronger file.
Schengen visa FAQ
How long does a Schengen visa take to process?
Usually 7 to 10 working days from submission, sometimes up to 15 days. We recommend applying well ahead of your travel date.
How much does a Schengen visa cost from Saudi Arabia?
Embassy fees for European Schengen visas in Saudi Arabia start at around 450 SAR for adults, varying by country and visa type. Add to that VFS service fees and our service fees for preparing and following up on your file. Contact us for a tailored quote based on your destination and visa type.
What's the difference between a Schengen visa and a single European country visa?
One Schengen visa lets you enter all 29 member countries, while a single-country visa (like UK or Ireland) only lets you enter the issuing country. The UK and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area.
Can I apply if I have a previous refusal?
Yes — a prior refusal doesn't bar you from re-applying. At Trip Away we study the rejection reasons and submit a stronger file with additional documents and legal explanations to lift approval odds.
Which is the best country to apply through?
The country where you'll spend the longest portion of your trip — or your first port of entry if stays are equal. Our team helps you pick the best embassy for your itinerary.
Am I allowed to work in the Schengen Area on this visa?
No. A Schengen tourist visa (type C) doesn't permit work or long-term study. For work you need a work visa (type D) from the relevant country.
How long can I stay on a Schengen visa?
Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. You can enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times during the visa's validity, as long as your total stay doesn't exceed 90 days within the rolling 180-day window.
