Tired of the hassle of multiple visa applications for different European countries? Get a Schengen visa from Qatar and enjoy entry to 29 European countries, all on a single visa. If you want to travel to Schengen states for tourism, work, study or business purposes, this visa is a game-changer!
A Schengen visa application requires more than just the correct documents—remember the right steps can make all the difference. Let’s break down the process for a successful visa application in simple steps.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a unified travel authorisation that permits a visa holder to travel to 29 European countries with a single stamp. Short-term visa holders can stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days.
This visa is granted for different purposes, including tourism, business, study and work. Whether you want to plan your vacations or attend a business conference, this is the right visa choice.
It is important to note that some countries are granted visa-free entry to European countries. However, Qatari citizens need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen area. It is crucial to check your nationality requirements before applying for this visa. Let’s learn everything about the Schengen visa from Qatar:
Countries Included in the Schengen Zone
Currently, the following 29 European countries comprise the Schengen Zone:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Categories of Schengen Visas
Schengen visas are divided into short-stay and long-stay visas, depending on travel requirements such as:
Short-stay Visa (Type C)
These visas are issued for short stays not exceeding 90 days within 180 days. It is further classified into the following sub-categories:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Airport Transit Visa
- Visit Visa
- Medical Treatment Visa
- Visa for Spouse / Parent / Children of an EU / German Citizen
Long-stay Visa (Type D)
Long-stay visas are issued for more than 90 days for purposes like:
- Student Visa
- Work Visa
- Residence Visa
Eligibility Criteria
The following are the eligibility requirements for a Schengen visa from Qatar:
- Valid Passport: Passport must be valid for at least three months from the return date and have at least two blank pages.
- Residence Permit: Hold a valid Qatari residence permit.
- Visit Purpose: Must have a valid purpose of visit such as tourism, business meeting or medical treatment.
- Sufficient Funds: Have enough funds to cover your stay in Schengen countries.
- Travel Insurance: Have a minimum travel insurance of €30,000 recognised by the Schengen zone.
- Legal Authorisation: In case of legal disputes, some individuals might be restricted from leaving Qatar. Before moving on to the application process, applicants must check the travel ban in Qatar.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Navigating the visa application can be tricky without proper knowledge. Follow these steps to apply for a Schengen visa from Qatar:
1. Choose an Embassy or Consulate
Most Schengen countries have their embassies and consulates in Qatar. Some countries authorise other embassies and external visa application centres for visa processing. Depending on your travel requirements, you should choose the right embassy, consulate or visa application centre. Here is how the choice goes:
- Visiting One Schengen Country: If you are visiting one Schengen country, say Germany, you can apply for a Schengen visa at the German consulate in Qatar.
- Visiting Multiple Schengen Countries: If you are visiting multiple countries, choose the entry point as follows:
- Choose the country you will spend the majority time in.
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- If you will spend equal time in different countries, select the country you desire to enter first.
2. Select Visa Category and Fill Out the Application Form
The next step is to select the right visa type depending on your visit purpose. Once you have the visa category, visit the embassy, consulate or visa application centre (like VFS Global) website. Fill out a Schengen visa from Qatar application form, sign it and print it.
3. Gather Required Documents
To avoid any delays or rejections, be sure to have these documents in place:
- A signed Schengen visa application form
- A valid passport
- Previous visa copies (if any)
- Original and copy of Qatar residence permit
- Recent passport-size photographs with a white background (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
- Return air tickets and flight itinerary
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking
- A valid travel insurance
- Proof of financial coverage, such as a bank account statement
- Any additional documents, depending on your visit purpose, such as:
- Employment letter
- Business licence
- Business conference invitation
- Educational letter
4. Get an Interview Appointment
Get an interview appointment at your chosen centre online or in person at least 45 days before your travel date. Schengen visa appointments can also be arranged up to six months before your travel date.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
For booking an appointment, applicants must pay the Schengen visa charges from Qatar, tabulated below:
Type C Visas
| Category | Fees |
| Adults | QAR 373 (Euro 90) |
| Children (6 to 12 years) | QAR 186 (Euro 45) |
| Children (under 6 years) | Free |
| Schengen Visa for Albanian, Ukrainian, Moldovan, Serbian, Montenegrin, Macedonian (Former Yugoslav Republic), Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Belarusian and Herzegovinian nationals staying in Qatar | QAR 145 (Euro 35) |
| VFS Service Fees (only for applications through the service centre) | QAR 136 |
Type D Visas
| Category | Fees |
| Adults | QAR 311 (Euro 75) |
| Children (under 18 years) | QAR 155 (Euro 37.5) |
| VFS Service Fees (only for applications through the service centre) | QAR 136 |
6. Appear for the Visa Interview
A visa interview is the most crucial part of your Schengen visa application. Be sure to arrive at the application centre on time, come prepared with all the documents and answer all the questions confidently. Here is how the interview process works:
- Applicants will submit the required documents.
- Attend an interview in which the visa officer will ask general questions about the trip, financial situation and intention to return to Qatar after the trip.
- Undergo biometric verification (for applicants above 12) and provide a digital photograph.
- Choose from in-person passport collection or home delivery.
- Get an application tracking number.
7. Wait for Approval
Typically, Schengen visas are approved within 15 days or 30 days (in some cases). However, application processing can take up to 60 days in peak seasons. Applicants can check their application status online at the centre’s website using the reference number.
Once processing is done, you will receive an email about passport collection or delivery. If a visa is approved, you can travel to the Schengen areas as planned. In case of rejection, applicants will receive a letter stating the reason.
Tips for a Successful Visa Application
Visa rejections can be a setback, especially if you have an urgent need to travel to Schengen countries. The good news? With just a few simple tips, you can increase the chances of visa approval. Let’s look at these tips:
- Apply in Advance: Submit a Schengen visa application at least 45 days before the intended travel date.
- Correct Information: Fill out the application form with up-to-date information.
- Valid Documents: Cross-check the validity and authenticity of all your documents.
- Financial Coverage: Ensure to have sufficient funds to cover the complete stay duration in Schengen countries.
- Travel Itinerary: Have a valid visit purpose and a detailed itinerary.
- Appear on Time: Don’t be late for the interview and bring all the documents.
- Interview Preparation: Prep well for the interview, both in terms of dressing and confidence.
- Intention to Return to Qatar: During your interview, clearly communicate your strong ties to Qatar and your plans to return to the country after the trip.
FAQs
1. Can I Apply for a Schengen Visa from Qatar?
Yes, you can apply for a Schengen visa from Qatar if you meet the eligibility requirements and have a valid Qatari residence permit.
2. How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost in Qatar?
Schengen visa costs vary between short-stay and long-stay visas. For short stays, the visa costs QAR 373 for adults and QAR 186 for children. On the other hand, long-stay visas for adults cost QAR 311 and for children QAR 155. Lastly, children under 6 have no visa charges for both visa categories.
3. What Are the Different Visa Types in Qatar?
If you want to travel to Qatar, you can apply for different visa types in Qatar. Common ones include tourist visa, investor visa, education visa and work visa in Qatar.
To sum up, a Schengen visa from Qatar permits visa holders to travel to 29 Schengen countries. Whether the purpose is study, tourism, work or business, this visa has made travel convenient. Follow our steps and tips for a successful visa application!
You can also plan your dream trip to Schengen countries via a travel agency in Doha.
If you want to sponsor your family in Qatar, learn about the family visa requirements in Qatar.
