Applying for a visa to the Schengen area

23.03.2011

As of 5 April 2010 Estonian diplomatic missions and consular posts are following Visa Code
As of 5 April 2010 new visa application forms are in use

• 1. Applying for a visa
• 1.1. Types of Schengen visas
  
• 1.2. Documents to be submitted upon application for visa
• 1.3. The state fee for processing the visa application
• 1.4. Long-stay (D) visa

1. Applying for a visa

Generally you must submit your visa application to the Estonian representations abroad or other Member State representing Estonia in issuing Schengen visas in person.

Visa application may also be submitted through an authorised representative or a commercial intermediary. A representative may be:

1. A legal representative of a minor or of a person whose active legal capacity is restricted by a court – a legal representative shall together with the visa application submit a document certifying the right of representation;
   A minor is person under 18 years of age. A person who is at least 15 years old may submit a visa application in person.
2. Couriers of state agencies, administrative or local government agencies or international organisations.
3. Other persons holding the respective authorisation document – to that group mostly belong the representatives of tourist agencies, who are also competent to explain the travel arrangement and the purposes of the travel.

At the request of a consular officer, you are required to appear at the Embassy or Consulate in person in order to provide explanations concerning facts which are relevant in application for the visa.

A visa application should in principle be lodged at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit (as this is the normal processing time) and cannot be lodged earlier than three months before the start of the intended visit.

1.1. Types of Schengen visa

Airport transit visa (type A) – is issued for passing through the international transit areas of airports situated on the territory of the Member States.

Short-term visa (type C) – is issued for transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Member States of a duration of no more than three months in any six-month period from the date of first entry in the territory of the Member States.

If you wish to visit only Estonia, the Schengen visa has to be applied for at the Estonian representation or at the representation of the member state representing Estonia in issuing Schengen visas.

If the travel destination includes more than one Schengen member state, the application must be lodged at the representation of the main destination. The main destination is understood to be the destination where you intend to spend the longest time or where the main purpose of the intended journey is carried out.

If you wish to visit several Schengen member states and you are not sure of the state of main destination or plan to spend the equal number of days in each state, the visa must be applied for at the representation of the state through which the visa applicant intends to enter the Schengen area.

1.2. Documents to be submitted upon application for visa

The following shall be submitted upon application for visa:

1. a valid travel document which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa;
2. a filled in and signed application form. In case several persons (minors or a spouse) are covered by the same travel document, individual application forms must be filled in and signed by the persons concerned, in case of minors signed by the parental authority or the legal guardian. A minor at least 15 years old may lodge and sign a visa application personally;
3. photo (size 35x45 mm, requirements to a photo);
4. Insurance policy valid in Schengen countries with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area;
5. supporting documents:
   • documents indicating the purpose of journey;
   • documents in relation to accommodation or proof of sufficient means to cover your accommodation;
   • information which enables to assess your intention to leave Schengen area before the expiry of the visa.
6. visa fee

1.3. State fee for processing the visa application

Embassy’s Euro-account
Garanti Bank
324 - 9097779
Swift: TGBATRISXXX
IBAN: TR28 0006 2000 3240 0009 0977 79

Bank accounts of the MINISTRY OF FINANCE for collecting visa fee are the following:
SEB Bank a/c 10220034796011
BIC: EEUHEE2X
IBAN: EE891010220034796011

Swedbank a/c 221023778606
BIC: HABAEE2X
IBAN: EE932200221023778606

Reference number of the MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
Review of visa applications – 2900073630

Please be advised that these bank accounts can only be used when the visa is applied for at the Estonian representations.