Visa resource

Schengen Tourist Visa

The tourist purpose of the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) is for holidays and sightseeing across the Schengen area. It is the same uniform Type C visa โ€” the โ€œtourist visaโ€ simply describes the reason for your trip. It does not create a different visa or change the 90-days-in-180 short-stay rule.

What typically differs

For a tourism trip you are usually asked to show your travel plans โ€” such as a rough itinerary, your return travel booking and where you will stay. The core requirements are the same as for any Schengen short-stay visa; the supporting evidence just reflects a tourism purpose.

The shared requirements

This page is an orientation only. Read the shared guides that apply to every Schengen short-stay visa: eligibility, documents, travel insurance, proof of funds, biometrics, fees, processing times and the 90/180-day rule. Always confirm what applies to you with the official European Commission guidance before you apply.

Need help getting this right?

We check your documents as part of your application, so you don't submit the wrong thing.

Official sources

Published12 Aug 2026
Last reviewed12 Aug 2026
Last verified12 Aug 2026