Schengen Visa for Bangladesh Passport Holders

For the latest information in terms of Schengen visas for Bangladesh passport holders, you are in the right place. Bangladesh citizens require Schengen visas before traveling to Europe (Schengen zone). In order to get the best out of your Schengen visa requirements, you need to understand the visa application process in Bangladesh. The country is an important travel market for Europe and citizens are increasingly visiting Europe for different reasons. But what is a Schengen visa and how is it important?

What is Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa was brought about by a Schengen agreement that was made in Luxembourg in a small town called Schengen. This 1985 agreement brought together 26 European countries and abolished any travel restrictions among them.  Citizens of these countries are therefore free to travel within these countries without a visa. This arrangement created the Schengen visa zone. The creation of this zone together with the European Union means there is free movement in Europe. National boundaries are no longer important as you can cross them freely.

Citizens of other countries not in the EU or Schengen zone require a Schengen visa to enter this zone. This includes Bangladesh passport holders and residents. However, some countries have Schengen visa-free agreements with Schengen. This means that they can be exempted from visa requirements to enter the zone. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not one of them. The Schengen visa allows a short stay of not more than 90 days. This is within the 180 days allowed. So who can apply for a Schengen visa in Bangladesh? You need to be one of these;

• Bangladesh citizen and passport holder.
• Legal resident in Bangladesh with a resident permit.

There are people who are not obligated to get a Schengen visa in Bangladesh. These include the following;

• Schengen nationals in Bangladesh
• Nationals of Schengen visa-free countries resident in Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh citizens with dual citizenship of Schengen countries or Schengen visa-free countries.

Where to Get a Schengen Visa in Bangladesh

There are Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa processing centers in Bangladesh. Once you have decided that you need a Schengen visa, you should know where to go for one.  This is how you should get the correct visa processing embassy in the country;

Types of Schengen Visas Issued in Bangladesh

To get the right visa for your travel circumstances, you need to understand the various visa types you can get in Bangladesh. A visa applicant can be issued with a visa that can either allow one single entry into the Schengen zone. Additionally, you can be issued a visa that will allow multiple entries into the zone. These are referred to as single-entry and multiple-entry visas respectively. The following table shows the visa types you can apply for in Bangladesh;

Statistics for Schengen Visa for Bangladesh Passport Holders

Bangladesh citizens have continued applying for Schengen visas in the country. Europe has remained one of the favorite destinations for travelers from Bangladesh. The number of Schengen visa applicants has grown incrementally over the years. Additionally, the percentage of visas rejected is going down. The following graph shows the statistics for Schengen visa issuance in Bangladesh in the last year.

Documents Needed for Schengen Visa in Process in Bangladesh

In order for your visa application to be considered and processed, you need to provide important documents. These documents are mandatory and should be provided in totality. The required documents are as follows;

1. Covering letter outlining all your travel information.
2. Common Schengen visa application form. This form can be downloaded from the embassy website or the visa processing center website. It should be filled, signed, and dated. Additionally, you should make a copy of the same and submit it.
3. Valid Bangladesh passport. It should remain valid not less than three months after coming back to Bangladesh. It should also have at least two blank pages. Additionally, it should have been issued within the last 10 years. You should also provide copies of previously issued visas.
4. Original and photocopy (both sides) of Bangladesh identification card.
5. Two recent colored passport photos. Should be on a clear background and taken within the last three months.
6. Proof of accommodation for visa That should show that you have taken care of your accommodation for all the days that you intend to stay in Schengen.
7. Proof of flight reservation for a visa. This must capture details such as IATA numbers, flight numbers, dates and times of departure and exit, and of course the applicant names.
8. Proof of travel medical insurance for a visa. For a Schengen visa, this must be for at least 30,000 Euros (or 2,939,426 Bangladeshi Taka). The policy details should capture the applicant’s name.
9. Proof of financial capability. You must show the embassy that you have sufficient funds to take care of your travel. This should be in form of your (or your sponsor’s) recent bank statements, credit statements, proof of foreign exchange bought, payslips (if employed), a letter from the bank showing financial capability, or any other document that can clearly show your financial worth in Bangladesh. Remember that online bank statements cannot be admissible.
10. Proof that you have paid the visa application fee.

To be on the safe side, you need to be as keen as possible to make sure that you have submitted all the documents as needed. Some of these documents should be prepared well in advance. The best thing to do is to consult a documentation agency that will provide help. This is especially when it comes to cover letters, hotel bookings for visas, flight reservations for visas, and travel insurance.

Optional but Important Documents Needed for Schengen Visa in Bangladesh

Depending on your visa application situation, you may require to submit more documents. Among some of the documents that you should produce include the following;

Schengen Visa Fees in Bangladesh

You should pay your visa application fees in full using Bangladeshi Taka currency equivalent to Euros. These are the current fees for visas in Bangladesh;

After you have prepared your document, you should present them to the visa processing office. This requires an appointment. Schengen Flight Reservation Visa can help you with the needed important documents & visa interview appointments.