Schengen visa - Tourist and Business
Here you can find all the information about tourist and business visas up to 90 days of stay.
Please read the following information carefully before lodging your application.
APPLICATIONS HAVE TO BE LODGED IN PERSON AT THE CONSULATE GENERAL IN SYDNEY.
THE APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED. FOR INFORMATION TO ARRANGE YOUR APPOINTMENT, CLICK HERE.
Schengen visa applications can be submitted six months at the earliest and 15 days at the latest ahead of the trip (counted from the appointment date).
From 15 May 2014 the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Sydney uses the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central database for the exchange of data on short-stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) visas between Schengen States. For the purpose of the VIS, applicants are required to provide their fingerprints when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a simple and discreet procedure that only takes a few minutes. Therefore, as from 15 May 2014 Schengen visa applicants have to appear in person at the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Sydney when lodging the application. From applicants who have given fingerprints for the purpose of issuance of a Schengen visa during last 5 years, fingerprints will not be collected.
IMPORTANT:
Following Australian sticker free visa arrangements, all Australian visa holders are required to arrange for current visa verification from VISA ENTITLEMENT VERIFICATION ONLINE (VEVO). Applicants from any other countries in the consular district of the Consulate General will need to present their current visa as well. (See below for more information).
Each applicant must lodge his/her own application. Applications for children (under 15 years of age) will be completed and signed by their parents. Dependants (spouse/children) accompanying the primary applicant are required to lodge their application at the same time as the primary applicant.
All supporting documents must be submitted in hard copy, except for the passport. See instructions below for more detailed information:
Applicants for a Schengen visa up to 90 days of stay - type C will need to submit following documents, according to the Harmonised list of supporting documents (PDF, 123 KB) as accepted by the European Commission on April 25, 2024.
1. Application form
The visa application form must be duly completed (in capitals) and signed in the corresponding blanks. Application form can be downloaded here
2. Photo
One physical passport photo in colour is to be attached: the photo must be to a professional standard and have a passport format (35 mm x 45 mm), full face captured, and a light background. The photo must be recently taken.
3. Travel document (physical) + copy of the travel document
Travel document (passport) must be valid for a period of at least 3 months after applicant´s last day of stay in the Schengen states and not older than 10 years. Please ensure that the passport has 2 blanks pages to affix visa sticker.
4. Consent for Processing Personal Data form
Each applicant has to give consent for the processing of his/her personal data by providing this completed consent form along with his/her application as an original. Consent for Processing Personal Data (DOCX, 18 KB)
5. VEVO (Australia only) or current visa
Australia: current visa verification from VISA ENTITLEMENT VERIFICATION ONLINE (VEVO) (showing your immigration status in Australia). If VEVO proves your stay shorter than one year, please submit also previous visa).
Other countries (such as New Zealand, Fiji etc.): Applicants from any other countries in the consular district of the Consulate General will need to present their current visa as well (showing you immigration status. If your stay is shorter than one year, please submit also copy of your previous visa).
6. Evidence of purpose of stay
Evidence of the proposed purpose of stay in the Schengen Area.
a) Tourism or visiting family/friends
A document from the establishment providing the accommodation or any other appropriate document indicating the accommodation envisaged.
b) Business, conference, cultural, religious or political event
(i) Official invitation letter from a firm, host organisation, educational establishment or an authority to attend meetings, conferences or events, containing detailed information concerning:
address and contacts of the inviting entity;
name and position of the countersigning person;
purpose and duration of stay;
person or entity who will bear the travel and living costs (if applicable);
(ii) Documents proving the applicants employment status in the company (for example, contract, proof of social security contribution).
c) Medical treatment
(i) a certificate from a medical doctor and/or a medical institution advising that the treatment is necessary;
(ii) an official document from the receiving medical institution confirming that it can perform the specific medical treatment, an estimation of costs and an indication that the patient will be accepted accordingly;
(iii) proof of prepayment or sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment and related expenses.
7. Round trip reservation
Return international air ticket, railway or bus ticket with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Schengen states. These tickets do not need to be paid in full at the time of the appointment.
(Reservation of return or round ticket, including confirmation of the booking of an organised trip including a detailed itinerary; in the case of transit: visa or other entry permit for the third country of destination; tickets for onward journey)
8. Accommodation
Confirmed hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in the Schengen Area is requested. If applicant is staying with a relative or friend, the Consulate may request an invitation letter from the host with the copy of his passport or ID. In case of a pre-paid tour please provide us details of the tour with a proof of payment to the tour operator.
9. Evidence of sufficient funds
Evidence of adequate finance for the duration of stay; proof of financial means in the country of residence (including recent bank statements showing movement of means over a certain period (minimum last three months).
10. Visas to all countries on route from the Schengen Area
This is required if the foreigner does not travel from the Schengen Area directly to their country of residence or for which they hold a valid long-term visa.
11. Certificate of health insurance
Health insurance policy that covers medical expenses related to injury or illness in the Czech Republic including expenses connected with transportation of the foreigner to the country of which they are a passport holder or to a country in which they have permanent residence. Minimum insurance cover must be of 30,000.- EUR. The policy must be valid for the duration of their stay in the Czech Republic - more information.
12. Visa fee
All fees are to be paid by physical bank card, and only in specific cases and upon instruction can be paid by online transfer or in cash.
Please be aware, that for payment by card, you have to bring your card (not just in phone). The international payments must by enabled and you will need to know your PIN number.
If the fees are not paid, the application can not be accepted, therefore we recommend to bring the fee in cash as well.
Schengen visa applications will be processed within 15 days after a complete application is accepted.
Please include details how your passport should be returned (if you will not be collecting your passport at the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in person):
- AUSTRALIA - if by mail via Australia Post, a self-addressed prepaid Express envelope of your choice has to be enclosed.
- NEW ZEALAND - you may arrange any courier company to pick up your passport once the visa is issued.
- For other countries (in the consular district), you may arrange any courier company to pick up your passport once the visa is issued.
Any further inquiries that are not stated above, you may contact the Visa department of the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Sydney via e-mail: sydney.visa@mzv.gov.cz