Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa

For many Bangladeshi travelers, the Schengen Visa is more than just a travel document. It is a gateway to Europe, global exposure, and stronger international travel credibility. With one visa, you can move freely across 27 European countries, experience different cultures, attend business meetings, visit loved ones, or simply enjoy a well‑planned holiday.

From a Bangladeshi perspective, the Schengen Visa carries extra importance. A successful Schengen travel history often makes future visa applications for countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, or the USA much easier. That is why proper preparation, honest documentation, and a clear travel purpose matter so much.

This guide is written specifically for Bangladeshi applicants. It explains the Schengen Visa in a simple, human, and realistic way—based on what embassies actually look for when assessing applications from Bangladesh.

What Exactly Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short‑stay visa that allows non‑European nationals to enter and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180‑day period. Once the visa is issued by one Schengen country, you can travel to all other member states without facing internal border checks.

The visa is generally issued for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, or short‑term events. Depending on your profile and travel history, it may be granted as a single‑entry, double‑entry, or multiple‑entry visa.

Why Bangladeshi Travelers Prefer the Schengen Visa

One Visa, Multiple Countries

Instead of applying separately for each European country, Bangladeshi travelers can explore multiple destinations with a single visa. This saves time, cost, and unnecessary paperwork.

Strong International Travel Value

A Schengen Visa adds strong credibility to your passport. For Bangladeshi applicants, this often plays a positive role in future visa decisions for other developed countries.

Flexible Travel Planning

You can enter Europe through one country and exit from another. This flexibility is ideal for multi‑country tours, business trips, or family visits.

Business and Professional Exposure

Business owners and professionals from Bangladesh frequently use the Schengen Visa to attend trade fairs, exhibitions, supplier meetings, and conferences across Europe.

Family, Culture, and Short‑Term Opportunities

The visa also allows Bangladeshis to attend weddings, cultural programs, academic events, or visit close relatives legally residing in Schengen countries.

Common Types of Schengen Visas for Bangladeshi Applicants

Schengen Tourist Visa

This is the most popular category for Bangladeshi travelers. It is issued for leisure travel, sightseeing, and short vacations.

Schengen Business Visa

Designed for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, company directors, and employees traveling for meetings, exhibitions, or commercial activities.

Family or Friends Visit Visa

Issued when a Bangladeshi applicant is invited by a family member or friend living legally in a Schengen country.

Medical Treatment Visa

For applicants traveling to Europe for medical treatment with confirmed hospital appointments and payment arrangements.

Conference, Cultural, or Sports Visa

Suitable for individuals attending seminars, conferences, training programs, cultural events, or sports competitions.

Core Schengen Visa Requirements for Bangladesh

Schengen embassies assess Bangladeshi applications very carefully. The main concern is whether the applicant will return to Bangladesh after the trip. Because of this, proving strong ties to Bangladesh is essential.

Embassies usually evaluate:

• The clarity and genuineness of your travel purpose • Your financial capacity to support the trip • Employment, business, family, or asset ties in Bangladesh • Previous travel and immigration history • Consistency and authenticity of documents

Schengen Visa Document Checklist for Bangladeshi Applicants

Personal and Identity Documents

• Valid passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages • Old passports, if available • Two recent biometric photographs • National ID card and birth certificate

Travel and Planning Documents

• A clear cover letter explaining your travel plan • Flight reservation or itinerary • Hotel booking or accommodation proof • Day‑by‑day travel plan showing your activities

Financial Proof

• Personal bank statements for the last six months • Bank solvency or balance certificate • Income tax documents or e‑TIN • Proof of regular income or business turnover

Employment or Business Proof

For salaried applicants: • Employment letter from the company • Approved leave letter • Salary slips or pay certificates

For business owners: • Trade license • Company registration documents • Business bank statements

Additional Supporting Documents

• Travel insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 • Invitation letter, if visiting family or friends • Marriage certificate or family relationship proof, where applicable

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from Bangladesh

Step One: Select the Right Embassy

You must apply through the embassy or visa center of the country where you will spend the most time. If the duration is equal, apply through your first entry country.

Step Two: Book an Appointment

Most Schengen countries accept applications through authorized visa application centers in Dhaka. Appointment slots can fill quickly, so early booking is recommended.

Step Three: Prepare Documents Properly

Ensure that all documents match each other. Inconsistencies between bank statements, employment details, and travel plans often cause refusals.

Step Four: Biometrics and Submission

Fingerprints and photographs are collected at the visa center. Some applicants may also be asked short questions about their travel plan.

Step Five: Wait for Processing and Collect Passport

Processing usually takes around 15 to 30 working days, though this may vary depending on embassy workload and travel season.

Common Reasons Schengen Visas Get Refused in Bangladesh

• Weak or unclear travel purpose • Insufficient or unstable financial evidence • Poor explanation of ties to Bangladesh • Inconsistent or misleading documents • Lack of previous international travel

Understanding these issues in advance helps applicants avoid costly mistakes.

Practical Tips to Improve Approval Chances

• Write a simple, honest, and logical cover letter • Maintain a healthy bank balance with regular transactions • Clearly show employment or business stability • Avoid fake bookings or manipulated documents • Apply with professional guidance if unsure about requirements

Schengen Visa Fees and Processing Time

The standard Schengen Visa fee for adults is EUR 90. Children aged 6 to 12 pay a reduced fee. Most applications from Bangladesh are processed within two to four weeks, but delays can happen during peak travel periods.

Frequently Asked Questions from Bangladeshi Applicants
Is the Schengen Visa difficult for Bangladeshis?

It is not difficult if the application is genuine and well prepared. Most refusals happen due to weak documentation or unclear intentions.

How much bank balance should I show?

There is no fixed amount. You should show enough funds to cover flights, accommodation, daily expenses, and emergencies.

Can I travel to multiple countries with one visa?

Yes. Once you enter the Schengen Area, you can travel freely within member states during the visa validity.

Is previous travel mandatory?

No, but having prior international travel history can positively influence the decision.

How long can I stay in Europe?

You can stay up to 90 days within any 180‑day period.

Final Words for Bangladeshi Travelers

The Schengen Visa is one of the most practical and rewarding travel visas for Bangladeshi nationals. When applied correctly, it offers smooth access to Europe and strengthens your global travel profile. The key lies in honest preparation, realistic travel planning, and documents that clearly reflect your personal and financial situation.

With the right approach, a Schengen Visa is not only achievable—it can be the beginning of a strong international travel journey.