Reference

Schengen visa glossary

Every term you'll meet on your application, explained without jargon.

Schengen Area: A group of 29 European countries that abolished internal border checks between them. One Schengen visa lets you travel across all member states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Schengen visa (Type C): The short-stay visa Egyptian passport holders apply for tourism, family visits, or business — valid up to 90 days within a 180-day window across the whole Schengen Area.
National (long-stay) visa (Type D): A visa for stays longer than 90 days — work, study, or residence — issued by one country and governed by its national rules rather than common Schengen rules.
VFS Global / TLScontact / BLS International: Private service companies that collect visa applications on behalf of consulates. You submit your paperwork and biometrics there; the consulate itself makes every decision.
Biometrics: Your fingerprints and photo, collected in person at the visa centre. First-time applicants must appear in person; fingerprints are typically reused for 59 months.
90/180 rule: The stay limit: you may spend at most 90 days inside the Schengen Area in any rolling 180-day period. Days count backwards from your date of travel.
Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statements showing you can afford your trip. Consulates look for regular income and a healthy balance history — not sudden large deposits right before applying.
Cover letter: A formal letter to the consulate explaining your trip's purpose, itinerary, funding, and ties to Egypt. A well-structured letter pre-empts the questions an officer would otherwise raise.
Sponsorship: When another person funds or hosts your trip. The sponsor provides their own bank statements, an invitation letter, and proof of relationship or accommodation.
Visa refusal: A formal denial of your application, always accompanied by written grounds — commonly insufficient funds, weak ties to home, or unclear trip purpose. Refusals can be appealed or re-applied after fixing the stated reason.
Travel medical insurance: Mandatory coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across the entire Schengen Area for the whole duration of your stay.
Main destination rule: You must apply to the country that is your main destination; if several, the first point of entry. Applying to the 'easiest' consulate for a different trip is a common rejection cause.