Luxembourg Tourist Visa – Application, Eligibility and Validity
Applying for a Luxembourg tourist Visa is the first thing every foreign citizen who wants to tour Luxembourg should do. Luxembourg is now at the peak of the list of countries that are popular destinations for tourism. The country offers tourists a wide range of beautiful attractions.
Although it is one of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg is among the wealthiest countries in the world. Because of the wide range of natural and beautiful places it has, it has become an attraction for visitors. People are willing to travel from far and wide to behold the natural wonders of this country.
As a result, its government recently introduced new rules and regulations regarding Luxembourg tourist visas and their applications. The new rules apply to foreign citizens who are not EU member states. The rules apply to visitors from India, China, Ukraine, Mexico, Russia, and Brazil.Â
If you want to go on a vacation in this country, if you want to explore its variety of cuisines and make good wine, you need to apply for a Luxembourg tourist visa. This article discusses the Luxembourg Tourist Visa application. Its eligibility, validity, and how to obtain it.Â
About LuxembourgÂ
Luxembourg is a small European country that is peculiar for its cuisine and good wines. It sits between France and Germany and has a population of about 600,000. It is sometimes called the Gibraltar of the North because it is located in the northwest end of Europe.
Luxembourg has a huge percentage of foreign nationals living within its territory. As a result, it is a multicultural European country with a mixed cultural antecedent. Prominent places that attract tourists in Luxembourg include; the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Luxembourg City), Guttland, charming villages with old farmhouses, Éilek region (Luxembourg Ardennes), Moselle, Minnet ( the land of red rocks), Mullerthal (the little Switzerland of Luxembourg).
Luxembourg is a member state of the European Union (EU). What this means is that citizens of other EU countries can enter freely into their territories without obtaining a separate visa. However, this is not so for citizens of non-EU nations.
What is a Luxembourg tourist visa?
The Luxembourg Tourist Visa is a short-stay visa that the Luxembourg government issues to foreign tourists from non-EU member countries. Because Luxembourg is a member of the Schengen Area, the tourist visa it issues is a Schengen visa. And as a Schengen visa, grants the holder the legal right to travel throughout the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Who can enter Luxembourg without a Luxembourg tourist visa?
Luxembourg visa policy authorizes citizens of over 90 countries across the world free entry. However, the citizens of these countries must be from the Schengen zone.
Below are the citizens who can enter Luxembourg without a Luxembourg tourist visa.
- Foreign visitors hold a valid passport or ID card of a Schengen Area member country.
- The Schengen passport grants the visitors the right to freedom of movement. They exercise their right, most importantly, whenever they arrive at the border control of Luxembourg. At the border control, they must present one of both documents (valid Schengen passport or ID Card).
- Â The next set who can enter Luxembourg territory without a Luxembourg tourist visa are Visa-exempt citizens holding a passport from a non-Schengen country. They are to present the Schengen tourist visa upon arrival. However, this is for a short visa-free stay of up to 90 days. Apart from the purpose of tourism, it also includes purposes regarding business, transit, or medical treatment.Â
If you don’t fall within the list, then you need to apply for a tourist visa. And that too, through the embassy located in your country.
Types of Luxembourg tourist visaÂ
A Luxembourg tourist Visa is a type of short visa. Categorically, Luxembourg issues foreign citizens three types of visas:
They are;
#1. An airport transit visa (Visa Category A):
If your flight passes through Luxembourg before you reach your final destination, you need to have a transit visa. However, with the visa, you cannot exit the airport area.Â
An airport transit lasts only 24 hours. Therefore, travelers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, The Republic Of The Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka will always need an airport transit visa to the airport of Luxembourg.
#2. A short stay visa (Visa Category C):
A Luxembourg short-stay visa allows you to stay in Luxembourg for 90 days in any 180 days. In addition, it grants you the right to visit other Schengen member countries. But it must be within the validity of the visa. For example, travels involving tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, visits, school trips, conferences, etc., require a Luxembourg short stay visa.
With this visa, you cannot apply for a residence visa.Â
#3. An extended stay Visa ( Visa Category D):
With a long-stay visa, you can most stay in Luxembourg for one year. That is to say that this visa is under yearly renewal. It also allows you to visit other Schengen countries once the visa is valid. However, travels booked for work, study, investment, and family reunification require you to use a long-stay visa.
In addition, with a long stay visa, you can apply for a temporary residence permit in Luxembourg.Â
How long can a Luxembourg tourist visa last?
All Luxembourg short stay visas last for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. And Luxembourg tourist visa is not an exception. Like every other short stay visa, it lasts for three months within 180 days.
On expiration, a Luxembourg short-stay visa cannot be extended. But it can be renewed.
How much does it cost to acquire a Luxembourg tourist visa?
Generally, it costs about €80 to get a Luxembourg tourist visa. But this cost excludes other costs acquired while processing the visa.
Foreign nationals from Russia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Albania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Armenia are granted a €35 fee reduction. Also, those holding biometric passports, except those holding passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate, are exempted from the visa obligation.
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are granted a €40 fee reduction, while 0-6 years of age are exempted from visa fee payment. In addition, holders of diplomatic passports, students traveling for study purposes, and scientific researchers traveling for research reasons are exempted from paying visa fees.
Other sets of people exempt from paying visa fees include;
- pupils, students, and teachers accompanying the minors (between 0-6 years) on school trips or educational study trips,
- representatives of non-profit making organizations aged 25 years at most who participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events,
- family members of an EU/EEA national.
How long does it take to process a Luxembourg Tourist Visa?
It takes 15 days to process a Luxembourg tourist visa. And the time starts counting from the day you submit all necessary documents at the local consulate. However, the processing time depends on the embassy’s mode of operation and other factors such as; the time when you send in your application ( during summer or the holidays), the number of applicants (the larger the number, the greater the processing time), and incomplete submission of documents.
With these factors in place, the processing time can extend to 60 days.
Documents required to process a Luxembourg tourist visa?
To apply for a Luxembourg tourist visa, you must submit all necessary documents at the nearest local embassy.
Below are the required documents:
#1. Copy of valid international passport:
The passport must have at least two blank pages and must capture the applicant’s information. In addition, it must have the applicant’s signature and not be more than ten years old. Also, it should be valid for at least three months after expiration.
Also, include a copy of previous visas, if any.
#2. Two copies of a civil passport photo:
The passport must follow the Schengen photo guideline and have a colored background.
#3. A completed copy of the Schengen visa application form:
The application is completed online before printing the hard copy. Sign the application too.
#4. Schengen visa travel insurance:
This is a document to prove that the health insurance you have is still valid. The insurance must have coverage of €30,000. This is so should any health problem arise while in Luxembourg. It must be valid throughout the entire visa period and in all Schengen countries.
 #5. Luxembourg visa fee receipt:
Ensure you attach the fee receipt after making your payment at the embassy.
#6. Proof of accommodation in Luxembourg:Â
Include the hotel’s booking reference number, location, and contact number. This is to ensure that you have a place to stay in Luxembourg. The document can be a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a friend or family member.
#7. Other documents pertinent to your trip:
It includes a travel itinerary and plan, a document stating the purpose of travel, a flight reservation document, and proof of return to the country of residence or forward ticket to another country.
#8. Proof of financial means:
Submit a bank statement from the last six months or evidence of personal properties and assets. This is to ensure you can finance yourself throughout your stay in Luxembourg.Â
#9. For applicants below the age of 18:
Submit a copy of a birth certificate, adoption documents (if adopted), divorce papers (if parents are divorced), death certificates (if both parents are dead), a letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, and passport copies of both parents or legal guardians.
Note:Â All documents should be filled using capital letters. Also, they should be translated into English, French, and German.
How to apply for a Luxembourg tourist visa
Luxembourg Visa Application Steps
#Step 1. Contact the nearest embassy and book an appointment:
The first thing to do is to book an appointment with the nearest Luxembourg embassy.
#Step 2. Fill out the visa application form:
The application should be downloaded online. After downloading:
- Fill out, print a hard copy, and sign.
- Select “tourism” as the purpose of travel.
- Decide the number of entries that you need.
- Check your selected consulate’s website for the application procedure.
#Step 3. Submit your Luxembourg Schengen visa application and pay the fee:
Make sure that all your documents are complete. Submit your application at least 15 days before the date of travel. Do not submit your application earlier than six months before the day of travel.
Generally, applications are submitted in person except on certain occasions. Your biometrics data will be collected at the moment of application; that is why you need to submit your application in person.
Furthermore, applicants who have submitted their fingerprints within the last 59 months will not submit again.
Finish your visa fee payment and ensure to attach the receipt of payment while submitting your documents.Â
After you are done, you will receive a response to your application from the embassy after two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Luxembourg tourist visa valid for multiple entries or single entry only?
Luxembourg tourist visa is valid for both multiple and single entries. The difference is that you can enter the Schengen area only once with a single entry visa. But with the multiple entry visa, you can enter twice or twice once the visa is still valid.
Can I travel to Luxembourg without a visa?
The answer is “No” if you are not a citizen of an EU member state. But “Yes,” if you are a citizen of an EU member state. This is because the European Union (EU) grants free movement to the citizens of its member country. That is to say that citizens of member states can live and work freely within the member states.
How long can a temporary residence permit last in Luxembourg?
With a temporary residence permit, you can stay in Luxembourg for up to five years. You can renew it if it expires. Moreover, you can apply for a temporary residence permit in Luxembourg with a long-stay D visa.
Can I extend my Luxembourg long stay visa on expiration?
Yes, you can extend your Luxembourg long stay visa on expiration. A Luxembourg long-stay visa is valid for one year. After that, it can be raised or renewed depending on the situation. For example, if you stay in Luxembourg for over three months, you can apply for an extension.Â
ConclusionÂ
Luxembourg is a country that has an abundance of natural resources that attracts tourists. So if you want to travel on vacation, traveling to Luxembourg is the best option. But you need to know everything about the Luxembourg tourist visa.
