Visa for conferences and events
Conferences, exhibitions, concerts, sports and religious events are visited on an ordinary visitor visa. The event documents carry the application, so we make sure they say what the consulate needs to see.
Covers
Conference and event visa
- Conferences, seminars and congresses
- Exhibitions and trade shows
- Cultural, sports and religious events
- Unpaid amateur participation in music or sports events (US)
covered on this pageWhat the application needs
The purpose documents carry your application. They come on top of the basics every consulate asks for.
For this purpose
Documents for an event (Visa Code, Annex II, point A4)
- An invitation, entry ticket, registration or programme, naming the host organisation and the length of stay where possible
- For a business conference: the business trip documents as well
- Proof of how the trip is paid if the organiser covers costs
Young people aged 25 or under who take part in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations can be exempt from the Schengen visa fee (Visa Code, Article 16).
Every trip
The basics
- Passport
- Form and photo
- Travel medical insurance
- Money for the trip
- Where you will stay
- Travel plans
- Ties to home
- Fingerprints
How the main destinations handle it
Official rules, checked 9 November 2026. We confirm the details for your passport before anything is submitted.
Schengen area
The event invitation, ticket or registration is the key document. Apply early: consulates accept applications up to 6 months before travel.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (consolidated)United States
B-1 covers attending a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference. Paid performances need a different visa; unpaid amateur participation in music or sports events is allowed on B-2.
U.S. Department of State: Visitor visaUnited Kingdom
Visitors can attend conferences and seminars, and give a one-off or short series of talks if they are not for profit or a commercial event.
GOV.UK: Visit on business
Small things that make a strong file
- 01
Ask the organiser for a visa invitation letter with your name, passport number and dates.
- 02
Apply as soon as you are registered, especially in peak seasons.
- 03
Speaking or performing? Check whether you will be paid: paid engagements can need another visa.
Conference and event visa: common questions
Is there a special visa for events?
Usually not. You apply for a visitor visa and give the event as the purpose, with the invitation, ticket or registration as proof.
Can I perform or speak at the event?
It depends on the country and on payment. In the US, paid performances need a different visa. In the UK, visitors can give a one-off or short series of talks if they are not for profit or a commercial event.
Do students and young participants pay the Schengen fee?
Young people aged 25 or under taking part in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations can be exempt from the Schengen visa fee, under Article 16 of the Visa Code.
Official sources, checked 9 November 2026
- EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (consolidated)
- U.S. Department of State: Visitor visa
- GOV.UK: Visit on business
The embassy or consulate always makes the visa decision.
Ready to apply?
Plan your trip, continue in the portal and we prepare the rest. Questions first? Call us.
+46 72 327 62 76
