What is a schengen visa? Do i need one? A Schengen Visa allows you to visit and travel freely to all other Schengen Area countries (27+ countries).Policies also state that you can travel borderless to each other after obtaining a Schengen Visa.However, there is a problem.A traveler can be required to obtain a Schengen Visa depending on their nationality.Therefore, some travelers can be denied entry to Schengen countries for business, tourism, or short visit purposes, and be required to obtain a Schengen Visa Europe.Most travelers especially those coming from outside Europe, require a European Schengen Visa to access the Schengen Zone.The first point of entry along with the traveler’s nationality determines the visa requirements.They also have country specific, short stay policies.These countries don’t provide visas for absences of 90 days or less in a rolling 6 month period.However, for travelers coming from countries with visa requirements, it is a necessity to obtain a Schengen Visa prior to travel access to these countries.
Before applying, it is important to understand the different types of schengen visas, associated with each, to determine which one is right for you.
Types of schengen visa
Type C Schengen Visa is the most common one that people apply for.With this visa, the traveler can travel and stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in 180 days.This visa is appropriate for people who plan to travel for leisure, business, or to see family or friends.
If the traveler is planning to stay for more than 90 days, a Long Stay Visa must be applied for.This visa allows the traveler to stay in the Schengen area for a longer duration, usually in a range from 3 to 12 months.It is issued for the purposes of studying, working, or family reunification.
If a traveler is passing through a Schengen area airport, and is not entering the Schengen area, an Airport Transit Visa is a must.This visa is a requirement for certain nationalities that are even just staying in the airport.
This visa type is for those wishing to meet relatives or friends in the Schengen countries.A host’s invitation letter is required, as well as some proof of accommodation and some proof of sufficient financial resources.
With a Multiple Entry Visa, travelers can repeatedly enter the Schengen Zones, even for multiple years, although they will always be subject to the 90/180 rule per visit.
Before applying, it is important to understand the different Schengen visas validity rules associated with each, to determine which one is right for you.
Schengen visa rules
For Short Stay Visas, the 90/180 rule is applicable, stating that you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within a total of 180 days.If you stay in the Schengen Zone for 90 days or more, you will be required to leave and can only come back after 90 days.
Long Stay Visas can give you a leave to remain of more than 90 days, but how long you can stay will depend on the particular visa and on your situation, whether it’s work , study, or family.
Travelers can enter the Schengen Zone as many times as they wish with the Multiple Entry Visas, but the same stay limitation applies; 90 days within a 180 day period.
You can not cover all the countries in the Schengen Zone; however, that doesn’t mean that you can’t travel to all of them.You can only submit your application to the country where you will spend the most time, or the country where you will first enter in the Schengen visa zone.
Extensions for visas within the Schengen Zone are rarely given.On the other hand, visa overstays can result in hefty fines, deportation, and being banned from the Schengen Zone.
Before submitting a Schengen visa application, consider the following:
To be as thorough as possible during the analysis of your application, prepare as many required documents as you can.Different types of visas and the country you submit your application to will yield different requirements.However, the following documents are usually required:
Application for visa
Your visa application must be complete and signed.
Travel documents
Your passport must have valid for 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area, and should have 2 blank pages.
Travel photographs
2 photographs need to be submitted, which have to be the requested size.
Travel medical insurance
A Travel Insurance policy needs to be obtained which covers at least 30,000 euros for additional medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation for the duration of stay within the Schengen Area.
Proof of accommodation
A hotel booking, and a letter of invitation, or a friend or a family member letter.
Financial means
Bank statements, income statements, or sponsorship letters are needed to prove that a traveler can sustain themself financially in the Schengen Area.
Travel itinerary
Travel Information, flight reservations, and arrival and departure dates.
Visa fee
80 euros for adults, and 40 euros for children 6 to 12.
Extra documents
Depending on what type of visa you are applying for, you may need to supply letters of employment, letters of invitation, or letters of enrollment.
Filling out a Schengen Visa application requires an understanding of the types of visas, what rules affect their validity, and what supporting documents are required.These guidelines should assist you in applying whether you are visiting the Schengen states for a limited time or an extended period.Check the Schengen Visa requirements, select the proper visa based on your travel plans, and most importantly, submit your application early and stress free.You are now at ease to travel to the Schengen Area once your documents are in order.
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