Schengen Visa
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- What is a Schengen Visa?
- Who needs a Schengen Visa?
- Types of Schengen Visas
- Duration and Validity
- Requirements and Documentation
- Application Process
- Interview Process
- Where to Apply
- Cost and Fees
- Processing Time
- Travel Insurance
- ETIAS: (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
- Schengen Visa FAQ
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a document that allows travelers to enter the Schengen Zone and stay for a total of 90 days in 180 days. It encourages short-term stays and is applicable for purposes including tourism, business visits, attending events, visiting friends or family, or medical treatment. This makes it possible for travelers to cross international borders within the Schengen Zone without undergoing border checks or encountering passport control, making travel significantly more efficient.
There are 29 countries within Europe that make up a zone called the Schengen Zone. These 29 countries have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders. The primary purpose of this is to streamline the process for travelers, making it possible for them to visit multiple countries in Europe without the hassle of obtaining separate visas for each country. This not only simplifies travel logistics but also facilitates travel across the region.
The countries within the Schengen Zone as of 2024 are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Who needs a Schengen Visa?
Citizens from the following countries are required to obtain a Schengen Visa before entering the Schengen Zone: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma/Myanmar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte D’ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Palestinian Authority, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Some countries have agreements with the Schengen Area countries that allow their citizens to enter without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days for purposes including tourism and business. Visa waiver agreements are formal agreements between countries that allow citizens from one country to enter another country without needing to hold a visa for a specific amount of time within certain conditions. Typically, these agreements are based on factors including diplomatic relations and economic interests. Examples of visa-exempt countries include the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Types of Schengen Visas
There are several Schengen visa types, each one designed to accommodate a different purpose of travel. With each visa catering to different needs and durations, it is important to understand the purpose of your trip and the length of time you plan on staying in the Schengen Zone to properly determine which visa is best for you.
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)
The Uniform Schengen Visa is the most common type of Schengen Visa. Also known as the C-Type Schengen Visa. The USV is a short-stay Schengen Visa and is for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, and medical treatment within the Schengen Zone. This consists of the Schengen Tourist Visa, Schengen Business Visa, and Schengen Student Visa. With the USV, you are allotted a total of up to 90 days within 180 days.
Limited Territorial Visa (LTV)
The Limited Territorial Visa is issued for visits to specific countries within the Schengen Area, rather than entry into the entirety of the Schengen Zone. you will be restricted to the specific Schengen countries, or even just one single country, depending on your needs. This type of visa is most commonly granted if the applicant’s circumstances only require entry into certain countries. Similarly to the Uniform Schengen Visa, the Limited Territorial Visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days in every 180 days. This visa may be suitable for you if you need to only visit particular countries in the Schengen Zone, for activities such as business meetings, conferences, cultural events, or family visits restricted to only visiting one country or a number of specific countries.
Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
- There are two types of Airport Transit Visas. The first is the A-Type Transit Visa. This allows for airport transfer in the Schengen Area when the traveler is not permitted to depart the airport. The Airport Transit Visa is issued to travelers who are transiting through the Schengen Area without actually entering the Schengen country they are transiting through. It permits them to stay within the international transit area of the airport without passing through border control to enter the country. The A-Type Schengen Transit Visa is typically only valid for a very short duration, usually between 24 and 48 hours, but this depends on the length of your layover. Needing an Airport Transit Visa is dependent on the nationality of the traveler. Citizens of certain countries may not need to obtain an Airport Transit Visa if they are connecting through a Schengen airport.
- The B-Type Transit Visa is valid for 5 days and allows the traveler to exit the airport and explore the Schengen Area for a total of 5 days on the way to their final destination.
Most Schengen Visas allow for multiple entries, but this is dependent on every specific situation. You will find on your visa sticker “Number of entries” with either “1”, “02”, or “MULT” underneath it. This indicates whether you are allowed single entry, double entry, or multiple entry into the Schengen Zone.
Duration and Validity
The duration of stay allowed with a Schengen Visa depends on the type of visa that is issued. Typically, Schengen Visas allow for short stays of up to 90 days in 180 days. This means that during any 180-day period, you can stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days combined. For example, if you enter Austria and stay for 30 days and then go to a non-Schengen country for 30 days, when you return to the Schengen Zone, it will be your 31st day of your 90-day eligibility. Your visa will state the duration of stay allowed and the validity period. It is essential that you distinguish the difference between the validity period and the duration of stay allowed. A Schengen Visa may be valid for 2 years, but you are only allowed to stay within the area for up to 90 days during that 2-year validity period.
Holders of Schengen Visas are typically allowed to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area. There are no international border controls between Schengen countries. It is essential to abide by the restrictions permitted within your visa. You should not exceed your permitted stay or engage in activities that you have not been permitted to do, such as working if you only have a Tourist Schengen Visa.
In general, Schengen visas are not eligible to be extended or renewed. If you wish to stay in the Schengen Area longer than the duration of your visa, you will most likely be required to apply for a new visa from your home country. There are exceptions that may be made in case of any unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or natural disasters where a traveler may be granted a short-term extension. If you wish to change the purpose of your visit, it is likely that you will be required to exit the Schengen Area and apply for the appropriate visa from your home country.
Requirements and Documentation
When applying for a Schengen Visa, applicants will need to submit a set of required documents to the consulate or embassy of the country they intend to visit.
Completed Visa Application Form
Applicants must fill out the official Schengen Visa application form provided by the consulate or embassy of the destination country. This form includes information such as personal details, travel information, and other relevant data. It is important to complete this form with 100% accuracy.
Passport
A passport with at least three months of validity beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area is required. It must have at least two blank pages available.
Passport-Sized Photos
You must submit recently taken passport-sized photos meeting the specifications outlined by your consulate or embassy. The photos must be identical and taken in the last 6 months.
Travel Itinerary
You will be required to submit a travel itinerary, including details of your trip, such as flight reservations, hotel bookings, and any other travel arrangements.
Travel Insurance
You must have proof of travel insurance with coverage valid for the entire duration of your stay. The insurance policy must provide minimum coverage for medical emergencies.
Proof of Financial Means
Evidence of financial means to cover the cost of your trip is required. This may be with bank statements, proof of employment, or financial sponsorship.
Purpose of Visit Documentation (if Required)
Depending on the purpose of your travels, you may be required to submit supporting documents related to the purpose of your trip. This may be a letter of invitation from a business, enrollment letters from a university, or documents proving family visits.
Fee Payment
You will be required to pay the visa fee, which varies based on your nationality, age, and visa type. The fee is non-refundable.
Application Process
While applying for a Schengen Visa may seem like a daunting process, with careful planning and attention to detail, it is relatively straightforward. To ensure a smooth application process, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements and steps involved. As of 2024, the Schengen Visa application process is not done online, it must be done at the embassy or consulate in your country of residence or through a Visa Application Center.
- Fill out the Application Form
The first step to applying for a Schengen Visa is to fill out the visa application form. You can find this on the website of your country’s embassy, consulate, or visa application center. Make sure to fill this out completely and accurately.
- Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with your consulate or embassy. The procedure for appointment scheduling will differ based on where you are applying, so check the consulate’s website for instructions.
- Attend the Visa Application Appointment
Bring all of the required documents in an orderly manner to your appointment. Make sure you are prompt and look presentable. You may be asked to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints or a photograph at your appointment.
- Pay the Visa Fee
At your appointment, you will be required to pay the visa fee. Make sure to identify your specific visa fee before arrival. Accepted payment methods vary based on the embassy/consulate, so consult your embassy before arrival.
Post-Application Steps
- Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, you must wait for them to process it. During this time, you may be called in to attend an interview. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications. Check the website for estimated processing times.
- Collect your Passport
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified that you can pick up your passport. Collect your passport and prepare for travel. When you pick up your visa, make sure to double-check all of the information to ensure accuracy, including your name, passport number, and validity period.
- Travel to the Schengen Area!
Now that you have your visa in hand, you can travel to the countries of the Schengen Area! Make sure to follow any instructions given to you by immigration officials and abide by your visa regulations.
Interview Process
Not all citizens of all nationalities will require an interview while applying for a Schengen Visa, but some may require one. The purpose of the interview is to gather additional information about you and your travel plans. Make sure you are prepared with the details of your trip, such as places you plan to visit, the duration of your stay, and plans for returning to your home country. During the interview, make sure to be polite, respectful, and cooperative. Be honest and confident. It is important to dress appropriately and arrive on time for your interview.
Where to Apply
You can apply for a Schengen Visa at either an embassy, consulate, or visa application center in your country. The embassy, consulate, or visa application center where you submit your visa application depends on where you will be traveling. If you are only planning on visiting one country, you will submit your application to the embassy, consulate, or visa application center for that country. If you are planning on visiting multiple countries, you should apply to the country where you are planning on spending the most amount of time. If you are planning on visiting multiple countries for equal amounts of time, you should apply at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the country you plan on entering the Schengen Area through. You must apply at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center located in your home country or the country where you reside.
Cost and Fees
The Schengen Visa cost depends on several factors, including the applicant’s nationality, age, type of visa, and specific policies of the consulate or embassy processing the application. Typically, a Schengen Visa fee is around 80-120 euros for anyone older than 12 years old. In addition to visa fees, you may incur additional charges, including the price of travel insurance, biometric data collection fees, and any fees required from your embassy or consulate. Some countries may offer reduced or waived fees for certain applications, such as children under 12, students, researchers, or participants in exchange programs. It is essential for applicants to review the specific fees and requirements of the consulate or embassy where they will be applying.
Processing Time
The typical Schengen Visa processing time varies depending on a number of factors, including the specific embassy or consulate, the nationality of the applicant, and the type of visa applied for. In general, the standard processing time is around 15 business days. The processing time may be affected based on the embassy’s workload, your nationality, the time of year, the type of visa you are applying for, and the completeness of your application. If there is missing or incomplete information within your application, there may be delays while the additional information is requested. It is advisable to apply well in advance before your planned travel to allow for sufficient time for processing. In some cases, you may be able to request expedited processing for an additional fee. If you need expedited processing, you should check with your consulate or embassy, or the visa application center about your options and the associated fees.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an essential requirement for Schengen Visa applicants. It serves as a safety net to protect you from unforeseen circumstances and provides financial coverage in case of emergencies. Your travel insurance must be valid for the duration of your stay in the Schengen Area and provide minimum coverage of at least 30,000 euros for medical expenses. Your coverage should cover all countries within the Schengen Zone as well as any countries you plan to visit outside of the Schengen Area.
ETIAS: (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen Area. It was designed to enhance security and streamline border control procedures. All travelers from visa-exempt countries will be required to apply for the ETIAS. The process is entirely online through the official ETIAS website. You will need to complete an application form providing your personal information and travel details. The fee for the ETIAS is 7 euros for those 18 and older. It is processed electronically and typically only takes a matter of minutes. Requirements include a valid passport and details of your travel itinerary.
The difference between the ETIAS and Schengen Visas is that the ETIAS is primarily designed for visa-exempt travelers. The process of applying is significantly easier, and the price of the ETIAS is substantially lower. Both the ETIAS and Schengen visas allow travelers to visit the Schengen Zone for various purposes, including tourism and business.
Schengen Visa FAQ
Depending on your specific visa and the circumstances, you can have a single-entry Schengen visa, double-entry Schengen Visa, or multiple-entry Schengen Visa. When applying, you should check the regulations of your visa to ensure it meets your specific travel needs.
If your Schengen Visa application is rejected, you should be notified of the reason. You have the option to either appeal this decision or address the issues and reapply for a new visa. Some consulates, embassies, or visa application centers may have a period you must wait before applying for another visa.
While the basic systems remain the same for all Schengen Zone countries, different countries may have their own specific procedures, policies, or requirements. For example, you may find that the process for applying for a Greek Visa is different than applying for a German Visa, thanks to varying procedures between the two embassies.
