Schengen Visa Requirements
WHAT TO KNOW
The Schengen area is sometimes referred to as the Schengen Zone. Since many travelers toward the EU have not heard the name of Schengen yet. Thus, all tourists visiting Europe need to know about the Schengen zone and its influence in the region.
So, it is an agreement among 26 EU countries to have a free and open border.
A Bit About Schengen Agreement
On June 14, 1985, the Schengen Agreement was signed. Thus, it eliminated national borders for all participant countries. Since it is the largest visa-free area in the world now.
The Schengen area is the largest significant borderless region in Europe. Thus, they do not need to go through border control when traveling from one Schengen country to another.
It has four non-EU countries and 22 EU members.
The Difference Between EU & Schengen
The EU is a political and economic union of some European countries. Whereas, the Schengen area is a travel zone of some European countries. Thus, the citizens can travel freely without a passport or visa.
List Of Schengen Countries
So, here is the list of countries that are a part of the Schengen zone.
- Germany
- Austria, and Belgium
- Croatia
- the Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland, France
- Greece,
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein,
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- the Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland,
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain,
- Sweden
- Switzerland
The countries that are not part of the Schengen Zone
Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are EU states. But these are not, or not yet, part of the Schengen area. Thus, this means that a flight from one of these states to a Schengen state is known as an external flight and is needed for border checks.
A Schengen Visa & Its Consequence For Its Holders
A Schengen visa is a document that was issued by a Schengen state. Since it permits visitors to transit through the international transit zones of the Schengen states’ airport. Thus, can enter the Schengen area for planned brief stays.
Duration Of Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a type of short-stay visa that permits. Thus, lets its holders travel in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Benefits Of Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa, allows visa holders to travel freely within the 26 Member Schengen countries.
Since they can explore the historical beauty of Schengen areas and culture. Moreover, you can taste the food’s delights and experience different activities.
Types Of Schengen Visa
Depending on the stay this visa is of the following types.
A-Type Schengen Visa
Non-Schengen citizens can use the type A visa to pass through airports in Schengen countries. Moreover, to wait for a connecting aircraft in the international area.
Thus, if you are traveling from one non-Schengen country to another and need to change planes at an airport in a Schengen nation, you must have it
B-Type Schengen Visa
Travelers holding this type of visa are allowed to pass through any Schengen country to arrive at a country that is not a Schengen member state. Since it is valid for five days.
C-Type Schengen Visa
With this visa, the holder can stay for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen area and travel freely.
Non-Schengen citizens need this visa. Thus, a C-type Schengen visa has the following types.
- Single entry visa
- Double entry visa
- Multiple entry visa
D-Type Schengen Visa
Any foreign national who wants to study, work, or live in a Schengen nation for more than 90 days (up to a year) must have it. For as long as the visa is valid, which is 180 days, the visa holder can travel and remain in the Schengen region and come here many times. Thus, this visa is granted for the following purposes
- Study
- Work or business
- Medical
- Tourism or private visit to the family
Legal Requirements For A Schengen Visa
To travel to Europe, you will need to submit some documents that meet the conditions for a Schengen Visa. Thus, the legal requirements are
A Visa Application Form
You will need a completed and duly signed visa application form. Since it consists of the following four main sections.
- Personal information
- Travel details
- Lodging details
- Dates and signed
A Valid Passport
Your passport must meet the following criteria of the embassy which is
- Up-to-date before applying for a visa
- Have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Your passport must have been issued in the last ten years.
- It has a validity of 3 months beyond your intended stay.
Photographs
The photographs serve for the identification of the applicant. Thus, meet the criteria outlined by the embassy as
- Have a standard size of 35mm by 40mm.
- Captured in the last 3 months.
- Cover your face till your shoulders.
- Have a clear and white background.
Travel Health Insurance Policy
It is necessary to meet the requirements listed below to apply for a visa.
- includes coverage for the whole time you’re in Schengen.
- Acceptable for emergency medical costs and travel costs.
- Covers the cost of 30, 00 Euros.
Proof Of Accommodation
So, it contains details about your stay in Schengen. Thus, include the following
- Name and location of hotel
- Proof of Rental Agreement
- Dates of Join and Leave
- Reservation code
- Contact details of the hotel
Proof Of Financial Means
Since this is proof of your financial stability. Thus Include the details about
- Bank statement (of last six months)
- Credit card details
- Investment details
- Employment details
- Sponsorship details
Flight Reservation
The Schengenflightreservation is a vital requirement for your visa application. Since it guarantees your travel arrangements. Thus, it includes the following details.
- Name of flight
- Number of flight
- Reservation code
- Arrival and departure dates
- Airport IATA Codes
- Details of connecting flights
A Cover Letter
So, you must include information about your complete trip in your cover letter. Because it allows the visa application to proceed faster. such as:
- The reason behind your desire to travel to a Schengen nation.
- The dates when you plan to arrive and leave.
- A schedule of the activities that you will do in the Schengen Area.
- where you are going to remain after you enter Schengen.
- Countries you plan to travel to.
- The stats of your employment.