A Schengen visa is a European short stay visa that allows its holder to travel throughout the Schengen Area. This type of visa is issued by one of the Schengen states and allows you to visit any of the Schengen countries for a total period of 90 days within 180 days.
There are 27 countries in the Schengen Area. These countries have agreed to eliminate all internal borders and have a common visa policy, although there may be minor differences with regard to procedures and documentation required. Every citizen of a country that is not part of the Schengen Area and whose country does not have a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union requires a Schengen visa to enter any member state.
What are the types of Schengen Visa
- Tourist Schengen visa
- Business Schengen visa
- Student Schengen visa
- Working Schengen visa
- Transit Schengen visa
Depending on the type of travel, Schengen visas can be broadly classified into four categories:
- Type A: Transit visa for airport transit
- Type B: Transit visa valid for 5 days
- Type C: Visa for a short stay in any of the Schengen Area countries. Its Single, Double and Multiple Entry Visa
- Type D: This is a national visa issued in special cases for the purposes of study, stay or work in a Schengen Area country.
What are documents need for a Schengen Visa?
- Fully completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
- Two recently taken passport photographs with white background.
- Valid passport with more than three months left until it expires.
- Round trip reservation with flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Schengen state
- Confirmed hotel reservation
- You will also need to submit proof that you have paid a visa application fee
- Proof that you have travel and medical insurance covering you for medical costs up to €30,000
- Bank account statement showing sufficient
The Schengen State’s Consular offices reserve the right to request further documentation should they deem it necessary, such as:
- Proof of employment
- No objection letter
- If applicant is a student: letter from school/college/university confirming attendance.
A personal interview with the applicant may be requested at any time.
How to apply for Schengen Visa?
To make a successful Schengen visa application, you need to go through these simple steps: 23
- Fill out the Schengen Visa Application Form.
- Make an appointment
- Complete the document file.
- Show up at appointment.
- Provide biometrics.
- Verify the documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
What is Schengen Visa Cost?
- Fee for a standard Schengen Visa is 80 Euro
- Schengen Visa cost for children between 6 to 12 years of age is 40 Euro
- Children younger than 6 year can apply for free
How Long Does It Take to Get a Schengen Visa?
If you’re traveling to the Schengen Area of European countries you’ll need to get a Schengen Visa before your trip. However, it can be difficult to know how far in advance you will need to apply to allow for your Schengen Visa’s processing time. Yet, the recommended time to apply is at least 3 to 4 weeks before your trip.
