Schengen visa | 7 Things you need to know about this European visa

The Schengen Area is a European zone that focuses its strengths on the external borders as the internal borders have been abolished. The citizens can move freely from one country to the other. This zone today is home to over 400 million people of which over billion people travel within the Schengen territory. You can learn more about the cost, requirements, types of Schengen Visa, and much more in the blog. So read on and find out!

#1 What is a Schengen Visa?

• This Schengen visa permits you to visit any Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is issued by a Schengen country.
• However, you must apply for a national visa from that European country rather than a Schengen visa if you plan to study, work, or stay in one of the Schengen countries for over 90 days.
• 26 countries have agreed to abolish all internal borders and implement a unified visa regime in the Schengen Area. Although there might be slight differences in methods and paperwork requirements for each member country.
• People from countries that are not members of the Schengen Area and do not have a Visa Facilitation Agreement with the EU need a Schengen visa to visit any of the member nations. 
• Those who are covered by the visa-free regime will be eligible for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) beginning in January 2022. 

#2 Who needs to have one?

Third-country nationals who have not yet signed a visa-liberalization agreement with Schengen member states must get a visa. Here is a list of countries whose citizens must apply for a visa before visiting the EU-

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein

There is also a list of non-Schengen countries that allow you to enter with a valid Schengen visa. To enter, transit, or stay in their territory temporarily, you do not require a national visa granted by these nations. 

• Albania
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Georgia
• Gibraltar
• Kosovo
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Romania
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Serbia
• Turkey

#3 Types of Schengen Visas for European short-term visits

If you plan to visit one or more European nations in this area, you must apply for this visa for the following reasons-

• Business purposes.
• Tourism and holidays.
• Medical reasons.
• Cultural and sports events.
• Visiting friends and family.
• Official visit.
• Airport transit and transit for seafarers.
• Short-term study and research purposes.

The Schengen consulate can give you a single-entry, a double-entry, or a multiple-entry visa, depending on the reasons for visiting the countries and the frequency of travel.

The validity of the single-entry visa is determined by the number of days specified on the visa application form. As well as the decision of the consulate that issues the Schengen visa. However, one can apply for an EU visa that is valid for up to 5 years. 

One cannot stay in the Schengen Area for over 90 days in a 180-day period, even if you have a multiple-entry visa for Europe that is valid for up to 5 years.

#4 How to apply?

To apply for a Schengen Visa, determine whether you require one based on the purpose of your trip and your nationality.

You’ll need to plan your trip, including-

• How many days you’ll be in the zone
• The countries you’ll visit (if over one)
• The nation from which you’ll enter 
• The country from which you’ll exit.

Once you’ve determined that, you’ll need to review the Europe visa application requirements. Then begin the process of making an appointment at one of the Schengen consulates in your nation.

#5 Costs

When applying for this visa, each applicant must pay a non-refundable fee. The costs may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s age, as well as a few minor exceptions. The fee can be paid in cash, debit card, or credit card at the specified consulate or embassy. 

However, some consulates may refuse to accept credit card payments. The fees are payable at the respective embassy/consulate when applying are included in the Schengen visa application costs.

Schengen Visa Category	Cost in Euros	Cost in US Dollars*
Adult	80⚬	96$
Children between 6-12 years of age	40⚬	48$
Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports traveling for official purposes	Free	Free
Pupils, students, and accompanying teachers during a school trip	Free	Free
Researchers traveling to perform scientific research	Free	Free
Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia.	35⚬	42$

*The visa fee is calculated in USD using the current exchange rate (USD). It is subject to change without notice at any time.

Note- The money paid will not be reimbursed if the visa application is denied.

#6 Documents required

Below is the list of documents required for any short-term Schengen visa application- 

• Schengen Visa application form.
• Two recent photographs (both photos need to be shot within the last three months)
• A valid passport- not over ten years old and valid for at least three months beyond the day you want to exit the Schengen area.
• Passports with past visas (if you have any).
• Round trip reservation or itinerary- dates and flight numbers detailing entry and exit from the Schengen area.  
• Travel insurance policy- a document proving that you have travel health insurance for the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. AXA Schengen or Europe Assistance offer insurance policies that can be acquired online.
• Proof of accommodation- A document that details where you will stay throughout your stay in the Schengen area. One of the following is a possibility-
  • A reservation for a hotel or hostel.
  • A rental contract.
  • A letter of invitation from the host who will be hosting you.
• Proof of financial means- One of the following is a possibility-
  • A bank account statement demonstrating you have sufficient funds in your account for the trip. The statement must be no more than three months old.
  • Sponsorship Letter a letter from someone else confirming that they would financially sponsor your vacation to Schengen. This letter must also be accompanied by a bank statement from the sponsor that is no more than three months old in order to be valid.
  • A combination of your bank statement and a letter of sponsorship is required.
• Proof of payment of visa fee.

Key takeaway

• When visiting only one Schengen country, the applicant must apply at the embassy or consulate of that country.
• The consulate can give you a single-entry, a double-entry, or a multiple-entry visa.
• For the visa, each applicant must pay a non-refundable fee.

If you have any questions get them answered by getting in touch with us. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts!

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FAQs

1. What is a Uniform Schengen Visa?

Answer- Depending on the purpose of travel, the Uniform Schengen Visa applies to two categories, “A” and “C.”

• “A” type Airport Transit Visa allows the holder to travel via the international zone of a Schengen Country Airport without having to enter the area. This is needed for citizens traveling from one non-Schengen nation to another via a change of planes in a Schengen country airport.
• “C” category is a short-term visa that allows the bearer to stay in a Schengen country for the duration of the mentioned.

2. What’s the difference between a transit visa and an airport transit visa?

Answer- The Airport Transit Visa permits its holder to travel through a Schengen Country airport’s international zone without entering the Schengen Area.

The Transit Visa, however, permits its holder to travel by automobile, coach, or plane to more than one Schengen country in less than five days on their way to a non-Schengen country.

3. What’s the difference between a single-entry and a multiple-entry Schengen visa?

Answer- A single-entry visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area only once and for a certain period of time. The visa validity ends once you leave the Schengen Area, even if the time limit authorized to stay has not yet elapsed. A multiple-entry visa allows the bearer to come and go as they wish within the Schengen Zone.