Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
A Schengen visa is a document issued by a Schengen State. It permits the holder to remain in the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period (“short stay visa”) and transit via the Schengen States international transit zones (“airport transit visa“). Additionally, you may remain for a period greater than 90 days if you have a Schengen national visa / residency permit. When you apply, they all come under the category of Schengen Application.
Please apply well in advance of your trip date, since most Embassies / Visa Centers are under high demand and have long waiting times.
What Countries are members of the Schengen Area?
Austria joined the Schengen Area as an EU member state in 1997 and since then, foreign visitors have been allowed to apply for an Austrian Schengen Visa.
When Hungary became a member of the Schengen Area as well as a member of the European Union in 2007, you have been able to apply for a Hungarian Schengen Visa.
When Norway became a part of the Schengen Area as an EFTA member in 2001, you have been able to apply for a Norwegian Schengen Visa.
In 1995, Belgiums government ratified the Schengen Agreement to become a member of the European border-free zone. A Belgian Schengen Visa is available to foreign tourists.
When Iceland joined the Schengen Area as an EFTA member in 2001, foreign travellers have been able to apply for an Icelandic Schengen Visa.
When Poland joined the Schengen Area as a member state of the European Union in 2007, you are able to apply for a Polish Schengen Visa.
When the Czech Republic joined the Schengen Area as an EU member state in 2007, you are able to apply for a Czech Republic Schengen Visa.
Foreign travellers who wish to go to Italy for a short period of time can do so by getting an Italy Schengen Visa. The Schengen Area includes San Marino as well as the Vatican City, all visas for these locations are handled by the Embassy of Italy.
When Portugal joined the Schengen Area as a member state of the EU in 1995, you have been able to apply for a Portuguese Schengen Visa.
When Denmark joined the Schengen Area as a member state of the European Union in 2001, you can apply for a Danish Schengen Visa.
When Latvia joined the Schengen Area as member of the European Union in 2007, you have been able to apply for a Latvian Schengen Visa.
When Sweden joined the Schengen Area as an EU member state in 2001 you have been able to apply for a Sweden Schengen Visa.
Since 1995, travelers who have been approved for a Schengen Visa have been able to enter Germany as they joined the Schengen Area as an EU member state.
Greece joined the Schengen Area as a member state of the European Union in the year 2000 and you have been able to apply for a Greek Schengen Visa since then.
Since Malta joined the Schengen Area as a member state of the European Union in 2007, you have been able to apply for a Maltese Schengen Visa.
Whats the Difference Between a Visas Validity and a Stays Duration?
The validity of your single-entry visa or double-entry visa, with the exception of a multiple-entry visa, which allows you to stay in the Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days during a 180-day period, is determined by the embassy. The number of days you are allowed to spend in any of the Schengen countries, as well as the first day you are allowed to enter and the last day you are allowed to leave, are all determined by the embassy.
Many people become perplexed at this point because they are unaware of the distinction between visa validity and the term of stay in a visa.
The maximum number of days you are allowed to stay in Schengen is the duration of your stay. Even if you enter just a few minutes before midnight, the first day you enter Schengen is considered as “Day 1.” The “Last Day,” on the other hand, is the day you leave Schengen, even if it is only a few minutes after midnight.
Visa validity, on the other hand, refers to the length of time you can enter and stay in the Schengen Area using your visa.
For example, your visa allows you to stay for ten days, yet the validity of your visa is from January 1 to January 20. In this situation, you are free to enter the Schengen Zone at any point within this time frame. You can arrive on 3 January and depart on 12 January, for example. On the other side, even if you arrive on the 15th of January, you must depart on the 20th, despite not having spent the maximum number of days allowed.
If you hold a double-entry visa valid from January 1 to March 1 and a stay of 10 days, you can enter the Schengen Area twice during that time. During both travels, you are still not allowed to stay longer than 10 days. If you stay seven days on your first trip, you can only stay three days on your second trip. Even if your visa is still valid, you will not be allowed to enter the country if you make only one journey and stay 10 days in any of the member states.
If you have a three-year multiple-entry visa that expires on January 15, 2018, you will be able to enter and depart Schengen whenever you choose until January 15, 2021. It is important to remember that each 180-day term has a 90-day restriction.
Visa Purposes For The Schengen Zone
You must apply for a residency permit or national D-Visa, rather than a Schengen Visa if you plan to stay in Europe for more than 90 days.
Your long-stay visa must be for a period of three months to one year, regardless of the length of your anticipated stay. You must apply for a residence permit at a prefecture in order to prolong your stay beyond the duration of your visa.
The long-stay visa is comparable to a Schengen visa throughout its validity term, allowing you to travel and remain in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, under the same circumstances as if you had a Schengen visa.
If you are a citizen of a country that can visit the Schengen zone without a visa, then you may travel visa-free and apply for your national visa
One of the most well-known reasons for visiting the Schengen Zone is for tourism. However there are many reasons you can list as your travel purpose on your application such as:
Visiting Family or Friends - those who desire to visit family or friends who are lawfully resident in the Schengen region.
Business - Many individuals travel to and from the Schengen nations on a regular basis for business.
Medical reasons — For heading to any of the Schengen member states for medical treatment
Students and learners who intend to attend any form of educational institution, such as university courses, language courses, and other courses, for a duration of less th
Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews - a visa created for those residing outside of the Schengen Zone who want to go to Europe for a Cultural, Sports, or Religious Event, as
Which countries are in the Schengen Zone?
There are 27 countries in Europe who have abolished their internal borders under the Schengen Agreement. The Schengen Zone covers most of the EU countries, except Ireland and countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus. Scroll further to see a full list of each country in the Schengen zone.
What is the Schengen Zone?
The Schengen Zone is a group of 27 European nations that have formally eliminated all forms of border control at their shared borders. The region mostly works as a single jurisdiction for the purpose of foreign travel, with a unified visa regime called the Schengen Visa which allows third-country nationals to visit the area.
Visa Application Process For The Schengen Zone
Schengen visas are utilised by business persons, tourists, speciality workers, and students who want to stay in Europe for a limited time for specific travel purposes. Those who apply for a Schengen visa must show the visa Applications Centre that they intend to leave the Schengen Zone at the end of their temporary stay.
Once you have completed the online form and submitted your details, your information will be reviewed and your application will enter processing. First of all, any mistakes or un-clear information will be clarified or corrected to ensure no issues during any visa applications.
An appointment must be scheduled to lodge your application, but first we will check the availability and advise accordingly. You must gather a selection of required documentation to prove you have sufficient financial means to support yourself, as well as evidence of your accommodation and flights to and from the country. Our helpful support staff will ensure you have everything you need in order to gather the correct documents.
Countries In The Schengen Zone
A Schengen Visa is required for any third national wishing to enter the schengen zone. It could be a short-stay Schengen C-visa for stays of up to 90 days or a national D-visa / residence permit for longer stays in the country.
What to do if your Visa to the Schengen Zone is refused?
You have the right to challenge this judgement. A standard form is distributed by the consulate of the Member State that decided to deny the visa in order to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Schengen visa as well as the grounds for denial. People frequently inquire us how we can “ensure” the granting of a visa. The short answer is that there is no way to get a 100% assurance because the embassies make all final decisions. Making ensuring your application is as strong as possible is all you can do, though. Please contact us if your application for a visa has been denied.
People also asked...
This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally you first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay. Future Visa Applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.
There are 27 Schengen members states in Europe. You can see the full list of countries in the Schengen zone above.
You can expect an update on any Visa Applications within 3 days of submission. You can choose express processing at checkout for a response within 24 hours.
Once you attend your appointment, your visa can take up to 15 working days to be processed by the Embassy.
Schengen began in 1985 with just six member nations. The UK withdrew from the project, citing a lack of interest in abolishing border restrictions due to its island-like nature.
The name “Schengen” derives from the tiny winery town and commune of Schengen in far southeastern Luxembourg, which hosted the signing of the Schengen Agreement by France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
Fortunately, the majority of European governments have eased entrance restrictions and eliminated temporary internal borders in recent years. While travel between several EU member states is permitted without restriction, some countries impose extra entrance criteria. Generally, Schengen nations do not have robust borders.