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The EU`s passport-free travel area is known as the Schengen zone. It is the cornerstone of the European project. Since its creation in 1995, EU citizens have enjoyed the right to freedom of movement. This means they can study, work, and live anywhere in the EU. Tourists and businesses also enjoy these rights.

  • Which countries are part of the Schengen Zone?

Except for Ireland, all EU countries are part of the Schengen zone. Ireland and Cyprus are out of the project because they Will Join Schengen at the same point in the future. 

  • How can I travel to Ireland, which is not part of the Schengen zone?

Ireland is not part of the Schengen area, which means that travellers toward Ireland from Schengen must pass through an immigration checkpoint. They need to provide their passports or national identity cards. 

  • Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

Except for Ireland and Crypto, all EU countries are part of the Schengen area. 

 

 

Schengen visa

Explore the Schengen visa and its importance in enabling passport-free travel within the EU.

 

 

What Is a Schengen Visa & Why Do We Need It?

A Schengen visa is a temporary and short-stay visa allowing holders to stay in Schengen countries for a specific time. It is also helpful for transiting through the Schengen area, which includes some countries outside the EU but not the UK. 

  • What is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa is valid for 90 to 180 days. Moreover, a visa issued by one Schengen state is valid for travelling in all Schengen member states. However, it would help if you need a visa from the country of your leading destination. 

  • What are the benefits of a Schengen visa?

This visa allows more than 400 million people to travel freely in Schengen. Moreover, they can enjoy the culture and cuisines of the Schengen zone. 

 

 

Depending on the stay, what are the types of Schengen Visas?

A Schengen visa can be categorized into the following types:

  • A Schengen visa is also called an Airport Transit Visa (ATV).
  • B Transit Visa (allows you to transit through non-Schengen states for your journey, which is less than 5 days).
  • C Schengen Visa (valid for a short stay of up to 90 days).
  • D Type Schengen Visa (for a long-term stay of more than 90 days).

 

 

Schengen Visa

Panoramic view of Prague and city bridges, Czech Republic. A country in the Schengen Area.

 

 

 

How many Schengen Visas can I Apply for for a short stay?

Individuals worldwide can apply for visas for a short stay in Schengen. They can apply for a Schengen visit, work, business, airport transit, student, or medical visa. All these visas are tailored to the diverse needs of people worldwide. 

 

 

What Are The Requirements For A Schengen Visa?

When applying for a Schengen visa, you need the following documents. So, Schengen authorities have created a list of documents required for a visa. You will need 

  • A Visa Application Form

Please complete and sign the visa application form. The embassy only accepts accurately completed forms.

  • A Valid Passport

The passport should be valid and readable. Its expiry date should be at least three months before your trip. It must also have two blank pages for visa affixing. 

  • Passport Size Photographs

Passport-size photographs that comply with the standards of the Schengen embassy are needed.

  • Medical Insurance Policy

It is, therefore, required to cover emergency medical expenses. Moreover, it manages the cost of hospitalization and travel.

  • Proof Of Financial Resources

Provide proof of your financial resources, such as your bank statement and credit card details. The bank statement must be for the last six months. 

  • Proof Of Accommodation

Provide details about your stay in the Schengen Zone. This includes hotel reservations, entry and exit dates, and rental agreements. 

  • Biometric Data

This data includes your fingerprints and photo verification. Perhaps the purpose of biometric verification is to identify yourself. 

  • Additional Documents

So, ask the embassy or consulate for any other documents required for visa application. 

 

 

Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa Requirements are your checklist in order.

 

 

What Is Flight Reservation & Why Do We Need It?

The flight reservation ensures your arrangements to travel to the country. Moreover, it is not an actual ticket; it is just a reservation for your plane travel. Furthermore, you can reserve flight ticket without paying the cost. 

  • Why do we need a flight reservation?

The reason for having a flight reservation is to save money. Because you do not know about the acceptance or rejection of a visa. So, the embassy recommended attaching a flight reservation rather than a confirmed flight ticket. 

 

How Much Money Do I Need To Visit The Schengen Area?

It depends on the country you are applying for. So, you must prove that you can support yourself during your stay. Moreover, you have an ample amount in your account to show your savings for the Schengen trip. 

 

 

How Much Does The Cost Of A Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa cost is listed below.

  • For adults, it is 80 Euros.
  • For children between 6-12 years, it is 40 Euros
  • 35 Euros for the applicants from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Belarus
  • The applicants from Cabo Verde it is 60 Euros

Moreover, you must pay other charges if you apply through visa services centres. Because, in some cases, they collect the application on behalf of consulates.

 

 

What is the processing time For the Schengen Visa Application?

The ordinary processing time for a visa application is 15 days. This period may be amplified up to 45 days if a more detailed application examination is required. Furthermore, the embassy will need some other documents for visa approval. 

 

 

What Are The Steps To Apply For A Schengen Visa?

There are steps you should follow to apply for a Schengen visa.

  1. Collect all required documents
  2. Fill out the visa application form
  3. Proofread the visa application form and sign and mention the dates on it
  4. Moreover, attach all the documents with the application form
  5. Visit the embassy or consulate for application form submission
  6. Pay visa fees
  7. Book an appointment 
  8. Attend interview
  9. Track your application and wait for visa approval
  10. Collect your passport

 

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Discover the proper steps to take to apply for a Schengen Visa.

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