Is France short stay visa a Schengen visa? Many visitors coming to France or visa applicants want to know whether the short stay visa is the same as the Schengen visa. This article answers this question and more.
Is France Short Stay Visa A Schengen Visa?
A short stay visa is the same thing as a Schengen visa. Schengen visas are called short stay visas because they are only valid for 180 days, and holders can only stay in the country for 90 days. Both names are used interchangeably to mean the same thing, but this visa cannot be used for long term visits. For instance, you cannot use a Schengen visa to study for a long course in France, nor can you use it to work or reside as a temporary or permanent resident.
You only use it for a short time, and that is it.
Visit Multiple Countries
Another thing you should know is that this visa allows you to visit different countries in Europe within the Schengen zone, but you still need to stay within the 90-day mark. The Schengen Zone consists of 27 countries, and France is one of them. Any country that signs the Schengen Agreement automatically becomes a Schengen country with a borderless immigration policy. This allows EU citizens and Schengen visa holders to enter and exit. You can visit France or any other Schengen nation to conduct the following activities.
Transit: You can transit to another country through France by obtaining a Transit visa. This visa is valid for only a few days, and it allows you to stay in the city where you land for a day or two before switching flights to continue your trip.
Tourism: You can visit France as a tourist to enjoy the sights and sounds of the country. Visitors are free to visit any part of the country to relax or for sightseeing.
Business: If you have a business engagement in France, a Schengen visa will be useful as long as you don’t plan to stay beyond the 90 days allowed. The visa can b reused to visit for negotiations, meetings or seminars, training workshops, etc.
Visiting: Persons with friends and family in France who may or may not be French citizens can apply for a visitor visa.
Medical Care: France has a world-class medical industry will good hospitals and quality healthcare professionals for patients in need of medical care. If you need a visa to enter France for medical treatment, you should go for this type of Schengen visa.
Short Study: For studies that will not exceed 90 days, a short study visa will suffice.
Is A Schengen Visa Renewable?
The visa is renewable after some time, and the applicant must submit a renewal request after six months. However, the process can be stressful and highly uncertain, so it is best to conclude your mission to France on time before the 90th day, but if you are unsure of concluding so soon, we recommend applying for a long stay visa instead.
What Is The Difference Between A Short Stay And A Long Stay Visa?
A short stay visa and a long stay visa are similar because they are documents that grant the foreigner entry into the country. However, their differences lie in their validity periods.
Short stay Schengen visas are valid for 180 days, while long stay visas are valid for one year or more; some long stay visas are even valid for up to 5 years.
Secondly, you need more than short stay visas to qualify for residency or a work permit. This means that you cannot reside in France permanently with a short stay visa or work since you will not be issued a work permit. Only holders of long stay visas enjoy such privileges.
How To Apply For A Short Stay Schengen Visa?
To apply for a short stay Schengen visa, you will need to prepare your application and submit it to the embassy or visa application center, depending on the procedure. Some embassies in some countries receive applications directly from applicants, while others do so through licensed agents.
Find out the process in your country and follow the procedure to get your application to the embassy.
You will also need to book an appointment with the embassy for a visa interview. A date will be scheduled for the interview, and you must come with original copies of your documents for review by the visa officer. It is what to submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before the day you plan to travel so the visa will be out on time.
Is France short stay visa a Schengen visa? Yes, it is, since Schengen visas are only valid for a short time (180 days).