Have you been hearing about the Schengen visa again and again? But not sure what it is and why you may need it? Schengen visa is a type if visa through which you can visit the member states of the European Union if you belong to a country who is not permitted visa free entry.
Everything you need to know about the Schengen Visa is highlighted in this article! From the requirements to the application procedure, this article has drilled down information to the maximum.
What is A Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a visa for short stay in the Schengen countries. If you require a visa to travel in the Schengen zone then you must obtain the Schengen visa. The Schengen visas allows individuals to stay or travel around in any of the Schengen countries for a period of 90 days. The visa remains valid for a 180 day period from issuance.
With Schengen visas you can travel the Schengen countries for tourism or business purposes.
You may apply for a single entry visa, double entry or multiple entry visa but for each stay you will be allowed to stay for a duration of 90 days only.
What are the Different Types of Schengen Visa?
Applicants mainly get the Schengen visas either for visiting purposes or to cater to business matters. If you want to travel to any Schengen country to meet a relative or friend, then also you must acquire the Schengen visa.
The Schengen tourist visa allows individuals to explore any European country and this visa can also be used to visit your loved ones. This visa is mainly for relaxation and recreational purposes.
The other Schengen visa is the Schengen business visa. This visa is to cater to an applicant's business needs. For example, if you have to attend any business meeting, seminar, conference or even negotiate important contracts and sign deals.
What are the Requirements for a Schengen Visa?
To apply for the Schengen visa there are required documents that you must submit along. These documents are as follows:
The Schengen visa application form is the most essential part of the visa applications. You should ensure that you fill it properly and do not leave any information section empty. This application form will mainly ask you for your personal details and your overall travel plan.
Next, you must submit your valid passport. The passport you submit must have at least 2 blank pages and it should have a validity of six months after you exit the Schengen country.
You also have to submit passport-type pictures which should preferably have a white background.
Moreover, you have to submit a proper travel itinerary stating where you will be travelling. You must provide proof in the form or round trip flight itinerary or hotel accommodation or any other proof of accommodation.
To travel to the Schengen member states, it is important that you have travel medical insurance. This is necessary as it provides guarantee that if any unfortunate things happens while you are in the Schengen area, your cost can be covered.
You should have proper financial resources too and you must provide proof of sufficient funds so that the concerned authorities know that you can cover your travel cost. Or if you are being sponsored by someone then you need to provide the sponsor's details.
If you have been invited to the Schengen country by any organizations or your family member then you must submit the invitation letter too. The letter will state the purpose of your visit, how long do you intent to stay, your relation with the inviting person and the details of the host.
Once you have gathered all the required documents you need to submit them along with paying the visa fee.
How to Apply to A Schengen Visa?
You should apply for the Schengen visa at least a month before you intend to travel to the Schengen area. Moreover, even though you can travel to all Schengen countries with a single Schengen visa, you should apply for the Schengen visa of the country you will be visiting or entering the Schengen zone through.
You can apply either through embassy, visa application center or the Consulate. You must schedule a visa appointment beforehand.
You can also apply for a visa online through the likes of third-party services such as VisaHQ. VisaHQ provides step-by-step guidance on how to apply for the visa.
You can first choose the destination of the country you want to visit from the Schengen states and then choose your own citizenship. The site will show you all details regarding the visa and its requirements. Once you have chosen which visa you have to apply for you can apply for it online by filling the visa application form and then gathering all the documents, scanning them and uploading them.
You can pay the visa fee and service fee online as well and your visa will soon after be delivered to you. VisaHQ provides great service through which you can apply and acquire the visa in no time.