Table of contents
- Schengen Visa - Types, Cost, Validity And More
- Which European countries can issue Schengen visa?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
- What documents are required when applying for a Schengen visa?
- Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
- Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
- Is it mandatory to have travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
- How to submit the proof of travel insurance for a Schengen Visa?
- Types of Schengen Visa
Schengen Visa - Types, Cost, Validity And More
A Schengen visa is a permit that allows individuals to travel freely within theSchengen Areawhich is a zone comprising of 27 European countries. This allows travelers to visit any country in the Schengen area freely without the need to get multiple visas.
A Schengen visa can be issued by one of the Schengen countries which allows the traveler to move freely within the Schengen zone for a short stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Schengen Visa is for short-term trips like tourism, business trips, or family trips.
For stays longer than 90 days like studying, working or residence in Schengen countries, you must apply for a national visa.
Table of contents
Which European countries can issue Schengen visa?
List of EU countries issuing Schengen visa.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- In January 2020 Schengen visa costs were increased to ensure that the Schengen Area Countries can cover the cost of processing applications better.
- The standard Schengen visa cost increased from €60 to €80
The Schengen visa cost of children between 6 - 12 years increase from €35 to €40 Children who are younger than 6 can apply for free. Visa Cost in USD Visa Cost in Euro Adult $88 €80 Children 6-12 $45 €40 Children younger than 6 Free Free
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
The standard Schengen visa processing time is around 15 days, Though the processing time can change based on the case. In some cases, the embassy can also take up to 30 days to process the visa and in extraordinary cases, the Schengen visa processing time can even go up to 60 days.
If you don't want to deal with all the complex documentation process and don't want the Schengen visa process to be delayed due to incorrect submission of documents then you can let Avisa Services handle everything for you.
What documents are required when applying for a Schengen visa?
The documents required are -
- Visa application form: Fully completed and signed.
Two photos must be attached: The photos which are attached must not be older than 6 months Some key things to remember when taking photos for a Schengen visa.
- The photo must be 35 mm (width) x 45 mm (Height).
- The photo background must be in plain white color with no distracting colors or designs.
- The photo must be taken in high resolution with proper contrast.
- The photo must not contain any filters and should be in true natural color.
- You must keep your facial expressions neutral.
- You should not be wearing any accessories which will cover your face expression (Women cancover their heads with a scarf)
- Your eyes must be completely open.
- Avoid photos with red flash in the eyes.
- The photo you submit must not be covered in ink or have staple marks.
A valid passport: Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and it should be valid for at least 3 more months beyond the date you plan on leaving or exiting the Schengen Area.
A-Passport & Visa Services also provides passport renewal services.- Schengen travel insurance: It is mandatory to get travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
- Proof Of Accommodation: A document that shows where you will be staying during your time at Schengen Area .
- Proof Of Financial Means: Documents demonstrating your financial ability to cover the costs of your stay, such as bank statements, or a sponsorship letter.
- Proof Of Paid Fee: Payment receipt for the Schengen visa application.
Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
If you are traveling to any of the 27 Schengen countries for tourism, business, or any other reason. It's mandatory to have travel insurance if you want to apply for a Schengen visa. If you do not have a valid insurance policy then the embassy will reject your application.
Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
The Schengen insurance plan must meet the following requirements
- The policy must cover at least €30,000 (equivalent to 32,884 USD as of December 20-11-2023) for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- The policy must be valid for all Schengen area countries.
- The policy should be valid for the duration of your stay.
EuroAssistance offers a travel insurance certificate which is required when applying for a Schengen Visa.
Is it mandatory to have travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Yes, it's mandatory to have travel insurance for a schengen visa as.schengen countries require travelers to have adequate travel insurance coverage as a part of the visa application process. The insurance is considered a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of travelers during their stay in the Schengen Area.
How to submit the proof of travel insurance for a Schengen Visa?
When you apply for the Schengen visa the embassy will ask you to provide a schengen travel insurance this is also called a travel insurance certificate.
Types of Schengen Visa
There are various types of Schengen Visas to cater to different purposes of travel.
The most common Schengen visa types are -
- Tourist schengen visa
- Business schengen visa
- Transit schengen visa
Tourist Schengen Visa
- Tourist Schengen visa is designed for individuals who want to travel to the Schengen area for tourism purposes. The holder of the tourist Schengen visa can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in the period of 6 months.
Business Schengen Visa
- A Business Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows business people from non-European countries to visit the Schengen area and enable them to participate in various business activities like meetings, conferences or conduct market research.
- With the help of a Schengen visa, travelers can visit multiple Schengen areas. If there are any business restrictions it will be stated on the visa.
Transit Schengen Visa
- Type A transit ( Airport Transit Visa ): This visa allows the citizens of non-Schengen states to wait for their connecting flight located in the Schengen country. This is for individuals who have a layover in a Schengen airport on their way to a non-Shengen country. And you are not allowed to leave the airport when you have type A (Airport transit Visa ).
- Type B:This visa is valid for 5 days and allows the individual or holder to travel through the Schengen area who are on their way to final destinations which are outside of the Schengen area .
- Type C: Type C is the most commonly issued transit visa This allows the holder to stay in Schengen countries for 90 days.
- Single Entry Visa: People having Single Entry Visa are only allowed to enter the Schengen area country only 1 time and once they leave, re-entry is not allowed even if their visa is still valid.
- Double Entry Visa: People having Double Entry Visa are allowed to enter the Schengen Area Countries twice meaning,They can enter ,leave and then re-enter the Schengen area.
- Multiple Entry Visa: People having Multiple Entry Visa are allowed to enter Schengen Area Countries multiple times till the validity of the Schengen visa expires.
In simple terms.
- Single Entry: One-time access.
- Double Entry: Two-time access.
- Multiple Entry: Multiple times access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the difference between European and Schengen
The term “European" refers to anything related to the continent of Europe, which includes various countries with diverse cultures and policies.
Whereas the term, "Schengen" specifically refers to a group of European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders, allowing for easier travel within this area. Not all European countries are part of the Schengen Area, The Schengen Agreement primarily focuses on facilitating border-free movement among its member states.
2) How long is Schengen visa valid for
A Schengen visa can be issued by one of the Schengen countries which allows the traveler to move freely within the Schengen zone for a short stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Schengen Visa is for short-term trips like tourism, business trips, or family trips.
3) What is the hardest Schengen visa to get
According to the Schengen Visa Statistics 2021 the countries that have the highest rejection rate are Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
4) What does C mean In a Schengen visa?
Type C is the most commonly issued transit visa This allows the holder to stay in Schengen countries for 90 days.
Single Entry Visa: People having Single Entry Visa are only allowed to enter the Schengen area country only 1 time and once they leave, re-entry is not allowed even if their visa is still valid.
Double Entry Visa: People having Double Entry Visa are allowed to enter the Schengen Area Countries twice meaning, They can enter, leave and then re-enter the Schengen area.
Multiple Entry Visa: People having Multiple Entry Visa are allowed to enter Schengen Area Countries multiple times till the validity of the Schengen visa expires.
5) What 5 countries are not in the Schengen area
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom are not or not yet, part of the Schengen area. This means that a flight from one of these states to a Schengen state is regarded as an external flight and is subject to border checks.
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