Schengen visa in New York

Schengen visa requirements

The requirements for a Schengen visa typically include the following:

• 1. Visa application form: Fully completed and signed.
• 2. 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.
• 3. 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

• 4. 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.
• 5. Proof Of Accommodation: A document that shows where you will be staying during your time at Schengen Area.
• 6. Proof Of Financial Means: Documents demonstrating your financial ability to cover the costs of your stay, such as bank statements, or a sponsorship letter.
• 7. Proof Of Paid Fee: Payment receipt for the Schengen visa application.
• 8. Cover letter: Explaining the purpose of the visit and the itinerary.

Depending on your specific situation, additional documents may be required, such as an employment contract, proof of academic enrollment, or proof of familial ties in the Schengen area. Visas for stays exceeding 90 days are subject to national procedures and may have different requirements. Always check the specific requirements with the consulate or embassy of the Schengen country you plan to visit, as there may be variations in the required documents.

Schengen visa fees

Schengen visa validity

The validity of a Schengen visa can vary depending on the type of visa issued, the purpose of the trip, and the applicant's individual circumstances. Here are the common validity terms for a Schengen visa:

• Short stay (Type C) visa: Usually valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries. If the conditions are met, Uniform Schengen Visas may be issued with a validity of one year (C1), two years (C2), three years (C3), or five years (C5) (Types of Visa and Duration).
• Airport Transit (Type A) visa: Valid only for transiting through the international zone of a Schengen airport and does not allow entry into the Schengen Area.
• National visas (Type D):For longer stays (over 90 days), such as work, study, or family reunification, the validity depends on the purpose of stay and is determined by the national laws of the Schengen country issuing the visa.

It's important to note that the length of stay and the validity of the visa are not necessarily the same. For example, you may be issued a visa that is valid for multiple entries over a period of several years, but you can only stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Visa policy - European Commission - Migration and Home Affairs).
Applicants should always check their visa sticker carefully to understand the period of validity and the duration of stay allowed. Overstaying a Schengen visa can result in fines or entry bans.

Schengen visa countries list

The Schengen Area consists of 27 countries, where travelers can move freely across internal borders without being subject to border checks. Here is the list of Schengen countries as of the latest available information:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland (not an EU member)
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein (not an EU member)
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway (not an EU member)
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland (not an EU member)

It's important to note that while Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania are EU member states