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Everything you need to know about Schengen Visa Application

You’ve definitely come across the term “Schengen” at some time in your study if you’re organizing a vacation to Europe. But what exactly is the Schengen Area? When and how do you apply for a Schengen visa if you want to travel to Europe? What exactly is legal Schengen visa insurance, too?

We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry. Here is all you need to know to travel through this complex European region, from a summary of Schengen travel restrictions to the application process for a Schengen visa.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa, often called a Europe visa, enables qualified individuals to freely travel between the 26 nations that make up the Schengen Area. This implies that passengers to Europe won’t have to go through border checks at Schengen’s internal borders.

However, travelers crossing external borders continue to be subject to border checks. The borders between Schengen and non-Schengen states are as follows.

The following people are qualified to travel freely inside the Schengen Area:

  • Citizens of Schengen nations
  • EU/EEA citizens who have a residence permit issued by a Schengen nation
  • Non-EU citizens from qualifying nations who don’t need a Schengen visa for trips of 90 days or less
  • EU citizens who have a valid Schengen visa

Which are the Schengen countries?

At the moment, the following are the EU Schengen Member States:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Prague Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece \sHungary
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania \sLuxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • countries that are not members of the EU
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway
  • Switzerland

Only six EU nations—Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom—are not a part of the Schengen Area. 

For a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period, citizens of these nations may visit the Schengen Area without a Schengen visa.

Who Requires a Schengen Visa?

If you want to travel freely inside the Schengen Area, one of the most crucial questions to ask yourself is whether or not you require a Schengen visa. Citizenship and/or residency are the main factors that determine Schengen visa requirements.

Countries Requiring Schengen Visa 

Currently, in order to cross external Schengen borders, citizens of the following nations must possess a Schengen visa:

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Belarus
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Botswana
  • In Burkina Faso
  • Burma/Myanmar
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • South Africa
  • Republic of Central Africa
  • Chad
  • China
  • Comoros
  • Congo
  • Cote D’ivoire
  • Cuba
  • Democratic Republic Of Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Fiji
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Lebanon
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Maldives
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Sao Tome And Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Swaziland
  • Syria
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • Uganda
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Schengen Visa Entry Requirements

If they meet the following entrance requirements, citizens of the aforementioned nations are allowed to travel inside the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in total within a 180-day period:

  • Owns a current passport
  • Possess a current Schengen visa
  • Possess travel health insurance that satisfies the standards for Schengen visa insurance
  • Possess documentation demonstrating the reason for and planned length of stay
  • Possess a return ticket or provide proof of sufficient funds to do so.

When Does Schengen Visa Application Take Place?

The European Commission states that you must apply for a Schengen visa at least 15 days before the beginning of your journey.

The consulate might, however, need more information or more time to review your application. You should therefore aim to submit your application 30 to 60 days before the commencement of your vacation.

The earliest you can submit your application is three months before the date you want to leave for your vacation.

Where to Apply for Schengen Visa?

The nation where you maintain a permanent address is where you should apply for your Schengen visa. Make an appointment to submit your application at the consulate of your primary Schengen destination. You must visit the consulate whose territory includes your residence.

How much Schengen Visa Cost?

A standard Schengen visa costs €80. (USD 80). Children under the age of six are completely free of charge, while children from six to twelve pay a discounted cost of €40.

When applying for a Schengen visa at an embassy, consulate, or visa application facility, you must pay the price. In the event that you fail to pay the visa fee, your application will be denied.

Who Is Not Required to Pay the Fee?

The following groups of visa applicants—in addition to kids under the age of six—are also free from paying the Schengen visa fee:

  • Travelers who are in possession of a diplomatic, official, or service passport
  • A member of the family of an EU/EEA citizen
  • During a field trip, pupils, students, and accompanying teachers
  • Traveling researchers conducting scientific research
  • For participants 25 years of age or under at seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, or educational activities organized by non-profit organizations, the visa fees may also be waived. 

The choice will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the significance of the event.

Expert Migrates at Every Step of the Way

Visa consultation is case-sensitive and can be tricky especially if you are unaware of the laws and policies for immigration or traveling purposes. Therefore, agents at Expert Migrates will help you at every step of the way to ensure your visa processing is as smooth as possible. 

Contact our consultant now and learn everything in detail with respect to your case.

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