Embark On An Unrestricted Journey: The Schengen Visa Experience
A Schengen visa is a short-stay travel document that permits visitors to the Schengen Area for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days during any single stay.
The Schengen visa is one of Europe’s most widely held travel documents, permitting its holder to freely enter, travel within, and leave any member country of the Schengen Zone without encountering border controls.
However, if you plan to study, work or live in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days, a national visa of that European nation and not a Schengen visa should be obtained. Over 5.9 million people used their Schengen visas in 2022 alone to travel into Europe!
European Visa Cost For Tourists
Schengen visa fees currently cost EUR80 for adults; however, depending on factors like applicant age, nationality, and other considerations, there are exceptions where lesser fees or even no fee at all must be paid.
Mandatory Documents For A Tourist Schengen Visa Application
For Tourist Schengen visa applications, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A valid proof of accommodation showing where you will be staying during your time in Schengen; for example, hotel/hostel booking containing name, complete address, telephone number, and email for the entire period during which you’ll be present in Schengen.
- A sponsorship letter is necessary when another individual financially supports your trip to the Schengen Zone; an Affidavit of Support should also be prepared.
Where Should A Tourist Apply For A Schengen Visa?
Your tourist Schengen visa application should be filed at the embassy/consulate/visa center for your primary destination within the Schengen Area. When traveling within one country, submit it at their respective embassy/consulate/visa center.
Also Read: What Are The Requirements To Apply For A Schengen Medical Visa?
If visiting multiple Schengen states at once, submit your visa application at each embassy/consulate/visa center where you plan on spending the most days; or start as you plan to spend equal time in each.
Be mindful of how the authorities in your main destination have implemented visa submissions in your home country. In larger nations, submission can often be divided among various jurisdictions — make sure that your application falls within one of them when applying! To apply expediently for visa submission in larger nations.
Specifically, apply at an embassy, consulate, or visa center of the destination country closest to your home town’s residence if that applies.
Obtain a flight itinerary for visa and reserved flight ticket instead of purchasing an expensive one. A fight itinerary for visa application does not cost as much as a real plane or air ticket.
In some instances, you might even find airline companies charging no fee when issuing dummy flight itineraries with reservation numbers for visa applications. However, an economical fee may apply depending on which airline company charges this service.
When Should You Apply For A Schengen Visa As A Tourist?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Visa Processing Take?
Submit your tourist Schengen visa application no later than 15 calendar days before your planned journey into the Schengen zone. However, applications should be filed as early as three months before travel plans.
For What Duration Does This Visa Apply?
Application for a Schengen tourist visa should be made at least two weeks in advance of travel plans. Embassy Consulates generally respond within 10 working days (or sooner if applicable), depending on how quickly they can process all necessary documentation and requests. Under certain conditions, proceeding time could take up to two months in cases involving special circumstances or unusual political issues.
Tourist visas typically remain valid for stays no longer than 90 days, so if your travel plans include multiple entries into and exit from the Schengen Zone during that period. Fill in the “multiple entry” gap on the application form so you can enter and leave at your leisure without exceeding its duration.
Related Resources:
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What Type Of Insurance Is Required When Travelling To Schengen Zone?
Originally published at https://www.morninglive.co.uk.
