Do you know that to make your way to any European country, you need a specific type of visa called a Schengen visa? If not, let us help you with some essential information regarding a Schengen visa. It is an official document that has been made mandatory for non-Europeans to visit a country that comes under the Schengen Area.
26 countries together constitute the Schengen Area. Hence, some non-Europeans and other foreigners, including Indians, must have a Schengen visa to visit a Schengen country for any purpose whatsoever.
From travel insurance for Schengen visa to how to get it approved, we have got you covered. So read along to learn everything you need about a Schengen visa, its type, fees, application process and other essential details.
What are the Types of Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa comes in different types based on your requirements to visit any Schengen country. Given below are the types of the same mentioned in detail.
● Uniform Schengen Visa
A uniform Schengen visa is a short-term visa required to visit any of the countries in the Schengen Area. This type of visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a Schengen country. Besides, there are two subcategories of a uniform Schengen visa, including a category A Schengen visa and a category B Schengen visa.
● Category A or Airport Transit Schengen Visa
A category A transit Schengen visa is a legal mandate required every time you pass through a Schengen country. It is a mandatory requirement at the airports for every visitor passing through the international zone of the Schengen Area.
● Category C or Short-Term Schengen Visa
Category C refers to the short-term Schengen visa that is mainly targeted by tourists or non-European residents. It has a validity period of 90 days and comes in three variants - single entry, double entry and multiple entry.
● Single Entry Category C Schengen Visa
With a single entry category C Schengen visa, you can enter the Schengen Area once during your entire validity period. You cannot stay longer than that without applying for an extension.
● Double Entry Category C Schengen Visa
The specifications of a double entry category C Schengen visa are not very different from the single entry one. The only difference is that you can enter the Schengen Area two times within the validity period of your visa.
● Multiple Entry Category C Schengen Visa
A multiple-entry category C Schengen Visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times within the validity period of your visa. However, you need to ensure you follow the 90/180 rule, according to which you can only stay up to 90 days across the 180-day validity period of your category C Schengen visa.
● Single Entry Category D Schengen Visa
A category D Schengen visa is applicable for you if you would like to visit the Schengen Area for a purpose that requires you to live there for a considerable period of time. For instance, you can apply for this type of visa for your academic education in one of the Schengen countries if you intend to return to your home country after the purpose is fulfilled.
● Multiple Entry Category D Schengen Visa
You can apply for a multiple entry category D Schengen visa if you need to visit the Schengen Area multiple times. Hence, some of the categories of individuals who can opt for this type of visa include:
● Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) Visa for the Schengen Area
This type of visa is issued under very specific circumstances that are usually humanitarian in nature. This visa can be granted by a Schengen country or sometimes by a group of Schengen Area nations.
The following are the eligibility requirements you must consider before starting with the Schengen business visa application process:
Given below is a step-by-step application process for a Schengen visa:
Step 1: Download the Schengen visa application form online. Fill it out and take a printout of it. Handwritten forms are not allowed.
Step 2: You need to submit the printed hard copy of the Schengen visa application form in person at the application centre of the Schengen country you would like to visit. You can also send them through an authorised travel agent since you are not allowed to send visa application forms via post.
Step 3: After submission, book an appointment for a Schengen visa interview at your nearest application centre for fingerprints and photo biometric information. You can book it from the official website of the application centre or by contacting them for the same.
Step 4: You need to pay the required application fees at the centre on your appointment day. Visit the application centre with the required documents and attend the interview.
Given below is a general list of the Schengen visa requirements:
Standard Documents Required for All Types of Schengen Visa:
Please note that there can be additional requirements of documents. You can always confirm such details by contacting the nearest visa application centre of the Schengen country you are visiting.
Having a Schengen visa accepted by the Embassy can never be a big deal as long as you provide all the required documents on time and follow the necessary guidelines. However, there are factors that can impact your Schengen visa application, which includes having travel insurance.
Buying travel insurance online is a great idea to secure yourself financially. It can provide you with financial coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances like loss of baggage, passports, cancellations of flights etc. Besides, travel insurance is one of the mandatory requirements to visit the Schengen Area.
You must also remember that you need to pass a visa interview to get your visa application accepted. Therefore, it is desirable that you research the commonly asked visa interview questions to prepare yourself well in advance.
To conclude, travelling to the Schengen Area can be a great experience and fulfilling once you have everything properly planned. So make sure to get travel insurance online for a Schengen visa today and secure yourself a stress-free and memorable trip to the Schengen Area with your family.
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