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What is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is a short term entry permit that allows people to travel to any of the members of the Schengen zone and stay there for a maximum of 90 days in a half-year period. The visa allows you to move within the Schengen zone as many times as required, as there are no border restrictions between the countries. The visa allows you to enter the Schengen states for various purposes such as tourism, business, study, etc.
Note that if you have to stay for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a National visa of the particular country instead of the Schengen visa.
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Schengen Visa types according to the purpose of travel
The Schengen visas can be classified into the following types based on the purpose of the visit -
Airport Transit – this category is for people who have to travel through the international zone of a Schengen country’s airport without entering the Schengen region. Note that even if you need a Schengen to enter a particular country, you may not have to get a transit visa. Check the list of countries that will require an airport transit visa to enter a Schengen country.
Transit – Similar to the airport transit visa, this category is required in cases the traveller has to pass through a Schengen country seaport or switch airports as a part of travel to another nation.
Tourism – The most issued type of the Schengen, this is granted in cases where the individual has to enter the region for the purpose of sightseeing, leisure, and other tourism activities.
Visiting Family or Friends – This is granted for people travelling to the Schengen region to visit their family or friends residing there.
Business – This category is issued for travellers entering the Schengen region to take part in business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and other business activities.
Official Visit - This type of permit is issued for people travelling for official reasons.
Medical reasons – This special category is granted for patients who are travelling to a Schengen country seeking medical treatment.
Study Purposes – The student category is issued to people who are entering the Schengen country to take part in short term studies.
Cultural, Sports and Film Crews – This is granted for individuals travelling for the purpose of attending cultural or sporting events, and also as a part of a film crew.
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How to apply for Schengen Visa?
Schengen Visa Apply involves several steps.it also depends on the particular embassy as well. However, the general steps involved in the Schengen visa application are as follows -
Decide the exact type of visa you require. Based on the purpose and duration, you must choose the one apt for you. If you require a long term visa, you must apply for the National visa and not a Schengen.
Find out where you will have to submit the application. Depending on the country you are applying from and to, you may be able to submit the application at the embassy/consulate or one of the visa application centres. Also, depending on your port of entry and the main destination, you must apply to the specific Schengen country.
Proceed to make your application on time. You must apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but not more than 3 months before the expected date of travel.
Fill in the Schengen application form. Regardless of the country, the application form is of the same format. However, certain Schengen countries may have online application forms available.
Proceed to book a visa appointment at the respective centre. The appointment can be at an embassy/consulate or a visa application centre depending upon the regulations.
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