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Europe, the second smallest continent in the world is also the world’s most visited region. The Schengen visa has certainly aided in the growth of the number of visitors to Europe. In simple terms, this is an endorsement issued by Schengen countries to allow people to enter the Schengen region via air, land, or water and reside for a duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Ever since its establishment, there is a myth that this can be used as a “Europe visa”. Make no mistake, the Schengen Visa India does allow people to enter the European continent, however, you cannot enter 26 out of the 44 of these European nations. The entry is limited to only the European countries that are a part of the Schengen agreement.
What is 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.
Things to know before applying for a Schengen Visa
The visiting countries - The first thing you will have to decide before applying is your Schengen visa first port of entry and your main destination in the Schengen region. Based on this, you will have to apply to the respective country’s embassy or representative.
The duration of stay - You should determine the total duration you intend on staying in the state(s). Based on this, you must apply to the Schengen visa or the National visa. The Schengen allows a stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, the national visa allows stays of more than 90 days. As per the Schengen visa validity rules, you cannot stay back in the region after expiry. As a result, you must decide this carefully.
The purpose of the visit - You must know the exact purpose of your visit. Based on the exact purpose, there are different categories of the Schengen visa. As per the Schengen visa rules, you are supposed to carry out your activities that are permitted under the particular visa category.
The number of entries - One of the biggest Schengen visa benefits is the number of times you can enter the area depending on the type of entry allowed. As a result, you can choose the Schengen visa number of entries from a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry types.
Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Europe?
Due to the fact that the Schengen area is the world’s largest visa-free zone, a large number of nationalities are free to enter the Schengen without the requirement of a Schengen visa. Apart from the nationals of the Schengen visa countries, the visa-exempt countries for the Schengen area include the EU nationals, the UK citizens, and other countries that have visa-exemption agreements. Even though there is no Schengen visa for UK citizens as the country is among the two opt-outs of the Schengen, UK nationals are free to enter the Schengen region. All other nationalities apart from these will require a visa to enter the zone. However, note that official delegates from certain nations are also free to enter the Schengen without a visa.
How to apply for a Schengen Visa?
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The process of applying for a Schengen visa involves several steps. In fact, 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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Schengen Visa Requirements
As per the Schengen visa requirements, to be able to obtain a Schengen visa, the following are the general Schengen visa documents required for an Indian passport holder. However, based on the exact country applying to, as well as the purpose of the visit, there are additional specific documents.
Document Requirements for Indian Passport Holders
Schengen visa form correctly filled and signed.
Two passport photos must be attached taken against the white background of size (35mm x 45mm) with 80% face size.
Passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond return date with at least two blank pages.
Travel Visa Insurance covering expenses up to 30,000 Euros within the entire Schengen area.
A cover letter stating the purpose of visit and itinerary.
Flight itinerary reservation with proof of accommodation for whole intended stay.
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