Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows an individual to travel to any country within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is a collection of 26 European countries that have agreed to allow free movement of people within their borders.
However, the Schengen visa is not a one-size-fits-all visa. There are different types of Schengen visas, each with its own duration of stay. In this article, we will explore the different types of Schengen visas and their duration of stay.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a visa that allows an individual to travel to any country within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is a collection of 26 European countries that have agreed to allow free movement of people within their borders.
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that an individual with a Schengen visa can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.
Types of Schengen Visas
There are different types of Schengen visas, each with its own duration of stay. The types of Schengen visas are:
Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
An airport transit visa (ATV) allows an individual to transit through an airport in the Schengen area without entering the Schengen area. An ATV is valid for up to 5 days.
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)
A uniform Schengen visa (USV) allows an individual to visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A USV can be issued as a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa.
Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)
A limited territorial validity visa (LTV) allows an individual to visit only the country or countries specified in the visa. The duration of stay and the number of entries allowed will depend on the individual’s travel plans and the issuing consulate.
National Visa
A national visa allows an individual to stay in a particular Schengen country for a period longer than 90 days. The duration of stay will depend on the individual’s travel plans and the issuing consulate.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
To apply for a Schengen visa, an individual must submit an application to the consulate or embassy of the country they intend to visit. The application must be submitted at least 15 days before the intended travel date.
The application must include:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Conclusion
The duration of stay for a Schengen visa will depend on the type of visa issued. It is important to apply for the correct type of visa based on the intended travel plans.
Applying for a Schengen visa can be a complex process, but with the right documentation and preparation, it is possible to obtain a Schengen visa and enjoy the freedom of movement within the Schengen area.
