Are you planning to travel to Europe soon? If yes, then you need to know about the Schengen Visa, especially if you are a citizen of a country outside the Schengen area. The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows you to enter and travel to all the countries within the Schengen area. It is a mandatory requirement for all non-EU citizens who wish to travel to Europe for tourism, business, or any other purpose.
What is Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The countries in the Schengen Area include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows you to enter and travel to all the countries within the Schengen Area for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can travel to any of the 26 countries within the Schengen Area with a single visa. However, if you plan to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a long-stay visa.
Why Apply for Schengen Visa 6 Months In Advance?
If you are planning to travel to Europe for tourism, business, or any other purpose, you need to apply for a Schengen Visa at least 6 months in advance. This is because the Schengen Visa application process takes time, and there are a lot of formalities that you need to fulfill before you can get the visa.
Moreover, applying for the Schengen Visa in advance will give you enough time to prepare for your trip. You can plan your itinerary, book your flights and accommodation, and make other necessary arrangements without any rush or stress.
How to Apply for Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa application process is quite simple and straightforward. You need to follow the below steps:
- Visit the website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you plan to stay the longest.
- Fill out the Schengen Visa application form online.
- Pay the Schengen Visa application fee online.
- Schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate for submitting your application and supporting documents.
- Submit your Schengen Visa application and supporting documents at the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Schengen Visa?
When applying for a Schengen Visa, you need to submit the following documents:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 3 months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen Area.
- A Schengen Visa application form filled out completely and signed.
- A recent passport size photograph.
- Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in the Schengen Area.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a friend or family member.
- A travel itinerary that outlines your planned trip.
How Much Does Schengen Visa Cost?
The cost of a Schengen Visa varies depending on the country where you are applying from and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, the Schengen Visa fee ranges from €60 to €80 for adults, with reduced fees for children under the age of 12.
Conclusion
If you are planning to travel to Europe for tourism, business, or any other purpose, you need to apply for a Schengen Visa at least 6 months in advance. This will give you enough time to prepare for your trip and avoid any last-minute rush or stress.
To apply for a Schengen Visa, you need to follow the simple and straightforward application process and submit the required documents. The cost of a Schengen Visa varies depending on the country and type of visa you are applying for.
