For New Zealand citizens who love to travel, the Schengen visa is a must-have. The Schengen area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that with a Schengen visa, you can move freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 countries, for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a permit that allows you to enter the Schengen Area for a limited period. It is valid for travel to all member countries of the Schengen Area. The visa is issued by the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time.
A Schengen visa is a must for New Zealand citizens who want to travel to Europe. It allows you to visit the Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, if you plan to stay longer, you may need to apply for a different type of visa.
Do New Zealand Citizens Need a Schengen Visa?
Yes, New Zealand citizens need a Schengen visa if they want to travel to the Schengen Area. The visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period. There are no border controls between the Schengen Area countries, so you can move freely once you have entered any of the countries.
To obtain a Schengen visa, you need to apply to the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or the country where you will spend most of your time. The visa application process may vary depending on the country, so it is essential to check the specific requirements before applying.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa for New Zealand Citizens
If you are a New Zealand citizen and want to apply for a Schengen visa, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the Country of Your Main Destination
The first step is to determine the country of your main destination. This is the country where you will spend most of your time during your visit to the Schengen Area. You need to apply for a visa to the embassy or consulate of this country.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
Once you have determined the country of your main destination, you need to collect the required documents for the visa application. The documents may vary depending on the country, but generally, you need to provide the following:
- Your passport with at least two blank pages
- A completed visa application form
- A recent passport-size photo
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of financial means
You may also need to provide additional documents, such as a letter of invitation, depending on the country you are visiting.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment with the Embassy or Consulate
After you have collected all the required documents, you need to schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to visit. This can be done online or by phone.
During the appointment, you will need to submit your visa application and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a photo).
Step 4: Wait for the Visa to be Processed
After you have submitted your visa application and biometric data, you need to wait for the visa to be processed. The processing time may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it usually takes between two and three weeks.
Step 5: Collect Your Visa
Once your visa application has been processed, you need to collect your visa from the embassy or consulate. You will receive your passport with the visa attached to one of its pages.
How Long Does a Schengen Visa Last?
A Schengen visa is valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period. This means that you can travel to the Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
The six-month period starts from the date of your first entry into the Schengen Area. You can enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during the six-month period, but the total number of days you spend in the Schengen Area cannot exceed 90 days.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a different type of visa.
Conclusion
A Schengen visa is a must for New Zealand citizens who want to travel to the Schengen Area. With a Schengen visa, you can visit 26 European countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. The visa application process may vary depending on the country, so it is essential to check the specific requirements before applying.
If you want to travel to Europe, start planning your trip and apply for a Schengen visa today!
