The Schengen Tourist Visa is an essential entry permit for travelers who want to explore different destinations in the region. The Schengen Area established in 1985, includes 26 countries, with the majority being EU Schengen countries and the others being non-EU Schengen countries. As the area operates under a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes Schengen Tourist Visa allows visitors to move from one member country to another without internal border checks. Through this visa, you can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
To get a tourist visa for Schengen area, it’s important to be aware of the countries it allows you to visit and the basic requirements that need to be met. If you are new to this process, we are here to help you with eligibility criteria, gathering the right documents and many more. By understanding and following our below mentioned tourist visa procedure, you can increase your chances of getting approved on the first attempt.
What Countries Can You Visit With A Schengen Visa?
The below-mentioned 26 countries have canceled passport control at their mutual borders. They allow for free and unrestricted movement of people within the area. Here are the countries you can visit with a Schengen travel visa:
EU Schengen Countries Include
| Austria | Belgium |
| Czech Republic | Denmark |
| Estonia | Finland |
| France | Germany |
| Greece | Hungary |
| Italy | Latvia |
| Luxembourg | Malta |
| Netherlands | Poland |
| Portugal | Spain |
| Slovakia | Slovenia |
| Sweden | |
Non-EU Schengen Countries Include
| Iceland | Liechtenstein |
| Norway | Switzerland |
How To Align Schengen Tourist Visa Application With European Standards
Eligibility For A Schengen Tourist Visa
– If you are a citizen of a country that does not have a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, you need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit as a tourist. The Schengen Area contains 26 member countries that have agreed on common rules for issuing short-stay visas, which are valid throughout the Schengen Area. Citizens of countries without such agreements must obtain a visa to enter any of the member states.
– You must have a clear and legitimate purpose for traveling to the Schengen Area. Acceptable purposes include tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, or cultural and sports events.
Documents Required For Schengen Visa Application
To start the application process for Tourist Visa Schengen, you must have all the necessary documents. Let’s have a look at each document that you require:
1) Application Form:
Complete the Schengen Tourist Visa Application Form online or at the consulate of the country you intend to visit. Download it and print two copies. You need to sign at the end of each document.
2) Photographs:
You need to provide two recent photographs (taken within the last six months) that meet ISCO standards. Be careful with these instructions when providing a photograph:
– Each photo should be 35–40mm wide, with your face and shoulders in close-up, covering 70–80% of the image. –
– Make sure the photos are in sharp focus, clear, and high quality.
– There should not be any ink marks or creases.
– They should be in colour and taken against a plain white background.
3) Valid Passport:
Submit your valid passport, which must have at least two blank pages for the visa and be issued within the last ten years. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen Area.
4) Photocopies of Passport:
Include clear photocopies of the first and last pages of your passport (biodata pages).
5) Previous Passports (if applicable):
If you have old passports, do not staple them. Instead, tie them together with a rubber band and submit them along with your other documents.
6) Covering Letter:
Provide an original personal cover letter that must include the required details about your trip. These details include the purpose of your visit to the EU, the countries you plan to visit, your travel dates, accommodation plans, and other trip details.
7) No Objection Letter:
Your workplace, school, or university will send this letter to the embassy, saying that you have obligations in your home country and that you will go back there.
8) Travel Health Insurance:
Submit proof of travel health insurance that should cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation in case of death. The insurance must cover a minimum of 30,000 EUR and be valid for your entire stay in the Schengen Area.
9) Flight Reservation:
Provide a flight reservation showing your entry and exit dates. At this point, you dont need actual printed copied of plane tickets. But remember that one-way tickets are not accepted.
10) Proof of Accommodation:
You also need to provide an evidence of accommodation for the entire stay in the Schengen Area. If you are staying in a hotel, provide a hotel booking confirmation. Whereas if you are staying with relatives or friends, they must provide proof of sufficient accommodation space.
11) Proof of Financial Status:
Before your trip, make sure you have enough money for your stay. To do this, provide a bank statement from the last three months that is no more than three days old. The required amount of funds may differ depending on the country you are visiting, so it’s best to check with the relevant consular authority. Also, make sure to include documents that show your employment status.
How To Apply For A Schengen Tourist Visa?
1) Complete the Application Form for a European Tourist Visa: As mentioned earlier, fill out the application form online or on paper with accurate personal, travel, and contact information.
2) Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including a valid passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, financial statements, and a cover letter.
3) Schedule an Interview: Book an appointment with the visa application center or consulate of the country you plan to visit. The appointment should be at least 15 days before your travel but no earlier than six months before.
4) Attend the Appointment: Show up at the appointment center on time. The submission process takes around 10 minutes to complete, and the official will check and verify all your documents.
5) Provide Biometric Data: If you have never applied for a Schengen Visa before, you will need to have your fingerprints scanned at the consulate’s office.
6) Pay the Fees: The fee is €90 for adult tourists and must be paid when you submit the visa application. Keep the receipt for collection of your processed application.
7) Submission of Application: Submit your completed application and required documents to the embassy of the country you plan to visit. If you are visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the most time.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Tourist Visa For Europe?
You will be informed whether you have been issued a tourist visa for Europe within 15 days. However, in some rare cases, the process might extend to 30 days or even up to 60 days if additional documents are needed. It is advisable to apply for a Schengen tourist visa six weeks before your planned travel date.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, you can simplify the visa process and make your travel easy and exciting by following the above-mentioned guidelines and preparing the necessary documents. However, the challenging part for you can be choosing a trustworthy immigration consultancy. For this, you can rely on GMRS Consultants! We offer you reliable Immigration Services in Dubai and Qatar, making your Schengen tourist visa application process a cake walk.
