Are you planning a trip to Europe? Well, you might have stumbled upon the term “Schengen visa”! But what exactly is the Schengen Area? When is a Schengen visa required for your European trip, and how do you obtain one? And let’s not forget about the importance of being thorough with the common reasons for rejection.
Fret not; we’ve got all the answers you need. From understanding Schengen travel visa to mastering the visa application procedure, here’s your comprehensive guide to navigating travel within this European territory.
About Schengen Travel Visa
A Schengen travel visa, also referred to as a European visa, grants eligible individuals the freedom to travel unrestrictedly within the 26 member countries of the Schengen Area. This implies that travelers to Europe will not encounter border inspections at internal Schengen boundaries. However, border controls persist for individuals crossing external borders, specifically those between Schengen and non-Schengen nations. A Schengen visa serves as permission for a brief, temporary stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day timeframe. Here is a list of countries that fall in the Schengen area.
Schengen Countries
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 |
Only six EU countries fall outside the Schengen Area
| Bulgaria | Croatia |
| Cyprus | Ireland |
| Romania | United Kingdom |
Different types of Schengen visas
There are 4 different types of Schengen visas based on different reasons and duration of visits:
Type A Schengen visa (Airport Transit Visa) :
Type A Schengen visa, known as the Airport Transit Visa, permits non-Schengen state citizens to transit through or wait for their connecting flights in the international zone of a Schengen country’s airport. It is obligatory for travelers moving from a non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country with connecting flights through a Schengen country’s airport. Holders of a type A visa are not permitted to enter the Schengen country itself.
Type B Schengen visa :
This visa was previously used for journeys lasting fewer than five days and has been replaced by Type “C” with the condition of “transit.”
Type C Schengen visa :
Also known as the short-stay Tourist Visa Schengen, it is the most commonly issued one. It is granted by the visa services (embassies, consulates, appointed external providers) of a Schengen area country. This visa allows the holder to stay or travel freely within the Schengen area for less than 90 days within a 180-day period. Depending on the purpose of the trip, the Type C Schengen visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
Type D Schengen visa:
The Type D Schengen visa, referred to as the national visa, is a long-stay Schengen visa. It is necessary for foreigners intending to study, work, or reside in a Schengen country for longer than 90 days, up to a year.
Schengen Travel Visa Application Process
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the Schengen visa application process:
- Complete the Schengen Visa Application Form :
Thoroughly fill out the online application form, ensuring accuracy and precision. Print two copies of the form and sign them at the conclusion. The form encompasses queries regarding fundamental details such as your name, date of birth, country of birth, passport number, and nationality. You will also be required to provide information regarding your travel plans, including the duration of your stay in each country and your accommodation arrangements. - Schedule an Appointment
Arrange an interview appointment via the consulate or embassy website of the country you intend to visit within your country of residence. - Compile the Required Documents
Ensure you possess all the requisite documents for a Schengen visa application, duplicating each of them. Here are all the documents that you would need:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- You must have a picture that should be in compliance with ICAO standards.
- Medical insurance
- Supporting documents: Include documents relevant to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means for the duration of your stay, proof of accommodation, and demonstration of intent to return to your home country after your visit.
- Fingerprints: Your fingerprints will be collected during the application submission process, though exemptions may apply for certain applicant categories.
It’s essential to leave your passport at the consulate of the Schengen country where you are applying for the visa. Retrieving your passport during the processing period will result in the cancellation of your Schengen visa application.
- Attend the Appointment
Arrive punctually at the appointment center. Note that even a slight delay may result in the cancellation of your appointment. The submission procedure typically requires around 10 minutes to finalize. - Review Application Details
Following the verification of your application, your information will be entered into the online system. You will receive a printed copy of your application, a process usually taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Upon receiving the printed form, thoroughly review all details for accuracy before signing it.
The standard processing duration for a visa application typically spans 15 days. However, this timeframe might be prolonged to a maximum of 45 days if further scrutiny of the application and/or supplementary documentation is necessary. Under specific circumstances, relatives of EU or EEA citizens covered by the Free Movement Directive may qualify for a complimentary and expedited visa process. You can even get Immigration Services in Dubai and Qatar for a streamlined and successful visa application process from GMRS Consultants.
Common Reasons for Rejection
If you have faced visa application rejections or are fearing rejection, here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid such scenarios.
- Submission of False Documentation
The integrity of the visa application process hinges upon the authenticity of the documents provided. Any falsification can lead to visa rejection. For instance, using counterfeit identities can have severe repercussions. Moreover, any misinformation or inaccuracies in the submitted documents can result in rejection. - Passport Damage or Invalidity
The condition of your passport is crucial. A damaged passport with torn pages or detached sections creates a negative impression. Also, presenting an expired passport or one with minimal validity remaining renders it invalid for visa processing. Make sure your passport is valid for 3 months from the date of your departure from a Schengen area. - Inadequate Evidence of Return Plans
Planning the duration of your stay is vital, considering the Schengen visa’s 90-day validity period. It’s essential to demonstrate proof of planned departure and return, including booked flights. Failure to provide such evidence may lead to visa rejection on the grounds of potential overstaying. - Lack of Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel or medical insurance covering the entirety of your trip is mandatory. Ensure that your insurance extends coverage throughout the EU to fulfill visa requirements. - Inadequate Financial Resources
Demonstrating sufficient financial means to cover expenses during your trip is essential. Providing comprehensive financial documentation, including bank statements and credit card statements, is necessary to assure authorities of your ability to support yourself during your stay.
A Schengen visa allows you to travel to multiple European countries, but in order to obtain this visa, you need to be thorough with the entire application process. It is also vital to consider reasons that could potentially hamper your visa approval. For professional assistance in the Schengen Tourist Visa application process, you can get the best immigration consultancy services from our experts at GMRS Consultants. Simply reach out to our experts at +971-504544303.