Schengen Visa

Every Indian dreams of travelling abroad but the process seems too haphazard and this desire remains unfulfilled. The economic issues too prevent us from taking considerable steps to make our dream come true. Travelling abroad requires money, official procedures, passport, visas, secure stay and a lot many efforts. We will take the most heavy burden off your shoulders (Read this article How to Travel the World for Free). The most interesting and creative information awaits your concern. (Some Saving Tips for Travelling)

Schengen visa is a term which might be unfamiliar to you now, but till the end of this context, you will know and appreciate the beauty and convenience of it.

What is schengen visa?
Schengen visa might be just a bunch of papers that the authorities issue, but here comes the surprise. It is a document that allows the traveler to visit over 20 countries. Just imagine! You can travel to more than twenty nations with a single visa.

Schengen Area
Schengen area comprises of twenty six counties in total. 22 out of these 26 are European Union Member States and the remaining four are European Free Trade Association Member States. Now, let us take a look at the various States that come under schengen area:

Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Netherlands, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Leichtenstein, Latvia, Italy, Iceland, Hungary, Greece, Germany, France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Belgium and Austria.

schengen map

Schengen Agreement
It was a treaty signed in 1985 that abolished checks on internal borders within the schengen area. It liberated various aspects like crossing of borders by residents and visa policies. Various EU and non EU States were included as described earlier.

Requirement of Schengen Visa
To enter schengen area, the residents of non schengen countries require a schengen visa. There are a few exceptions. Moreover, more countries will be added in the schengen area soon, like Romania, Ireland, Cyprus etc.

How to apply for a schengen visa?
There are designated embassies and consulates where you can apply for a schengen visa. The basic requirements are:
The application form, passport sized photographs, passport, travel health insurance policy, proof of enough subsistence, proof of accommodation, itinerary and in case of a minor, birth certificate, application signed by parents and passport are required.

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Types of Schengen Visas
Based on the nature of travel, there are various types. The main types are:

Limited territorial validity visas (LTV):
As the name suggests, it allows travel only in the schengen state that has issued the visa or States mentioned while application only.

Uniform schengen visas (USV):
It allows a stay of up to 90 days in one of the schengen countries. It is sub categorized as A, B and C according to the purpose of visit.

National visa:
They are the ones issued to people permanently residing, studying or working in one of the Schengen States.

schengen visa

Visa Cost
The fee is non refundable and depends on the type of visa and age of applicant. For a short stay of less than 90 days, it is 60 EUR. For a longer stay of over 90 days, it is 99 EUR. An Airport Transit Visa costs 60 EUR.

Travel Insurance
Any tourist, individual or group, visiting schengen territory requires to have an insurance that will cover the number of days he/she stays there. Schengen Travel Visa Insurance requires minimum coverage of 30000 EUR. The insurance needs to be valid all over the member States.

Now you can plan an international trip easily and orderly. Schengen visa will allow a smooth and convenient trip abroad. Start making a bucket list of your dream destinations and plan the best journeys of your life. Schengen visa will make your dreams come true. Travel smartly with this visa and make memories. Start planning today!