• Introduction to Schengen Visa
  • The Benefits of Holding a Schengen Visa
  • Purpose and Duration of Visit
  • Schengen Visa Countries
• Where to Obtain a Schengen Visa?
• Visa Requirements
• FAQ’s

Introduction

The Schengen Visa is a term used in context with tourist visa for Europe which covers 25 European countries. With this single visa you can travel to any of these countries without the need of seperate visas for each country.

The Benefits of Holding a Schengen Visa
Traveling on a Schengen Visa means that the visa holder can travel to any (or all) member countries using one single visa, thus avoiding the hassle and expense of obtaining individual visas for each country. This is particularly beneficial for persons who wish to visit several European countries on the same trip. Internal border controls have disappeared; there are no or few stops and checks. This means that internal air, road and train travel are handled as domestic trips, similar to travel from one United States state to another. This was not the case before the Schengen Visa, where imagine having to get a visa traveling from California to Oregon, then another for traveling to Nevada, etc.

Purpose and Duration of Visit
The purpose of the visit must be leisure, tourism, or business. Upon the issuance of the visa, the visa holder is allowed to enter all member countries and travel freely throughout the Schengen area. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen countries for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in a 6 month period. It is strongly recommended to plan your journey within the timeframe of the Schengen Visa, as extensions can be very difficult to obtain, thus forcing you to leave to stay in compliance with the Schengen Rules and Regulations.

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Where to Obtain a Schengen Visa?

• All depends on the place(s) you want to visit. If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate of that particular country. You apply at the Embassy or Consulate responsible for the state where you live.
  
• If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your main destination.
  
• If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first point of entry.

Download Schengen Visa Form

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Visa Requirements

Requirements may vary between countries that you are applying the visa with. Some of the requirements requested by the embassies include:

1. A Valid US Passport
   
2. Means of Transport: Proof of travel (tickets, original travel agent itinerary)
   
3. Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements
   
4. Health/Travel Insurance
   Travel insurance is a must requirement in order to apply for Schengen Visa.
   
5. Invitation
   Visa invitations/confirmations are documents, often directly approved by the Foreign Ministry of the country to be visited, that authorizes a particular traveler to visit that country. They typically state the dates and cities you are visiting, the name of a hosting organization, as well as an "official" reference number and seal of approval. This is particularly prevalent for Russia and many Schengen countries. Required formats for invitations and confirmations vary by country.
6. Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations, official invitations
   

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FAQ’s

1. Multiple Schengen Visa

A multiple entry Schengen visa will allow the holder several entries into the Schengen area, allowing you to return to the UK and then re-enter the Schengen area at a later date.

Not all embassies issue multiple entry visas some prefer to only issue a single entry visa to cover you for the specific trip you are going on.

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Related Links:

• Travel and Medical Insurance - a Schengen Visa Requirement