Schengen Visa to Europe

The Schengen visa, also known as the EU visa, is a short-stay visa that allows the visa holder to enter and travel any country within the Schengen area in Europe for up to 90 days per stay for business or pleasure. The Schengen area includes 27 different European countries that have signed the Schengen agreement, allowing travel within the borders of these countries.

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; for example, imagine having to get a visa traveling from California to Oregon, then another for traveling to Nevada.

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.

Schengen Visa Countries

You can visit one, a few, or all of the following countries on a single Schengen Visa.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

Important To Know: New Rules and New Visa Fee Structure For Schengen Visa

International travelers who reside outside of the Schengen Area and are traveling to multiple Schengen countries may be required to obtain a Schengen Visa. Travelers who are from the following countries must acquire a Schengen Visa:

Schengen Visa Types

Depending on your travel plans, you will be issued a certain Schengen visa. There are three types of Schengen visas:

1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)
   
   The Uniform Schengen Visa is a short-term visa that allows the holder to travel within the Schengen territory for a certain amount of time. There are three categories of the Uniform Schengen Visa.
   
   • Category “A” Airport Transit Visa – Travelers who are traveling from one non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country via a Schengen country airport will need an Airport Transit Visa. The category “A” Schengen visa allows travelers to travel through Schengen Area airports without entering the Schengen Area.
   • Category “B” Transit Visa – Travelers who are traveling from one non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country and must pass through one or more Schengen countries en route must obtain a Transit Visa. The category “B” Schengen visa allows travelers to transit through the Schengen Area for no more than 5 days by car, coach, or plane.
   • Category “C” Short-term Visa – Travelers may stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. They are granted either single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas depending on the traveler’s purpose of travel.
2. Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV)
   
   A limited territorial validity visa allows the traveler to enter the Schengen state that issued the visa or specific Schengen states declared when applying for the visa. With an LTV, the traveler can travel only to those Schengen countries mentioned.
3. National Visas
   
   Also know as a Category “D” Schengen Visa, national visas allow the traveler to reside in the Schengen Area for a certain amount of time for student, business, or other purposes.

Where to Obtain a Schengen Visa in USA

It 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.

Schengen Visa Requirements

When traveling to Europe and applying for a Schengen visa, there are certain application requirements you must follow. Requirements may vary between countries that you are applying for/in. Some of the requirements requested by the embassies include:

• Fully completed Schengen Visa Application Form
• Passport with at least 3 months validity prior to departure
• Attached recent photo in passport format
• Copies of previous visas
• Proof of travel (tickets, original travel agent itinerary)
• Proof of financial means
• Health/travel insurance is a requirement in order to apply for a Schengen Visa
• 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.
• Proof of accommodation including confirmed hotel reservations, official invitations

What is a Multiple Entry 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.

Best Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Plans

If you’re traveling to any of the Schengen countries listed above, you will be required to purchase travel medical insurance in order to apply and be approved for you Schengen visa. The most popular Schengen visa travel insurance plan is Europe Travel – Plus. Not only does the plan meet and exceed the insurance requirements to obtain a Schengen visa, it also provides all the necessary coverage in one single plan, meaning you can worry less and explore more.

To browse Schengen visa travel insurance plans for your European travel, visit VisitorsCoverage and compare your options.