The Schengen Area is a European zone that focuses on its external borders because internal borders have been eliminated. Citizens can freely travel from one country to another. Today, this zone is home to over 400 million people, with over a billion people traveling within its borders. The blog contains information on the cost, requirements, and different types of Schengen Visas, among other things. So keep reading to find out!
1. What is a Schengen Visa?
- This Schengen visa permits you to visit any Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is issued by a Schengen country.
- However, you must apply for a national visa from that European country rather than a Schengen visa if you plan to study, work, or stay in one of the Schengen countries for over 90 days.
- 26 countries have agreed to abolish all internal borders and implement a unified visa regime in the Schengen Area. Although there might be slight differences in methods and paperwork requirements for each member country.
- People from countries that are not members of the Schengen Area and do not have a Visa Facilitation Agreement with the EU need a Schengen visa to visit any of the member nations.
- Those who are covered by the visa-free regime will be eligible for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) beginning in January 2022.
2. Who needs to have one?
Third-country nationals who have not signed a visa-liberalization agreement with one of the Schengen member states must obtain a visa. The following countries’ citizens must apply for a visa before visiting the EU:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
There is also a list of non-Schengen countries that accept a valid Schengen visa. You do not need a national visa from these countries to enter, transit, or stay in their territory temporarily.
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Gibraltar
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Romania
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Serbia
- Turkey
3. Types of Schengen Visas for European short-term visits
If you intend to visit one or more European countries in this region, you must obtain this visa for the following reasons:
- Business purposes.
- Tourism and holidays.
- Medical reasons.
- Cultural and sports events.
- Visiting friends and family.
- Official visit.
- Airport transit and transit for seafarers.
- Short-term study and research purposes.
Depending on your reasons for visiting the countries and frequency of travel, the Schengen consulate can issue you a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
The number of days specified on the visa application form determines the validity of the single-entry visa. In addition to the decision of the consulate issuing the Schengen visa. However, an EU visa valid for up to 5 years can be obtained.
Even if you have a multiple-entry visa for Europe valid for up to 5 years, you cannot stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.
4. How to apply?
To apply for a Schengen Visa, determine whether you require one based on the purpose of your trip and your nationality.
You’ll need to plan your trip, including:
- How many days you’ll be in the zone
- The countries you’ll visit (if over one)
- The nation from which you’ll enter
- The country from which you’ll exit.
After you’ve determined that, go over the Europe visa application requirements. Then start the process of making an appointment at one of your country’s Schengen consulates.
5. Costs
Each applicant must pay a non-refundable fee when applying for this visa. The fees may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s age, among other factors. At the specified consulate or embassy, the fee can be paid in cash, debit card, or credit card.
Some consulates, however, may refuse to accept credit card payments. The fees that must be paid at the respective embassy/consulate when applying for a Schengen visa are included in the Schengen visa application costs.
| Schengen Visa Category | Cost in Euros | Cost in US Dollars* |
| Adult | 80⚬ | 96$ |
| Children between 6-12 years of age | 40⚬ | 48$ |
| Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports traveling for official purposes | Free | Free |
| Pupils, students, and accompanying teachers during a school trip | Free | Free |
| Researchers traveling to perform scientific research | Free | Free |
| Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. | 35⚬ | 42$ |
*Using the current exchange rate, the visa fee is calculated in USD (USD). It is subject to change at any time without notice.
Please keep in mind that if your visa application is denied, you will not be reimbursed.
6. Documents required
Below is the list of documents required for any short-term Schengen visa application-
- Schengen Visa application form.
- Two recent photographs (both photos need to be shot within the last three months)
- A valid passport- not over ten years old and valid for at least three months beyond the day you want to exit the Schengen area.
- Passports with past visas (if you have any).
- Round trip reservation or itinerary- dates and flight numbers detailing entry and exit from the Schengen area.
- Travel insurance policy- a document proving that you have travel health insurance for the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. AXA Schengen or Europe Assistance offer insurance policies that can be acquired online.
- Proof of accommodation- A document that details where you will stay throughout your stay in the Schengen area. One of the following is a possibility-
- A reservation for a hotel or hostel.
- A rental contract.
- A letter of invitation from the host who will be hosting you.
- Proof of financial means- One of the following is a possibility-
- A bank account statement demonstrating you have sufficient funds in your account for the trip. The statement must be no more than three months old.
- Sponsorship Letter a letter from someone else confirming that they would financially sponsor your vacation to Schengen. This letter must also be accompanied by a bank statement from the sponsor that is no more than three months old in order to be valid.
- A combination of your bank statement and a letter of sponsorship is required.
- Proof of payment of visa fee.
