Ever dreamed of strolling down cobbled streets or falling in love under the Eiffel Tower like in your favourite movies? Europe's got that magic!
Now that you're all in for a Euro trip, choosing where to go is the real head-scratcher. Each country's got its own charm, you know? But why pick one when you can have them all?
Say hi to the Schengen visa! It's your pass to 27 awesome countries in Europe. No need to play favourites!
So, what's the deal with this visa?
Back in 1985, the Schengen visa came to life thanks to the Schengen agreement. Basically, it means you can roam freely through Europe without being hassled at borders. It's like the ultimate travel pass!
What can you do with it?
You can zip around most of Europe, except for a few countries.
Main Schengen Visa Types:
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) The Uniform Schengen Visa stands for a permit of one of the Schengen Area Member Countries to transit or reside in the desired territory for a certain period of time up to the maximum of 90 days every six-month period
Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) - A visa that allows you to access a single Schengen country or specific Schengen countries, but not the entire Schengen area.
National Visa - A long-stay visa (Type D) allowing access to all Schengen country but to stay and work its only valid for particular at longer than 90 days.
Lets discuss about Uniform Schengen Visit!!
Uniform Schengen Visa are of 2 category – Category A and Category C
“A” category stands for the Airport Transit Visa which allows its holder to travel through the international zone of the Schengen country Airport without entering the Schengen Area
“C” category stands for a Short-term visa which allows its holder to reside in a Schengen Area for a certain period of time depending on the visa validity. This particular category, according to the holder’s purpose of the travel can be obtained in a form of:
Single-entry visa
Double-entry visa
Multiple-entry visa
Schengen Visa Types According to the Purpose of Travel
Transit : Handy for layovers.
Tourist :Your golden ticket to explore Europe for up to 3 months. Just remember, no workin' for bucks on this one!
Visiting Family and Friends – Spent time with family and friends
Business: For your work hustle in a Schengen country.
Work: If you're looking to clock in Euros and build a career there.
Study: Break boundaries with a Student Visa!
And many more
Lets See The Most Popular Schengen Visa– Tourist Visa
Paperwork..
Don't let the docs overwhelm you! Keep it cool and gather these ahead of time:
Visa app and photos (looking sharp!)
Passport with room for stamps (plus photocopies)
Passport Size photograph – 35-40 mm width and 80% face coverage
Personal cover letter (why you're going, how you're paying, and all that)
Round trip flight reservation
Proof of where you're crashing (hotel booking, sponsor's invite, or tour details)
Travel insurance (30,000 EUR worth)
Means of Substance - Enough fund with proper source
Travellers docs (NOC, Leave sanction and Ids from Employer/College,University etc)
Civil status proof (marriage, birth certs, IDs)
Minor Applicant - Birth Certificate and Proof of Parental Consent
There might be extra docs as per the purpose of visit. Like for work, bring employment proof, salary certificate and salary bank statements. Students, show the enrolment proof, attendance proof etc. Retirees, don't forget your pension statements! And Unemployed add a sponsor and attach their details
Top Tips for Smooth Sailing:
Start early! You've got quite the checklist, so don't rush it.
Check your app for details - accuracy is key.
Use legit, verified docs.
Keep an eye on the expiry date of your passport.
If someone's sponsoring you, bring proof of that too.
Visa fees:
Adults: EUR 80.00
Children between 6 and 12 years old EUR 40.00
Free of charge, children under 6 years old
So, get ready to make your European dream a reality! Grab your Schengen visa through visa roots and let the adventure begin!