This article will help you explore the requirements of the Schengen visa when travelling to the European side of the world. The embassy may ask you to submit certain documents as part of the application process. Therefore, make sure that you have enough time to gather all the supporting documents to ace your visa application process. Moreover, you also need to know that these requirements may depend on various points. For instance, your nationality, the type of visa you seek, and your current civil status. These factors may play a major role in deciding the documents the embassy may require you to submit. Other than that, some additional documents may also be required during the visa application process. You can also visit websites such as SFRV for this purpose. In addition, the embassy may ask you to come for a short subjective interview.
A Little Information About Schengen Countries
Mainly 27 countries are part of the Schengen zone. Moreover, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland are included in this region. There are so many benefits to living in any of these mentioned countries. For example, if you can get a Schengen visa to any of the countries, you do not need to have a separate permit to enter the next state. Like, if you are travelling to Poland under a Schengen visa, you can travel to other Schengen countries without applying for a solo visa. Moreover, you can work or stay as long as you want depending on the visa type you apply for.
What are the Visa Requirements of the Schengen Countries?
When travelling to the Schengen zone, you need to apply for a specific type of visa. For instance, you can get a visit, tourist, or work visa. Moreover, business, study, or family union visas can also be obtained. Therefore, depending on the visa type, you may have to bring some extra documents as well to the embassy. However, the common supporting documents the embassy requests you to submit are as follows:
#1. Visa application form
You need to fill out a visa application form and submit it to the relevant authorities of the state. The form has thirty-seven questions. Moreover, it has four sections. These sections may include personal information, travel details, invitation information, and signature & date as the last part. In case, a minor is filling out the form, their parents or legal guardians should sign and date the document to authenticate it.
#2. Passport
If your passport is expired or has any wear or tear issues, you need to apply for a renewal as soon as possible. The reason is that submitting a passport is an important element of the visa application process. Moreover, its issuance date should be within the last ten years. Other than that, it must have two to three blank pages to let the embassy attach your new visa. Lastly, it should be valid for three to six months beyond your intended exit from the target Schengen country.
#3. Pictures
Furthermore, you need to provide two recent passport-size pictures to the embassy. It should be 35mm x 45mm with a light color background. Moreover, your face and shoulders should cover seventy to eight percent of your picture. Photographs older than six months are not permissible. Therefore, make sure to let a professional photographer capture it.
#4. Cover letter
You also need to introduce yourself and share your travel plans with the embassy through a cover letter. Moreover, it will tell them the country you are planning to visit and any obvious reasons/purpose for the stay. However, make sure that your letter is clear and not lengthy than two pages. You can also disclose your travel dates, place of stay, planned activities, etc.
#5. Travel Insurance
You should have a travel insurance document during your entire journey to the Schengen zone. It will help you manage the unexpected expenses for your journey. For instance, medical emergencies, unexpected sickness, surgery, hospital dues, or even death expenses. It should have a coverage of at least thirty thousand euros. Lastly, you can get this document from your home country or through online service providers.
#6. Copies of previous visas
In case you are a frequent traveller and have been there to any of the Schengen countries in the past, you can also attach that visa as well. No matter whether it is expired or nearly full, make sure that you tie it with a rubber band to the application form. It is not advisable to staple the previous documents to avoid erasing information to help the application process.
#7. Flight itinerary
You need to have a flight reservation document with you that shows your confirmed round-trip ticket. It represents a detailed flight schedule. For instance, it may include, your name, flight and seat number, airline name, IATA codes, booking ID, entry and exit airport names, ticket price, and information of any connecting flights. You can also visit the website SFRV to have your flight itinerary document ready in no time.
#8. Proof of financial stability
When applying for the visa application process, you need to disclose that you have enough financial resources to support your stay. This could be for your entire trip to the Schengen members' state. For example, you can attach your salary slip, bank statement, business license, pension slips, etc. You need to consult the embassy of the target country to know the minimum amount required per day.
#10. Proof of accommodation
Moreover, you need to share that you have a place to stay in the target country. For this purpose, you can submit documents such as hotel reservations, invitation letters from a friend or family member, addresses of tour operators, or rental contracts/agreements. Therefore, disclose the names, addresses, and contact numbers of the chosen place of stay. This will let the embassy confirm certain things.
#11. Paid visa fee
Lastly, you need to pay eighty euros for adults and 40 euros for children between six to twelve years of age. It is a non-refundable fee, paid at the embassy. Mostly, the fee is paid in euros. However, in certain cases, the currency of the third country or the currency of the country through which the application is submitted is used. After depositing the fee, you will receive a receipt as proof of payment. Ensure the article helps you achieve your desire to visit the country with these necessary documents.
What about you, have you ever travelled to the Schengen Area? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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