Schengen visa application process and requirements

With just one visa, you have the possibility to visit different European countries including Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Norway and Sweden, which is far more convenient than applying for another visa each time you decide to visit one of the countries mentioned.

Applying for a Schengen visa represents the next logical step, but in fact, you need to assess the available options and the requirements you have to meet. You have to understand the visa categories in order to determine which one suits your needs.

Category A visa practically represents an airport visa that allows you to stay overnight in the chosen country. Category B gives you five days and you might consider a Schengen visa insurance.

By applying for Category C visa, you obtain the permit to stay for approximately three months in the Schengen area. Category D visa, also called national visa gives you the permission to make the jump from a non-Schengen country to a Schengen country.

Requirements you need to meet when applying for a Schengen visa

After assessing your visa options, you have to become familiar with the requirements in order to qualify for it. Many people inquire about the necessity of obtaining Schengen visa for US permanent residents.

Indeed, if you are an American Citizen and your visit does not exceed the 90 days term, you do not need one, but if you plan to spend more time in the Schengen area, then you do need to apply for the visa.

Moving on to the requirements, you have to establish a specific destination before completing the application form. If you plan to visit several countries, choose the country you intend to spend more time in or the country you arrive in first. Secondly, you need to gather the necessary documents, which include a valid passport, copies of visas received in previous years, two clear photos, travelling itinerary with flights and specific dates showing exactly when you entered and when you left the Schengen area. You must also have a travel health insurance or you can apply for a Schengen visa insurance.

The application process is not as difficult as you think, but does require full attention

The Consulate or Embassy demands to know the reason of your departure, which means that you must state in writing your circumstances. Furthermore, certain countries require proof that you benefit from enough funds to travel across Europe.

In what concerns the actual application process for the Schengen visa, you do not have to worry because as long as you have the required documents and the travel health insurance, everything will go smoothly.

The procedure is so simple and easy that you can even do it online, but pay close attention because you do not want to make a mistake when filling in the form. In addition, you have to pay an application fee. After applying for the visa, you can wait between three and ten days for it.