Everything You Need to Know About the Schengen Visa

Documents/Visas Jul-05-2019 by bhavya

SchengenVisa

Everyone has a lifetime desire to visit Europe. If you are planning your next vacation in Europe and have done research then several times you have come across the word Schengen. Many of the thoughts might be hovering over your head and having anxiety about the trip to Europe and the queries regarding the Schengen Visa. So here I will help you out with each minute detail for Schengen visa process and this will kindle your path for vacationing at dream destinations in Europe and it will act as a guide for you.

Overview of Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa is also known as European visa. This visa allows the traveler to visit freely within the 26 countries that are included in the Schengen areas. This means Europe travelers need not go through order checks at internal Schengen borders.European Union Schengen Countries Include:

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Spain
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden

Non-EU Schengen Countries Include:

Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Switzerland

There are only 6 EU countries which are not part of the Schengen Area: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the UnitedKingdom. Citizens of these countries donotneed a Schengen visa in order to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 total days in a 180-day period.Schengen Visa ApplicationThere are different types of visas for tourism, visiting relatives, for work, and a lot more. Each has different requirements and I have only experienced obtaining a tourist visa. You also need to know which places in Europe you'll be visiting. Known the European countries is important becausethe embassy of the country where you will stay at the longest is where you will file your visa application. But, if for example, you plan to spend days each in the Netherlands and Germany, then you have to apply at the embassy of your first destination.Prerequisites of Schengen Visa ApplicationThe individual applying for a Schengen Visa needs a valid passport, that should not be expiring within the six months of visa application date.Two concurrent size passport size photographs will be needed, but please be sure with the format and size of the photo needed.The signed declaration for the Schengen visa application is needed. It should be in hard copy format.An original birth certificate will be required.Flight reservation will be needed, this does not mean you have to buy air tickets. Flight reservation is just meant to give the consul an idea of your travel dates and the airports you'll be arriving and departing from.Bank Statement- Embassies need to know whether you have the means to travel and not stay in their respective countries illegally. The German Embassy needs 3 months of bank statements. You can get it from the bank at your request.Bank Certificate- this is a one-page document signed by the branch manager. Your current balance and the date you had that account will be stated there.Health Insurance-Every Schengen countries require health insurance for your travel. The German embassy needs insurance to cover 30,000 euros. The amount of insurance depends on your length of travel.Income tax return- an individual can get this from your HR of the company where you work. If you are self-employed, you can present the documents of the company accounts in case you don't have this.Employment certificate- This certificate will your position in the company, your length of employment, salary, allowances, benefits, and employment status.Cover letter One page is enough to tell the consul your plans of traveling to Europe.Itinerary letter Listed here would be the dates and your travel plans.Interview date ReservationThe German Embassy requires the three months prior application from your planned departure. If you're planning to go to Europe in September, you should reserve an interview date around June. Interview slots are booked almost immediately so book as soon as possible.Interview preparationThis listed below points should be kept in mind by the individual going for Schengen visa interview:-Organizing the documents as given on the Website.Arrange photocopies of the important travel documentsPrepare the common answers relating to questions often asked while visa interview.An individual can also look for a proper outfit for the interview, as impression matters.Wait for the ResultIf you are applying for the U.S visa, then the results are declared on the same day, but the Schengen visa results take time. So get anxious, calm down and feel good for getting a Schengen visa.Book Your FlightCheck out the different Websites and grab the offers. Book your flight tickets for your dream European destination.Listing the visiting countriesList down the must-see places and countries. An individual can search for many places in Europe for where you dont have to take flight.Prepare all the important travel documents and their photocopies before leaving for your dream trip to Europe and enjoy the amazing trip.