Posted By: 05 April 2024
Apply for a Schengen Visa
A Schengen Visa is an Entry-permit for a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A Schengen Visa has two entry ways, i.e. a Schengen Visa can be obtained in the form of a Single-entry visa, allowing the holder to enter the Schengen countries once, or a Multiple-entry visa, allowing the holder to enter the Schengen area several times for as long as it is visit. In addition, an Airport Transit Visa allows its holder to connect smoothly through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen Area during a stopover or a change of flights. However, this particular visa The Schengen area comprises of 27 European countries that has agreed upon a common entry and exit requirements.
Who Needs to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
Non-EU citizens needs to hold a short stay visa (Schengen Visa) when travelling to the Schengen Area. In order remove internal borders, the Schengen countries agreed to create a common entry and exit requirements. And long as Schengen area entry requirements are met, the foreigners are allowed to travel freely between the Schengen countries, without having to go through border controls.
The EU has a common list of countries whose citizens are required to secure a visa. In addition to that, there are national derogations from the visa requirements for certain travellers.
When connecting through the international transit regions of airports situated in any of the Schengen States, certain nationals of other countries are additionally required to possess an airport transit visa. When connecting through the international transit sections of airports located in several of the Schengen States, inhabitants of certain extra countries are required to have an airport transit visa. Certain groups of people are not required to possess a visa for airport transit (Article 3(5) of the Visa Code).
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Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
The consulate of the nation you plan to visit is where you must submit your application for a Schengen visa. You should apply at the consulate of the nation you want to spend the most time in if you plan to visit more than one Schengen Country. You must apply at the consulate of the first nation you plan to visit if you plan to visit multiple Schengen States with equal-length stays between visits.
Generally speaking, you have to apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate that has territorial jurisdiction over the nation where your legal residence is.
When to Apply for Schengen Visa?
The application must be filed more than six months before the proposed voyage begins; it must be delivered to the Consulate at least fifteen days before the intended trip. Prior to submitting the application, you might need to schedule an appointment.
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Documents Required for Schengen Visa
A valid passport. The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. In the case of multiple-entry visa, the passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited.
- A visa application form.
- A photo in compliance with ICAO standards.
- Medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in case of death).
- Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means during your stay, your accommodation and your will to return to your home country after your stay.
- Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).
- Additional documents can be requested by the Consulates.
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What is the Cost of Schengen Visa?
- 80€ for adults;
- 40€ for children aged 6-12;
- 35€ for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus;
- 60€ for applicants from Cabo Verde.
An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres, which collect applications on behalf of Consulates in some cases.
The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.
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Processing Time of the Schengen Application
The normal processing time of a visa application is 15 days. This period may be extended to up to 45 days, if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.
Under certain conditions, family members of EU or EEA citizens falling under the Free Movement Directive are eligible for a free and accelerated visa procedure.
Refusal of a Schengen Visa Application
An application form is used to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Schengen visa as well as the grounds for the denial. When a visa is refused, the decision includes the grounds for the denial as well as the steps and due dates for filing an appeal.
Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.
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