The Schengen Visa is a travel authorization document that enables non-citizens of the European Union (EU) to enter and travel around the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a collection of 27 European nations that have abolished passport checks at their shared borders, enabling travelers to move freely between member countries during their authorized stay. It allows travelers to enter one Schengen country and travel freely between other Schengen countries for a specified period, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area. Croatia joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023. Starting 19 September, 2022, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland officially stopped issuing Schengen visas to citizens of Russia and banned them from entering their territories. 

Often, the European Union and the Schengen Area are assumed to be the same. However, not all countries of the EU are part of the Schengen Area. Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus are part of the EU but not the Schengen Area. Similarly, Norway and Switzerland are not part of the EU but are a part of the Schengen Area. Since January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom is not part of the EU and the Schengen Area. 

There are 17 countries that are not members of the Schengen Area but allow entry with a valid Schengen Visa. These are Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Northern Cyprus, Georgia, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia and Turkey. 

There are three types of Schengen Visas: Uniform Schengen Visa, Limited Territorial Validity Visa and National Visas. These are further divided into categories based on various factors. 

Valid Travel Medical Insurance of at least 30,000 EUR is a major requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa. The insurance must be valid for your whole stay in the Schengen Area. 

The application process is fairly simple. After choosing the country you want to enter through, gather the required documents including a completed application form, valid passport, travel itinerary, accommodation details, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and supporting documents as per the consulate’s requirements. Then, schedule an appointment with the embassy of the country you plan to visit, attend the visa interview and wait for the visa to be processed. 

Some key things to keep in mind while traveling to Europe:

1. Keep your essential documents handy, including your passport, visa, travel insurance among other things. 
2. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
3. Plan your itinerary to have a basic idea of what the duration of your stay in each country will be and the activities you’d like to experience. 
4. Adhere to the 90-day limit within a 180-day period. Track your stay and plan your itinerary accordingly.
5. Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that meets the Schengen Area’s minimum coverage requirements to protect yourself in case of medical emergencies or unexpected events.

We hope we brought you some clarity on Schengen Visa. Feel free to reach out to us in case of any queries. Stay connected to Sitata through its various platforms. (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin)

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