What Is Schengen Visa? Who Is Eligible and What Are Its Requirements?

People who want to travel to Europe for work or whatever reasons may have heard about the Schengen Visa. The ease of traveling it provides makes it ideal for people who want to travel across different countries in the European region with maximum ease. Other major advantages of applying for this type of visa are that its process is relatively fast and the cost of the visa is quite affordable (only 80 Euros). These mentioned benefits do not even cover the tip of the iceberg when compared with all the other perks of this visa.

When you have the visa confirmed, you can buy flight tickets to the Schengen countries with Bookme and enjoy some really solid discounts. Dive into this blog for a thorough understanding of what a Schengen visa is and how one can apply for it.

What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen is a region of 26 European countries out of which 22 are EU States. The names of these countries are as follows:

Austria
Belgium
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Germany
Denmark
Estonia
Greece
Spain
Finland
France
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Latvia
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovenia
Slovakia
Croatia

The list of the countries of the Schengen region may change over the years as new countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus may join over the years.

With a valid Schengen visa, you can travel to any of these countries without going through the rigorous paperwork and process of going beyond borders. Traveling within the Schengen region is often referred to as "traveling internally" because it is that easy. You can travel to Spain, Italy, Greece, Denmark, Finland, and all the above-mentioned countries with ease thanks to this visa.

Types of Schengen Visa

Which type of Schengen visa you should apply for depends on your purpose of visit. Usually, people go to the Schengen region for work, studies, business, or for the sake of visiting/tourism. It is important to understand what type of visa would best suit you prior to your application. Because the requirements and the type of necessary paperwork may vary depending on the Schengen visa type you apply for.

The following are the types of Schengen Visa:

Tourist Schengen Visa

Tourist Schengen Visa is the most basic type of Schengen visa that allows you to travel to the countries of the region. The number of days for the visa may be specified by the consulate. However, the number of days cannot exceed 90 in the period of 6 months.

Business Schengen Visa

Business Schengen Visa allows holders to do business in the country of stay. The restrictions on business activities, if there are by the authorities, are clearly stated on the visa.

Student Schengen Visa

This type of visa is specifically for students who are enrolled in the Schengen region. There are certain restrictions on this type of visa like holders cannot get permanent residence. You should do further research on things you are allowed to do and things you are not allowed on this visa.

Working Schengen Visa

Someone who is planning on moving to the Schengen region for work should apply for this type of visa. You will need to share documentation including proof of employment in your host country.

Transit Schengen Visa

This type of visa further has two types: A-Type Transit Visa and B-Type Transit Visa.

An A-type Transit Visa is only valid for airport transit in the Schengen Area. Whereas a B-type Transit Visa is valid for 5 days. During this time, one can explore the Schengen region while on their way to the final destination outside of the area. Transit Schengen Visa takes only a few days in the approval process.

Requirements for Schengen Visa (Must Have Requirements)

The eligibility criteria differ based on the purpose of the visit and the type of visa you apply for. However, some common requirements are a valid passport with at least 3 months validity even after the end of your expected stay and health insurance coverage of a certain value. In addition, you will have to show a bank statement or an amount equivalent to the required funds in your bank account.

A Schengen Visa application form filled with accurate details. You will also need to provide photos of yourself according to the Schengen visa guidelines. Make sure your photos are new as photos should not be older than 6 months. For confirming identification, civil certificates like a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or some other civil document may be required.

Make sure that you pay the fee for a Schengen visa and submit the receipt as proof. Do know that the consulate will move forward with the application process only when you have paid the fees.

Further Requirements

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are some other general requirements that you will need to fulfill. Below are some other things you need for a Schengen visa:

Accommodation Information

You will need to offer proof of accommodation. If you are staying in an Airbnb accommodation or a hotel, you will need to show proof of booking. Even when you are planning on staying at your relatives’ or friend’s place, you will have to disclose it and offer proof of stay.

Booked Round Trip Flight Tickets

Visitors will also need to show proof of a round trip (by showing tickets). On top of that, if you are traveling internally in the Schengen region, you will need to add those tickets too.

Cover Letter

On some Schengen Visa types, you may be asked to write a cover letter. Your cover letter should include your reasons for applying for a visa, your purpose of visit, days of stay, and other such details.

Copies of Old Schengen Visa

If you are a frequent visitor to the Schengen region or have traveled to the region in the past, you may be asked to provide copies of your previous visas.

Employment Contract (For Employed Individuals)

People who are moving to the Schengen region for an employment opportunity must provide an employment contract and certificate of annual leave.

Business License (If Required)

For those who are self-employed or moving to the Schengen countries for business purposes, a business license or a bank statement may be required.

University or College Documents (Required for Students)

The requirements for a Student Schengen Visa are as follows:

Proof of enrolment in a university or college
Student ID and Transcript stamped by the university faculty
Bank statements of parents proving the applicant can support oneself during the stay
Evidence of a job contract to support you during the stay

It is highly recommended to do your own research before applying for the student Schengen Visa for higher chances of acceptance.

Conclusion

Now that you have gone through this blog, you can get started with your visa application. Arrange all the necessary documents and get started with the process. You can check out the prices for flight tickets to Schengen countries with different airlines with Bookme. Get your visa, buy your tickets, and we hope you have an exciting stay in the country of your dreams.