All You Need To Know About A Schengen Visa For Non-Schengen Citizens

The Schengen area is a travel area for several European countries. Citizens can travel freely in Schengen countries without a passport or visa. So, it enables more than 400 million people to travel between Member States. Moreover, they do not have to go through border control.

Thus, every day more than 3.5 million people cross the internal border. They join the Schengen area to work, study, or visit family or friends. So, more than 1.7 million people already work there.

Which Countries Belong To The Schengen Area?

Not all EU countries belong to the Schengen area. So, below is a list of countries that are part of the Schengen area.

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

What are the EU countries that are not part of the Schengen zone?

Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom are EU member states. So, they are not part of the Schengen countries.

Also, this means that traveling from any of these countries to a Schengen country is outside the EU. It is thus subject to border controls.

What is the purpose of a Schengen visa and why is it necessary?

So, you will need a Schengen visa if you plan to travel to different European countries. Also, this visa is a temporary house permit that allows you to travel to any member state of the Schengen area. Thus, you can stay here for 90 days.

The Schengen area is a group of 27 European countries. Thus, passports and all other forms of border control were abolished at common borders.

• What is the reason for requiring a Schengen visa?

Since a Schengen visa is required to travel to all 27 Schengen countries, so, a passport issued by one Schengen country is valid for travel in all Schengen countries.

What Documents Are Required To Apply For A Schengen Visa?

The person who wishes to apply for a Schengen visa must have some documents. So, the Schengen authorities have created the list of required visa documents as

Visa Application Form

• The visa process begins with filling out the visa application form.
• The application form can be downloaded from the embassy’s official website.
• Also an original and a copy of the visa application form must be submitted.

 

For Children

So, for minors who are under 18 years

• The application form (signed by the parents or legal guardians)
• Copies of passports of both parents

Valid Passport

For the passport, the conditions are as follows

• The embassy requires a valid and legible passport.
• Also, the passport must be valid for more than three months of the applicant’s stay in Greece.
• At least two blank pages in the passport for stamping the visa.

Passport Size Photographs

• You must have two passport-size photographs that were recently clicked.

Proof Of Accommodation

• This document is crucial to verify the intended stay of the applicants in the country.
• Also, this is an organized hotel reservation in a planned Schengen country.
• Moreover, add hotel reservation information and arrival and departure dates.

Details of Roundtrip flight reservation:

Besides proof of accommodation, also provide details of a roundtrip flight reservation. This key document serves as a concrete proof that you have planned your trip. Moreover, it ensures to the authorities your timely return once your visa expires. Therefore, book a flight from a verifiable site to meet this specific Schengen requirement. The flight reservation documents must include:

• Your full name and identification
• The entire duration of your stay
• The name of the booking agency
• Details of your departure and return

An Invitation Letter

• It is a letter from the host inviting the applicant from the destination country.
• Moreover, it guarantees that you will stay with them for the entire trip.

Cover Letter

• This letter confirms the applicant’s expected travel itinerary. Also, clear the summary of the travel plans of the applicant.

Proof Of Financial Means

• Bank and credit card statements for the last six months must be attached to the application.
• Proof that the sponsor is sponsoring your trip to the destination is also required.

What Are The Steps To Apply For A Schengen Visa?

So, a visa applicant needs to follow these steps while applying for a visa

1. First of all, check the eligibility of the visa.
2. Then, gather all the required visa documents.
3. For a verifiable flight reservation, visit the website and search for the relevant consulates and embassy. SFRV Travels takes pride in providing updated information about the relevant consulates and embassies. Moreover, it works diligently to give an insight into the evolving immigration policies on the part of Schengen countries
4. After that, fill out the visa application form.
5. Schedule your Schengen visa appointments at the consulate or embassy of the destination country. This step is essential for submitting your documents in person.
6. So, attend the interview
7. Then, pay the visa fee
8. Track the visa application to check its status of processing
9. Lastly, collect the passport from the passport office.

What Is The Visa Application Fee For A Schengen Visa?

Before applying for the visa, you must be aware of the fee of the application form for a Schengen visa.

So, it is listed below

For a Short-stay visa

Visa Applicants	Fee (Euros)
Adults	80
Children between (6-12 years)	40
Minors under the age of 6 years	0

 

For a Long-stay visa 

For a stay of up to 1 year

180 Euros

 

What Is The Processing Time For A Schengen Visa?

Processing time for a Schengen visa can vary depending on some factors, such as

• The consulate or embassy where the application is submitted
• The nationality of the applicant
• Time of year
• The specific circumstances of the application

Although, there are general guidelines about the visa processing

• Standard Processing Time
• Early Application
• Peak Season Delays
• Complex Case
• Express or Priority Services
• Communication with Consulate

In general, the normal processing time for a Schengen visa is usually around 15 calendar days.

So, applicants should plan, and submit their application on time.

Also, be aware of any updates or requirements from the consulate or embassy processing their visa.

How To Attend The Schengen Visa Interview?

Attending the visa interview is a crucial step in the visa process. Thus, it requires careful preparation.

So, here is a step-by-step guide to attending the Schengen visa interview

1. Plan the interview
2. Prepare the necessary documents
3. Study the general questions
4. Dress appropriately
5. Arrive on time
6. Bring the required fees
7. Attend the interview
8. Answer the questions honestly
9.  Be calm and confident
10. Follow up when necessary

By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of success and get the visa you want for your travel plans.