About the Types of the Schengen Visas

A Schengen visa is an authorization issued for:

-Transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen states for a duration of no more than 90 days in 180 days period (short stay visa).

 - Transit through the international transit areas of airports of the Schengen states (Airport transit visa)

A Schengen visa is required by any individual looking to visit a region within the Schengen states.

TYPES:

There are three types of Schengen visas available to the travellers across the globe

- Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)

- National Visas

- Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV)

Schengentravel visa is issued to those who want to travel for leisure, work, business,education, or to visit a relative or friend residing in the Schengen region. This kind of travel visa is usually issued with a validity of 3 months (90 days only).

There are 19 countries that are not a part of the EU, nor of the Schengen Area, but they allow foreign citizens of other non-Schengen countries to enter and stay in their territories, only by showing a valid Schengen Visa. Such visiting foreigners do not need a national visa issued from these countries to enter transit and stay in their territory temporarily.

There are a few points that travellers must keep in mind while applying for a Schengen visa.

Book an appointment at least 15 working days prior to your departure since that is the approximate time an Embassy/Consulate needs to complete the visa issuing procedure. You can even apply up to 12 weeks before the date of travel.

Always fill up the travel visa application form cautiously because the visa interviewer has distinguished nature of questions for the interviewee. Making an appointment online and collection of imperative documents is the most important pre-requisite after filling the form.

The Schengen area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country.

List of documents that are crucial for the process:

- A photo reflecting full face and neck, and should be clicked in a light background.

- Photocopies of the visas previously used for travelling. A valid passport that has been issued no longer than ten years ago and has a period of six months until its expiration date.

- A medical insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000.

- Flight tickets and hotel reservation.

- Original bank statement of the applicant for last three months, with the original stamp and signature of authorized signatory of the bank.

- Proof of accommodation for stay in the Schengen countries

- Personal covering letter explaining the purpose of the visit (leisure, work, business, education or to visit a relative/friend)