The Schengen region has seen a booming tourism industry in the past few years that includes the major states-Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. To enter any of these areas, be it for tourism, work, or business, one must obtain a Schengen visa.
Like any visa application process, applying for a Schengen visit visa can be very stressful. If this is your first time travelling to Europe, the first thing that pops into mind is whether obtaining a visa for the Schengen region necessary. Many may also be confused about European Union vs Schengen area, as to if they are the same or different. It is important to know that although both entities belong to Europe, not all countries that are in the Schengen area are a part of the European Union.
Well, more than 60 countries across the globe can enter Europe in the visa-free zone. However, to access freedom in this area, a Schengen visa is mandatory. The Schengen Visa process can be harrowing when it comes to verifying and meeting the requirements of the application. Every document needs to be accurate and must contain valid information. Therefore, you must be very careful when lodging your Schengen visa application. Aside from this, Schengen visa insurance is required, which will protect your trip from mishaps such as theft, flight delays, luggage loss, and so on.
So, without further ado, follow these Schengen visa tips for a hassle-free process and approval.
Do your research.
Research is the key to the approval of any type of visa. Yes, the more you learn and research how and where to apply for a Schengen visa, the more you will move forward to the success of visa approval. Numerous articles on the internet provide information on visa applications, but the requirements and regulations are subject to change. As a result, it is advised that you take your time and conduct extensive research on the entire Schengen visa application process.
Select the type of Schengen visa you need.
Choosing the correct type of Schengen visa is an essential step in the visa application process. Depending on the purpose of your visit, the Schengen authorities have issued various types of visas. So, select your visa type wisely. You can apply for one of the following Schengen visas:
Schengen Transit Visa
Schengen tourism visa
Schengen visa for visiting family or friends.
Schengen Business Visa
Schengen visa for cultural and sports activities
Schengen visa for official visits
Schengen Student or Study Visa
Schengen visa for medical reasons
Figure out where you need to apply for a Schengen visa.
The Schengen Agreement has regulated visa submission in the UAE based on residence. You will have to submit your Schengen visa application at one of the below locations:
Schengen Embassy
- One of the Schengen consulates
- The embassy or consulate of another Schengen state to which the embassy or consulate of your desired destination has outsourced visa submission.
- A visa centre to which the embassy or consulate of your desired destination has outsourced visa submission.
Rules regarding lodging the application
- If you are visiting only one Schengen country, file the visa application about it at the embassy, visa centre, or consulate of that country.
- If you are visiting more than one Schengen country, file your application in the following ways:-Spending an unequal amount of time in each: at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most days
Spending an equal number of days: at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will step first
Schedule an appointment.
Make an appointment for the Schengen visa application process. However, most countries allow you to book an appointment online, while in others you have to book the appointment in person at the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
Make a checklist for Schengen visa application requirements.
The Schengen visa application form is the same regardless of which country you are applying from. Fill out the Schengen visa application form correctly with valid information and without errors.
The standard required documents are as follows:
- The visa application form
- Original passport
- Two identical photos
- Financial proof (make sure you have all of the necessary copies)
- Proof of accommodation
- Schengen visa travel insurance policy (mandatory)
Please note that these documents and specifications differ from one visa type to another. Make sure to create a checklist regarding the type of visa you are applying for.
Look presentable and be honest at the visa interview.
Like most countries, the Schengen visa requires a personal visit for processing. It is best to look presentable, so treat it just like a job interview. Ensure to organise your documents and present them formally and professionally in a file or folder. Avoid bright dresses or flashy accessories.
Be on time and prepare well for the visa interview.
On the day of your scheduled Schengen visa interview, arrive on time or early. At the embassy or consulate, you need to hand over the required documents, and then you will be asked personal questions about your whereabouts and the purpose of your travel. The interview may last around 10–15 minutes. So, answer honestly, and ensure that they comply with the information provided in the application form and other documents.
Carry additional documents
You never know what they want on the Schengen visa waiting time. So, it is advised to keep the additional photographs, unfilled forms, and signatures of the applicants.
Plan your trip smartly.
Planning for your trip is essential, and you should plan it in such a way that you end up enjoying the most of your trip. In addition, learn about the accommodation, flights, and transportation accessibility so that you won’t compromise once you are in the state.
So, this was all about Schengen visa tips for a trouble-free approval of your visa. Follow them all to avoid any kind of delays while travelling to a Schengen country.