A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows a person to visit any member of the Schengen Area for tourist or business for up to 90 days.
The Schengen visa is Europe’s most popular visa. It allows the holder to enter, freely travel within, and exit the Schengen zone from any Schengen member country. Within the Schengen Zone, there are no border restrictions.
If you intend to study, work, or live in one of the Schengen countries for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa of that European country rather than a Schengen Visa.
To Enter Europe, Who Needs a Visa?
All third-country nationals who have not yet signed a visa-liberalization agreement with Schengen member states must get a visa before entering Europe.
Non-EU Nationals' Travel Documents and Entry Requirements
If you are a non-EU/Schengen country national, regardless of whether you are visa-exempt or not, you will be required to submit certain documents at the Schengen port of entry in order to be admitted.
When entering the Schengen Area, you must bring the following documents:
- Passport must be valid. Issued within the last ten years and valid for at least three months after the date on which you want to leave the EU.
- Visa for the Schengen Area. If you are a national of a third country who requires a visa.
- Other information and papers may be requested by EU/Schengen border officials.
Countries issuing Schengen Visa
The Schengen zone is made up of the 26 nations that have signed the Schengen accord, which allows people of member countries to travel freely throughout the zone without having to go through passport or border checks.
Schengen visas can be issued by any Schengen member country.
I want to apply for a Schengen Visa
Please book a consultation with one of our visa specialists for additional information on the visa criteria and application process for the Schengen Visa.