The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European states that abolished all passport and border controls at their mutual borders. These states functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy.
The 26 Schengen countries/states are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
A Schengen visa allows a person to visit any members of the Schengen Area, for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Hovever if your trip is for work, study or to live for more than 90 days, then you must apply for a national visa of that specific European country and not a Schengen Visa.
Requirements for the Schengen Visa
Documents required for a Short-term Schengen visa application:
- Visa application form.
- Two recent passport pictures ( visa photo requirements.)
- A valid passport. Valid for at least three months beyond intended date to leave Europe.
- Round trip reservation or itinerary. It must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.
- Travel insurance policy. This must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency.
- Proof of accommodation. This can be
- A hotel/hostel booking.
- A rental agreement.
- A letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will be staying.
- Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your length of stay. Documents such as:
- Bank statement – that shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement shall be no older than 3 months.
- Sponsorship Letter – by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
- A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.
- Proof of paid visa fee. Fees are subject to change.
Schengen Visa
- For employees:
- Employment contract.
- Bank statement showing 6 months transactions and balance.
- Leave permission from the employer.
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.
- For the self-employed:
- A copy of your business registration.
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months.
- Income Tax Return (ITR).
- For students:
- Proof of enrollment.
- No objection letter from School or University.
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