Schengen Visa

Visiting Europe is a dream for many travelers around the world. With its rich history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks, Europe offers a wealth of experiences to explore. Whether you’re interested in art, history, cuisine, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of European cities, there is something for everyone. However, not everyone is lucky enough just to pack and travel to Europe. For some people, the travel experience is a bit different and includes obtaining a visa, more specifically, a Schengen visa. The Schengen Visa is a European short stay visa that allows its holder to travel throughout the Schengen Area. This type of visa is issued by one of the Schengen States and allows you to visit any of the Schengen countries for a duration of up to 90 days in total within 180 days. There are 29 countries in the Schengen Area. These countries have agreed to abolish all internal borders and have a common visa policy, although there may be slight differences with respect to procedures and required documentation. Every citizen of each country that is not part of the Schengen Area and whose country doesn’t have a Visa Facilitation Agreement with the EU needs a Schengen visa in order to enter any of the member countries. Those who are under the visa-free regime will be required to apply for ETIAS starting from May 2025.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

To have a successful Schengen visa application, you must go through these simple steps:

  1. Fill the Schengen Visa Application form.
  2. Make an appointment.
  3. Complete the documents file.
  4. Show up at the appointment.
  5. Provide biometrics.
  6. Verify the documents.
  7. Pay the visa fees.

What Does a Schengen Visa Look Like?

If the authorities decide to grant you a Schengen visa, they will attach it in the form of a sticker to the blank pages of your passport. This is what a Schengen visa looks like:

what does a schengen visa look like