Schengen Tourist Visa

The Schengen Tourist Visa is a type of visa for short stays and allows the tourists to travel to any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area for a total of 90 days during a period of 180 days. The main reason for this visa is to allow the tourists to visit, see friends or relatives and attend meetings or be part of cultural events for a little while. A hassle-free journey is guaranteed if one knows the application process, eligibility criteria, allowed activities, required documents and the processing time for the visa before applying.

What is Schengen Tourist Visa?

The Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C) is a short stay visa for citizens from outside the European Union with which one can travel freely within the Schengen zone. Besides, the zone consists of numerous popular tourist destinations such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain, Switzerland and Greece among others.The visa allows for a stay in the visa countries up to 90 days during a period of 180 days for tourism, visiting the sights or business purposes. After 90 days you become free to move around all the Schengen countries without the necessity of applying for separate visas each time.

Who Needs It and When to Apply

A Schengen visa has to be applied for and obtained if your passport comes from a nation that has no visa free entry to the Schengen Area. It is recommended that you apply at least 15 days before the day you intend to travel but not earlier than 6 months. The embassy or consulate representing the country you first visit or where you remain the longest will grant you the visa.

Eligibility Criteria

Required for visa application to enter Schengen area the following requirements need to be fulfilled -

• A passport which is valid and has at least two blank pages.
• A passport which is valid and has at least two blank pages.
• Show proof of having sufficient funds for their stay.
• Get travel insurance where the minimum coverage for medical emergencies is €30,000.
• Show accommodation proof (hotel reservations or an invitation from a friend).
• Present strong ties with their home country as evidence (employment, property ownership or close relatives).

Essential Documents

Despite the slight differences in requirements according to the country, the following common documents are requested -

• A filled visa application form along with a signed declaration
• A valid passport (that was issued in the last ten years and will be valid for at least three months beyond your planned return).
• New passport sized photos.
• Demonstration of financial capability which can be in the form of either current bank statements or documents that confirm your income.
• A complete travel itinerary that incorporates both flight tickets and hotel reservations.
• Medical insurance with coverage for the whole Schengen Area and at least €30,000.
• A letter of intent stating the reason for the trip and the length of stay.
• Verification of employment or education (a letter from the employer, student ID card etc.).

Visa Fees

The Schengen Tourist Visa fee structure basically includes:

• €90 for adults.
• €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.
• Free of charge for toddlers under 6 years.

However, people in some categories (like students, researchers and family members of EU nationals) may not have to pay the fee.

Important - The fees are non-refundable and will not be returned even if your visa application is denied.

Processing Time

The Schengen Tourist Visa is usually processed in 15 business days, but the time might depend on your nationality, the workload of the embassy, and the time of the year. There are specific deadlines in high season you should better make your application at least 3–4 weeks before the date you wish to travel.

Application Process

The process of obtaining a Schengen Tourist Visa is not very complicated. It consists of the following steps -

1. You have to select the embassy or consulate of the country where you will be entering first or where your main stay will be.
2. The visa application form should be completed either in an online manner or an offline manner.
3. Make a booking at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
4. The visa charge can be settled via the internet or at the VAC.
5. Your biometric information (fingerprints and picture) will be taken.
6. Present yourself at the appointment with the necessary documents.
7. Be patient for the decision which usually lasts around 2-3 weeks.

After the decision is made your passport with the visa stamp will be sent to you.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Minor mistakes or lack of supporting documentation are the most common reasons for refusals of many Schengen Visa applications. The main reasons are -

• Not enough documents.
• Not enough financial means.
• No or invalid travel insurance.
• Itinerary or return proof not provided or unclear.
• Differences between the documents and the application.

It is advisable to recheck your documents and guarantee that the provided information is correct and consistent.

Successful Application

To give your application a better chance of being approved -

• Submit your application long before the date of your trip.
• Give full and honest details.
• Keep indisputable evidence of your plans to return.
• Demonstrate your financial and personal stability in your country of origin.
• Have all documents translated (if needed) and certified properly.

Why Choose VisaForNation for Your Schengen Tourist Visa

Securing a Schengen Tourist Visa can still turn out to be a tough task due to the varying rules established by the individual countries but on the other hand, Bright Path is the visa company that always manages the whole process effortlessly and without a hassle. We have a team of visa professionals who are very competent and have an extensive experience in this field and will guide you through the entire process from preparing the required documents to interview assistance. Our process clarity, excellent success rate, and individualized support will ensure that your trip to Europe will not be a problem or take longer than expected.