• What is Schengen Visa
• Where to Obtain a Schengen Visa?
• Visa Requirements
• FAQs

What is Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa is a single tourist visa for that you can use to visit 15 European countries without the need of separate visas for each country. This visa allows hassle free internal travel (air, road, train etc.) between these countries. This visa allows the visitors  (for leisure, tourism, or business) to travel freely within the Schengen countries for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in a 6 month period. It is ecommended to plan your journey within the timeframe of the Schengen Visa, as extensions can be very difficult to obtain, thus forcing you to leave these countries.

Please note that only 13 out of the 25 European Unions (EU) countries participate in the Schengen Visa program plus Iceland and Norway. This visa allows you to enter the following countries

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands

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Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

• If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate of that particular country. You should apply at the Embassy or Consulate responsible for the state where you live.
   
• If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your main destination.
   
• If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first point of entry.

Download Schengen Visa Form

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Visa Requirements

Requirements may vary between countries that you are applying the visa with. Some of the requirements requested by the embassies include:

1. A Valid US Passport
    
2. Means of Transport: Proof of travel (tickets, original travel agent itinerary)
    
3. Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements
    
4. Health/Travel Insurance
   Travel insurance is a must requirement in order to apply for Schengen Visa.
    
5. Invitation
   Visa invitations/confirmations are documents, often directly approved by the Foreign Ministry of the country to be visited, that authorizes a particular traveler to visit that country. They typically state the dates and cities you are visiting, the name of a hosting organization, as well as an "official" reference number and seal of approval. This is particularly prevalent for Russia and many Schengen countries. Required formats for invitations and confirmations vary by country.
6. Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations, official invitations
    

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FAQs

1. Multiple Schengen Visa

A multiple entry Schengen visa will allow the holder several entries into the Schengen area, allowing you to return to the UK and then re-enter the Schengen area at a later date.

Not all embassies issue multiple entry visas some prefer to only issue a single entry visa to cover you for the specific trip you are going on.