A Prominent Guide on Schengen Visa Types [2023 Edition]

Are you confused on Schengen visa types? If yes, then you should check out the prominent guide on Schengen visa types. It will help you to make your visit to Schengen countries hassle free.

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that citizens of these countries can travel freely within the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks.

The purpose of the Schengen Visa is to regulate the entry of non-Schengen citizens into the Schengen Area, ensuring that they meet certain requirements and do not pose a threat to the security or public order of the area.

The Schengen Visa is divided into several types, including the Uniform Schengen Visa (which is further divided into Category A, B, and C visas), the Limited Territorial Validity Visa, and the National Visa. Each visa type is designed for a specific purpose and has its own set of requirements and restrictions.

Schengen Visa Types

Here are the Schengen visa types you should know:-

Uniform Schengen Visa

1. Category A: Airport Transit Visa: This type of visa is issued to individuals who need to transit through the international zone of a Schengen airport, without entering the Schengen Area.
2. Category B: Transit Visa: This visa allows travelers to transit through a Schengen country on their way to a non-Schengen destination.

Category C: Short-stay Visa: This visa allows non-Schengen citizens to enter and stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Category C visas can be further divided into:

Single-entry Visa

This allows one entry into the Schengen Area and is valid for a specific duration.

Multiple-entry Visa

This allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area within the visa’s validity period. Multiple-entry visas can be further divided into:

Limited Territorial Validity Visa: This allows entry to one or more Schengen countries, but not all of them.

Long-term Visa: This allows individuals to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days, but no longer than one year.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa

This visa allows individuals to travel only within a limited area of the Schengen Area and is usually issued for specific purposes such as business or study.

National Visa

This visa is issued by a specific Schengen country and allows individuals to enter and stay in that country for more than 90 days, either for a temporary or permanent stay.

Requirements for Schengen Visa

Here are some of the requirement of Schengen visa types:-

General Requirements

1. Travel Document: A valid passport with a minimum of 3 months validity beyond the intended stay in the Schengen Area.
2. Purpose of Travel: Proof of the purpose of the visit, such as a letter of invitation, travel itinerary, or reservation.
3. Means of Subsistence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the stay, such as bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter of sponsorship.
4. Accommodation: Proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host.
5. Travel Insurance: Proof of travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Additional Requirements

1. Medical Certificate: Proof of good health and vaccination records, depending on the country of origin and destination.
2. Invitation Letter: A letter of invitation from a host in the Schengen country, including information about the host’s relationship with the applicant and the purpose of the visit.
3. Employment Contract: Proof of employment and a letter from the employer stating the purpose of the visit, the duration of the stay, and that the applicant will return to their home country after the visit.
4. Study Enrollment: Proof of enrollment in a course of study in a Schengen country, including the purpose of the study, the duration of the course, and proof of payment.
5. Financial Guarantee: Proof of financial guarantee, such as a letter from a sponsor or bank statement showing sufficient funds.

Note: The requirements may vary depending on the Schengen country being visited and the purpose of the visit. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country being visited for specific requirements.

Also Read : South African Tourist Visa | Step by Step Guide (2023 Edition)

Application Process

Preparing the Application

1. Application Form: Complete and sign the Schengen Visa application form, which can be obtained from the embassy or consulate website.
2. Supporting Documents: Gather all necessary supporting documents, including a valid passport, travel itinerary, accommodation details, travel insurance, and any additional requirements based on the purpose of the visit.
3. Photo Requirements: Provide two recent passport-size photos that meet the Schengen Visa photo requirements.
4. Biometric Data: Schedule an appointment to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.

Submitting the Application

1. Application Centers: Submit the application in person at a Schengen Visa application center, if available in your country. These centers may also provide additional services, such as biometric data collection and document scanning.
2. Embassies/Consulates: Submit the application at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country being visited if there is no application center in your country.
3. Visa Fee: Pay the Schengen Visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the country being visited. The fee must be paid at the time of application and is non-refundable.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Schengen Visa varies depending on the embassy or consulate, the time of year, and the type of visa being applied for. It is recommended to apply for the visa well in advance of the intended travel dates.

Appeal Process

If the visa application is rejected, the applicant can appeal the decision within a certain period of time, as specified by the embassy or consulate. The appeal process usually involves providing additional supporting documents or explaining why the initial decision was incorrect.

Conclusion

The Schengen Visa types are different, including the Uniform Schengen Visa, Limited Territorial Validity Visa, and National Visa, each with its own purpose and requirements.

Meeting the requirements for a Schengen Visa is crucial in ensuring a smooth visa application process and avoiding the risk of rejection. It is essential to carefully read and understand the requirements before submitting the application.

The Schengen Visa is a valuable travel document that allows for seamless travel within the Schengen Area. With proper preparation and attention to detail, obtaining a Schengen Visa can be a straightforward process that opens up many exciting travel opportunities. If you want to suggest us anything on Schengen visa types then comment down below.

Frequently Asked Questions