1. Short Stay Visa (Schengen Visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period)
The Short Stay Schengen Visa is the most common type of visa issued for visits to the Schengen Area. This visa allows you to stay in any of the 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can use this visa for various purposes, including tourism, business trips, or visiting family or friends.
Eligibility Requirements for a Short Stay Schengen Visa
To be eligible for a Short Stay Schengen Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Purpose of Visit: You must clearly explain the purpose of your visit, whether it is for tourism, business, or a family visit.
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned return from the Schengen Area. It should also have at least two blank pages.
- Travel Insurance: You must have travel health insurance covering any medical emergency or hospitalization during your stay, with coverage of at least €30,000.
- Financial Proof: You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay and travel costs, typically with recent bank statements or proof of financial support.
- Travel Itinerary: You may be required to submit your travel itinerary, including hotel bookings, flight reservations, and any other travel arrangements.
- No Previous Immigration Violations: You must not have overstayed on previous visits to the Schengen Area.
How to Apply for a Short Stay Schengen Visa
- Determine the Main Destination: If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, you should apply at the consulate of the country that will be your main destination (the country where you will spend the most time).
- Complete the Application Form: Complete the Schengen visa application form. Make sure all the information is accurate and up to date.
- Prepare Required Documents: Along with the application form, you will need to provide documents such as your passport, insurance, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and visa fee payment.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application and documents to the appropriate consulate or embassy.
- Attend a Visa Appointment: Some countries may require you to attend an in-person visa appointment, where your fingerprints will be taken as part of the Schengen visa application process.
- Wait for Processing: Visa processing typically takes around 15 calendar days, but this can vary depending on the country and your specific circumstances.
Schengen Visa Fee
As of the most recent information, the standard Schengen visa application fee for a short stay is €80 (approximately £70). This fee is subject to change, and different fees may apply to children or specific countries.
2. Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
The Multiple Entry Schengen Visa allows you to enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times within the visa’s validity period. This is useful for individuals who plan to travel to Schengen countries more than once during their visa’s validity, without the need to apply for a new visa each time.
Eligibility Requirements for a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
To be eligible for a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa, you need to meet certain criteria that show you will use the multiple entry rights responsibly, including:
- Previous Travel History: You should have a clean travel history in the Schengen Area or other countries. A good record of previous Schengen visas or a history of lawful stays in other countries will support your application.
- Frequent Travel: You need to demonstrate that you travel frequently and have a valid reason for requiring multiple entries within the visa period. For example, businesspeople who regularly travel to Schengen countries or individuals visiting family in multiple countries.
- Sufficient Financial Means: As with the short stay visa, you must show that you have sufficient financial resources for each of your visits.
- Purpose of Visit: You should clearly state the purpose of your visits and provide appropriate supporting documentation.
How to Apply for a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
- Demonstrate Frequent Travel: When applying for a multiple-entry visa, you will need to provide evidence of your previous travel history and justify why you need a multiple-entry visa.
- Submit Application: You will apply for the visa just as you would for a short stay, with the same documentation. The only difference is the intention for multiple entries rather than a single visit.
- Visa Fee: The fee for a multiple-entry visa is typically the same as a short stay Schengen visa, but it may vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate. The validity of the visa can be extended up to 5 years, depending on your circumstances and previous travel history.
Benefits of a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
- Flexibility: Travel freely within the Schengen Area for the duration of the visa without needing to reapply for a visa each time you enter.
- Multiple Visits: You can leave and re-enter the Schengen Area multiple times during the visa’s validity period, provided you do not exceed the 90-day limit within a 180-day period.
- Long-Term Use: Multiple-entry visas are typically issued for one, three, or five years, depending on your travel history.
How We Can Help
At Immigration Advice Consultants LTD, we provide expert advice and support in securing your Schengen visa, whether for a short stay or multiple entries. Our services include:
- Visa Assessment: We will assess your eligibility and provide guidance on the best type of visa for your travel plans.
- Document Preparation: We help you gather the necessary documents and ensure that everything is in order for a successful application.
- Application Submission: We assist with submitting your application to the relevant embassy or consulate and provide support throughout the process.
- Visa Extensions: If needed, we can advise on extending your stay or applying for a new visa.
Contact Us
If you are planning to travel to the Schengen Area and need assistance with your visa application, contact Immigration Advice Consultants LTD today. Our experienced team is ready to help ensure your application is submitted correctly and efficiently
