Visitor Visa

Visitor Visa (Short-Stay Visa)

The Schengen Visitor Visa (Short-Stay Visa), also known as a Type C Visa, allows non-European Union (EU) citizens to visit any of the 26 Schengen countries for tourism, family visits, business, or short-term medical purposes. The Schengen visa permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and it allows you to travel freely across the Schengen Area without border checks between countries.

Key Features of the Schengen Visitor Visa (Type C Visa)

  • Multiple Purposes: You can use a Schengen visa for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or medical treatment.
  • Short-Term Stay: The Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • Multiple or Single Entry: You can apply for a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa depending on your travel plans.
  • Free Movement Within the Schengen Area: The visa allows travel between the 26 Schenge

Countries in the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area includes the following 26 countries, allowing free movement for visa holders between these nations:

  1. Austria
  2. Belgium
  3. Czech Republic
  4. Denmark
  5. Estonia
  6. Finland
  7. France
  8. Germany
  9. Greece
  10. Hungary
  11. Iceland
  12. Italy
  13. Latvia
  14. Liechtenstein
  15. Lithuania
  16. Luxembourg
  17. Malta
  18. Netherlands
  19. Norway
  20. Poland
  21. Portugal
  22. Slovakia
  23. Slovenia
  24. Spain
  25. Sweden
  26. Switzerland

Eligibility Requirements for the Schengen Visitor Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visitor Visa (Short-Stay Visa), you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years. It should also have at least two blank pages.

  1. Purpose of Visit

You must provide evidence of your reason for visiting the Schengen Area, whether for:

  • Tourism (e.g., hotel reservations, travel itinerary).
  • Visiting Family or Friends (e.g., invitation letter).
  • Business (e.g., invitation from a company or business contacts).
  • Medical Treatment (e.g., appointment confirmation from a hospital or clinic).

  1. Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your stay in the Schengen Area. This can include:

  • Bank statements showing adequate funds.
  • Sponsorship letter from a host or family member, if applicable.

  1. Travel Insurance

You must provide proof of Schengen travel insurance with coverage of at least EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalizations, and repatriation costs. The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

  1. Accommodation Proof

You must provide evidence of accommodation, such as:

  • Hotel reservations.
  • An invitation letter from a host if you are staying with family or friends.

  1. Intent to Return

You must prove your intent to return to your home country after your visit. This can include:

  • Proof of employment (e.g., a letter from your employer).
  • Proof of property ownership.
  • Family ties (e.g., family members in your home country).

Required Documents for the Schengen Visitor Visa

When applying for a Schengen Visitor Visa, you must submit the following documents:

  1. Completed Visa Application Form:
    • Fill out and sign the Schengen visa application form. This form is typically available on the website of the consulate or embassy where you are applying.
  2. Valid Passport:
    • A passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages.
  3. Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
    • Two recent photos that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements (clear, front-facing, no glasses, white background).
  4. Travel Itinerary:
    • A detailed travel itinerary, including flight bookings, transportation plans, and a list of Schengen countries you intend to visit.
  5. Proof of Accommodation:
    • Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host if you are staying with family or friends.
  6. Proof of Financial Means:
    • Bank statements or other financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and expenses during your stay.
  7. Travel Insurance:
    • A valid travel insurance policy with at least EUR 30,000 coverage for medical expenses, hospitalizations, and repatriation for the entire duration of your trip.
  8. Visa Application Fee:
    • Pay the visa application fee of EUR 80 (for adults) or EUR 40 (for children aged 6 to 12). Visa fees may be waived or reduced for certain categories of travelers, including students, researchers, and children under 6 years old.
  9. Proof of Purpose of Visit:
    • For tourists: A travel itinerary, flight tickets, and hotel bookings.
    • For family visits: An invitation letter from your host along with proof of relationship.
    • For business: A letter of invitation from the company you will visit or conference details.
    • For medical treatment: Medical documents, including an appointment confirmation from the medical facility.
  10. Proof of Return to Your Home Country:
    • Employment contract, property documents, family ties, or other evidence showing that you will return to your home country after your visit.

Application Process for the Schengen Visitor Visa

The application process for the Schengen Visitor Visa is straightforward, but it requires thorough preparation and documentation. Here are the main steps:

  1. Determine Where to Apply

You must apply for the Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time during your trip. If you are visiting multiple countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you will first enter the Schengen Area.

  1. Complete the Visa Application Form

Fill out the Schengen visa application form available on the website of the respective consulate or embassy. Make sure to complete the form accurately and honestly.

  1. Gather the Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial documents.

  1. Schedule a Visa Appointment

Schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate to submit your application and have your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken. In some countries, you may apply through a visa processing center (such as VFS Global).

  1. Attend the Visa Interview

Attend your visa appointment and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, finances, and intent to return to your home country. Submit all required documents and pay the visa fee.

  1. Wait for Visa Processing

After submitting your application, the processing time typically ranges from 15 to 30 days, depending on the consulate and time of year.

Schengen Visa Fees

The visa fees for the Schengen Visitor Visa are as follows:

  • Adults: EUR 80.
  • Children aged 6 to 12: EUR 40.
  • Children under 6 years old: Free.
  • Visa fee waivers: Certain categories of travelers, including students, researchers, and spouses of EU citizens, may qualify for reduced fees or waivers.

Validity of the Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Depending on your application, you may be issued a:

  • Single-Entry Visa: Allows one entry into the Schengen Area. After leaving, the visa becomes invalid.
  • Double-Entry Visa: Allows two entries into the Schengen Area.
  • Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity period, which can be up to 5 years.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we offer comprehensive support throughout the Schengen Visitor Visa (Short-Stay Visa) application process. Our services include:

  • Visa Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your travel plans and financial situation to ensure you meet the requirements for the Schengen visa.
  • Document Preparation: We assist in gathering all required documents, including proof of accommodation, financial statements, travel insurance, and visa application forms.
  • Visa Interview Preparation: We guide you on how to prepare for your visa interview, including potential questions and tips for presenting your case effectively.
  • Application Submission: We help you submit your visa application and ensure that everything is completed correctly to avoid delays.

Explore Europe with a Schengen Visitor Visa

The Schengen Visitor Visa (Short-Stay Visa) offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the Schengen Area’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and historic cities. Whether you're traveling for tourism, family visits, or business, A Square Migration Services is here to help you navigate the visa application process and make your European trip a reality.

Contact us today to start your Schengen Visitor Visa application and begin your journey to Europe!