To tick as many European countries off your bucket list, this simple guide will help you through the process of securing a Schengen visa.

What Is A Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a permit that allows you to stay, or transit within the Schengen region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Which Countries Are In The Schengen Region?

The 27 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Each of these countries has its unique attractions and cultural experiences waiting to be explored.

Types Of Schengen Visas

There are four main types of Schengen visas including:

1) Airport Transit Visa: this is a type of visa for travellers transiting through the international airport within the Schengen region without entering the Schengen country. This visa is valid for 24 hours.

2) Short-term Visa: this visa is for short stays including tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or attending conferences and events. This visa is valid for 90 days in a 180- day period.

3) Limited Territorial Validity Visa: this visa allows travel only in the country that issued the visa or within specific Schengen countries. It is valid for 90 days in a 180- day period.

4) National Long-stay Visa: this visa type is intended for visitors planning extended stays in a specific Schengen country for work, study, or family. It is valid for trips longer than 90 days.

How To Apply For A Schengen Visa

1) Identify the embassy or consulate: you need to first know the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit.

2) Gather required documents: check to know the required documents for the specific Schengen country you’ll be visiting and then gather those documents for submission to the embassy or consulate.

3) Submit your application: book an appointment at the embassy or consulate nearest to you and submit your application in person. Some countries may allow online submission.

To obtain a Schengen visa, some documents are required to be submitted and they include:

● Two recent passport photographs

● Complete visa application form

● A valid passport

● Flight and hotel itinerary

● Travel insurance

● Bank statement of the last six months

● Proof of paid visa fee

Schengen Visa Processing Time

The visa processing time varies but it is advisable to apply for your Schengen visa well in advance. It takes about 15 days to process a Schengen visa but in some peculiar cases, it could take up to two months to process.

Before you conclude your travel plans, ensure that you have the financial means that’s sufficient for your stay, check the validity of the visa type to be sure it covers the entire duration of your trip, and don’t forget to buy adequate travel insurance to protect you from any emergencies that may occur.