Europe has a lot to offer, from its rich history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. It’s no wonder that millions of tourists visit Europe each year. However, if you’re planning to travel to Europe, you need to obtain a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is a travel document that allows entry to 26 countries in Europe that make up the Schengen Area. In this article, we will discuss the types of Schengen visas available for travelers who wish to visit Europe.
What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is a travel document that allows non-European Union citizens to enter the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Types Of Schengen Visas
There are several types of Schengen visas that are available. The type of visa that you need to apply for depends on the purpose of your visit to Europe. The following are the types of Schengen visas:
1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)
The Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) is the most common type of Schengen visa. It allows the holder to travel to any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period, for either business or tourism purposes. The USV is further divided into three categories:
- Single Entry Visa: Allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area once and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.
- Double Entry Visa: Allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area twice and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area multiple times and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.
2. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)
The Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) allows the holder to travel within a specific Schengen country or countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. This visa is usually issued for humanitarian reasons or when a traveler has been denied a USV.
3. National Visas
National visas are issued for travel to a specific Schengen country for purposes such as study, work, or family reunification. National visas allow the holder to stay longer than 90 days within a six-month period. However, the holder is not allowed to travel to other Schengen countries using this visa.
How To Apply For A Schengen Visa?
The application process for a Schengen visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate of the respective Schengen country you are applying for. Generally, you need to follow these steps:
- Find out which embassy or consulate you need to apply to based on your place of residence.
- Gather all the necessary documents and fill out the application form.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Submit your application and attend the visa interview if required.
- Wait for your visa to be processed and approved.
Conclusion
Now that you know the types of Schengen visas available, you can choose the one that is most appropriate for your visit to Europe. Remember, it’s important to apply for the correct type of visa to ensure that your application is approved. Make sure you check the requirements for each type of visa to avoid any delays or issues with your application.
