What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a special type of short stay visa that allows its holder to move freely in the Schengen Area without any border controls. The visa gives the holder the right to stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. These 90 days can be spread depending on the visa holder during a period of 180 days.
All people wishing to voyage to Europe will still need to apply for an ETIAS prior to their visit. Should you wish to stay for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residency permit or a long-stay visa.
Schengen Visa types:
- Transit visa
- Tourism visa
- Visa for Visiting Family or Friends
- Business Visa
- Visa for Culture and Sport activities
- Study Visa
- Visa for Medical Reasons
These visas can be given in the form of single-entry visas, double-entry visas or multiple-entry visas. The single-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area once and once you leave the area you will not be able to go back. The double-entry visa is the same, except you are allowed to leave and come back once. With the multiple-entry visa you are able to leave and come back to the Schengen Area as much as you wish, as long as you do not exceed 90 days within a period of 180 days.
The Schengen Area consists of 26 European countries, both European Union member states and non-member states. Also, if you are in possession of a multiple-entry visa, there are also an additional 19 non-Schengen/EU countries you can enter, as long as your multiple-entry Schengen Visa is valid.
Do Americans need a Schengen Visa?
The European Union has established a visa-free regime with the United States, so US citizens are able to travel to the Schengen Zone without an EU Visa. However there is an exception to this rule: US residents that are from countries that have not established visa-free regimes with the Schengen countries, will have to apply for an EU Visa in order to enter Europe.
Applying for a Schengen Visa
The first step in a Schengen Visa application is to figure out what type of visa, listed above, you need. After that, find out where and when you need to apply and book an appointment. Then, you will need to fill out the visa application form.
Secondly, you will need to gather the required documents listed below:
- The visa application form
- Valid passport
- Two identical photos
- Travel insurance policy
- Round trip reservation or flight itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
After this, you will need to attend the visa interview, pay the visa fee and wait for the answer if you will get your Schengen Visa or not.
Eres Legal provides services that help you and your employees while applying for and obtaining a Schengen Visa, so that your relocation can go as smoothly as possible. Should you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us. The Eres Legal team is at your disposal for all your relocation needs!
