If you are planning to travel to Europe and visit multiple countries, you will likely need a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area – a group of European countries that have removed border checks between them.
If you are planning to travel to Europe and visit multiple countries, you will likely need a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area – a group of European countries that have removed border checks between them.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is the largest border-free zone in the world which guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU).
The Schengen visa lets you visit one or more countries within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days every 180 days) for tourism, business or family visits.
Who needs a Schengen visa?
Not everyone needs a Schengen visa. Citizens from certain countries (such as the USA, Canada and Japan) can travel to Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days. However, if you’re from a country that requires a visa to enter, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.
To check if you need one, consult the Schengen visa information or the embassy of the country you are visiting.
Types of Schengen visa
Depending on the purpose of your travel, the Schengen visa may be issued as:
- Type A: Transit visa for airport transit
- Type B: Transit visa valid for 5 days
- Type C: Short-stay visa in any of the Schengen countries.
- This allows the holder to stay or travel freely in the Schengen Area for less than 90 days over a 180-day period.
- Type D: National long-stay visa
- This allows the holder to study, work or live in a Schengen country for longer than 90 days (up to 1 year).
Do you need a Schengen visa?
Whether you need a Schengen visa depends on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit.
If you are from a Schengen Area country or a visa-exempt country, you do not need a Schengen visa. For example, French and Canadian citizens don’t need a visa for short visits to Schengen countries.
If you are from a non-Schengen country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen Area, then you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.
You can check the visa requirements for your country on the official website of the European Union or the consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit.
Important tips for Schengen visa holders
With a Schengen visa, you can stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that if you stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days, you must wait another 90 days before you can return.
Always ensure that you abide by the rules of your visa, including your travel dates and length of stay. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines or even a ban from the Schengen Area.
Make sure your travel insurance covers medical expenses, accidents and emergencies while you’re in the Schengen Area.
A Schengen visa makes traveling between many European countries much easier. If you’re planning a short trip to multiple countries, getting a Schengen visa is the best way to go. Just remember to check if you need one, apply in advance, and ensure you have all the right documents.
If you need any guidance or require assistance with the visa process before you start your European adventure, please contact us.
Updated 20 November 2024
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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