schengen visa
Picture by Paul Watson

It is hard to get a Schengen visa: Myth or Reality?
Acquiring a Schengen visa is not that difficult if you have proper information at hand and you know what to do with it.

Many people try to get a their visa but, lacking help or guidance, eventually fail to do so. It is hard to find all the needed information in just one place.

This step by step guide is written to simplify your life and render the experience of getting your next Schengen visa stress-free.

The good news is that, even though the rules may seem strict, a large majority of the applicants are actually granted visas when they apply at a Consulate of a Schengen member country. However visa applicants must show that they are qualified under the law to receive it. Failing to do so leaves to the consular officer no choice but to turn down their request.

Uniform Visa a Schengen visa for short stays

The Schengen visa is enforced in the following countries :

Austria (A) Italy (I) Belgium (B) Luxembourg (L) Denmark (DK) Norway (N) Finland (FIN) The Netherlands (NL) France (F) Portugal (P) Germany (D) Spain (E) Greece (GR) Sweden (S) Iceland (C)

Although it may seem that this visa was enforced to limit the movement of population it is quite the opposite. When it was introduces its purpose was to eliminate controls at common borders and to promote free movement of people in this selected area. This way the people that live or travel in this area will be free to move anywhere without having to undergo several controls.

Moreover to allow third-country nationals to travel freely between Schengen countries, they create the uniform visa. This visa is valid for a short stay of maximum of 90 days in a six month period.

Where to apply for a Schengen Visa

  • Visiting one country only: In case you’re planning on visiting only one country, then you will have to do so at the Embassy or Consulate of that particular country. You apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate in whose jurisdiction you are a permanent resident.
  • Visiting multiple countries: If your plans are to visit more than one Schengen country during your stay in Europe then, as a general rule, you should apply to the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you are going to spend the most amount of time during your trip. If this main destination cannot be determined, then it is a safe choice to apply at the country you will be visiting first.

N.B.:

  • If, for whatever reason. you do not need a visa for the Schengen country which is your main destination or first point of entry, we have to remind you that you may require a visa for other Schengen countries you wish to visit.
  • Your stay is limited to 90 days within any 6 months period.
  • You must check each countries requirements, before assuming that you only require a Schengen visa for your European journey.

A guide to Schengen Visa Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Disclaimer: Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information. However we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this post, and all provided are to be used as a guideline

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This entry was posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2007 at 1:32 am and is filed under Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.