Schengen Visa

The Schengen Area is a borderless zone of European countries that have officially abolished all passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Made up of 27 European countries, it is the largest free travel area in the world.

The 27 Schengen countries are:

• Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Sweden.

Nationals of certain countries (including British citizens) can travel to the Schengen area for tourism or business purposes without requiring a visa. These visa-exempt citizens can enter and travel within the zone for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, these individuals may need a visa or permit if they wish to work or study in an EU country.

Nationals of other countries are required to obtain a Schengen visa if they wish to enter any Schengen member country.

You can make the application in your country of nationality or residency. The application can made at an Embassy, Consulate, or a Visa centre.

• If you are visiting one Schengen country you must apply at the consulate which represents the Schengen country you plan to visit.
• If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries you must apply at the consulate of the Schengen country where you plan to spend the most days.
• If you are spending the same amount of time in each Schengen country you must apply at the consulate serving the Schengen country you plan to enter first.

You will be required to attend a pre-scheduled appointment. Once you have attended the appointment and submitted your application documents, a decision is normally made within 15 days.

Currently, the government fee for a Schengen visa is 80 Euros in most cases. Some visa centres may charge an additional non-refundable administrative fee. Note that the fee is to be paid in local currency at the current exchange rate at the time of application.

You should not spend more than 90 days in any 180 day period in the Schengen Zone (includes business and personal travel). The exact number of days you can spend in the Schengen Area is stated on your visa.

Depending on duration and validity, Schengen visas are categorised as follows:

• Single-entry visa: Allows you to enter the Schengen Area onceand remain there for the number of days permitted. Once you leave, you cannot re-enter.
• Double-entry visa: Allows you to enter the Schengen Area twice. In both entries, the number of days cannot exceed that stated on the sticker.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity. The total number of days on all combined entries cannot exceed the days stated on the visa sticker.

It may be possible to extend your stay in the Schengen Zone under limited circumstances, such as for humanitarian reasons or exceptional personal reasons. If you need to remain longer or work in Europe, you may need to apply for a National Visa at the embassy of the relevant country.