How to get a Schengen visa?

Modern travelers are demanding in terms of comfort. Passport, immigration control at the entrance to each new country requires time that can be better spent. Getting a Schengen visa does not in any way limit visiting 26 European countries united in the Schengen area. These countries are attractive in terms of study, tourism, shopping, doing business, and visiting people.

What gives a Schengen visa?

The Schengen area and the European Union include different countries, so the introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukrainians does not negate the relevance of obtaining a Schengen visa. The agreement benefits 400 million citizens who can move freely between the borders of 26 states with a single visa policy and a unified package of documents.

There is no internal passport control, which means free movement within the community without wasting time on bureaucratic delays.

If the trip involves visiting several countries, a single visa is required for the entire trip.

Territory of action

An up-to-date list of Schengen countries can be found on specialized Internet resources. This is almost all of Europe, except for Great Britain, Ireland, Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine. In Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Croatia, the visa is valid, despite the fact that these countries have not signed the agreement. From non-European territories, the Azores and Canary Islands, Madeira are included in the Schengen zone.

The territory of validity is indicated on the visa. If the permit allows you to visit any state, there is a mark "Schengen countries" in the language of the consulate that issued the visa. If the coverage area is limited to one state, its code is indicated. The start and end dates of the document are indicated in the from, until fields.

Schengen rules

There are important rules that visa holders must follow:

• the first country visited must be the one that issued the visa;
• the time of stay in this country must be at least one day more than the total stay in the territory of other Schengen states;
• any country can introduce border controls on domestic flights for a while.

A Schengen visa does not automatically entitle you to enter or transit through the territory. The border guards have the right to refuse if proof of the purpose of the trip is not provided, the mandatory conditions are not met. Anyone can apply if they have the necessary documents and financial means to stay in the Schengen countries. The application is submitted in person to the consulate of the respective country or to the visa center. If you plan to visit several countries of the community, you should apply for a visa at the consulate of the country in which you plan to stay for the most number of days (the “main country” rule).

If the main destination cannot be determined, the applicant must contact the embassy of the Schengen country through whose external border it is planned to enter the territory of other Schengen states.

Most applications are processed within 15 days from the date of submission, so you need to calculate the time to get permission before the planned date of departure.

Types of Schengen visas

There are several categories of Schengen visas:

• single, USV, allowing crossing the borders of all 26 states, staying on their territory for 3 months every six months. Permit holders are not allowed to engage in any income-generating activity unless otherwise specified on the visa. The document is issued in two forms: visa A - airport transit, visa C, which determines the length of stay (single, double, multi-entry);
• business, with the opportunity to do business;
• educational, gives the right to stay and study in a country that has confirmed enrollment in an educational institution;
• work, permitting stay and labor activity in the countries of the Schengen zone;
• a visa with LTV restrictions allowing access to one or more countries, but not to all states of the agreement;
• national (D), with the right to stay in a particular country for more than 90 days.

The type of visa depends on the reason why you intend to visit the Schengen area. The entry category determines how many times you can cross the border. The package of documents for each category of visas is slightly different. Among the mandatory ones: a valid foreign passport, a completed application form, medical insurance, a certificate of no criminal record, documents proving the applicant's solvency. The consulate of each country may request additional documents.

Reasons for refusal of a Schengen visa

Applicants may receive a negative response if the authorities believe that the applicant poses a threat to security, has a criminal record. Refusal for financial reasons will follow if the applicant has convincingly substantiated his ability to pay, provided an insufficient number of supporting documents. Another category of refusals is doubt about the applicant's intentions to return from the Schengen countries at the end of the visa.

Registration cost

The Schengen visa is one of the most affordable permits, given the wide range of opportunities and privileges. Each applicant pays a non-refundable visa fee. The cost depends on the category of visa, the age of the applicant.

In 2022, the following prices are relevant for Ukrainians: 235 € for a single entry, 335 € for a multivisa, from 300 € for a national one.

Children under the age of 6 do not pay the visa fee, representatives of non-profit organizations participating in international conferences, cultural, sports events, scientists from third world countries traveling to the Schengen area to conduct scientific research.

Insurance is included in the registration costs. The minimum coverage amount is 30,000 euros. The term of insurance must cover the entire period of the trip.