When you intend to travel to Europe, the first thing that you need to know is the Schengen visa. It is a visa that enables you to access various European countries under one permit and thus travelling becomes easy and flexible.
This is the full guide where you will know all about the Schengen visa requirement, documents needed in Schengen visa, how to apply and its price, particularly, whether you are applying in the UAE or not.
What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen visa is a temporary visa that will permit you to make travel in 27 European nations in the Schengen Area. You do not require individual country visas with this visa.
E.g. when you have received a visa in France, you can go to Germany, Italy, Spain and other Schengen countries as well.
This is the reason why the Schengen tourist visa has been rated as one of the most sought after visas in the globe.
Types of Schengen Visas
Depending on the purpose of travel, there are various categories of Schengen visa.
Tourist Visa:
This is the most common type. It is given as a vacation, sightseeing or visiting relatives and friends.
Business Visa:
A business visa will be required in case of travelling in meetings, conferences or business.
Student Visa (Short-Term):
It is issued in short courses or training programs in the Schengen states.
Schengen Visa Requirements
You need to fulfill the minimum Schengen visa requirements before application. These will make sure that you are a real traveler and will go back to your country of origin.
You need to possess a valid passport not less than 6 months. Another thing you should demonstrate is that you are financially stable, that is, you can pay your trip.
Travel insurance is obligatory. The minimum is EU 30,000 and should be applicable in all the Schengen states.
And you have to submit a statement of accommodation and a flight ticket back home. These are the documents that verify that you are traveling.
Documents Schengen Visa
The most significant part of your application is the preparation of the correct documents. One of the key causes of the visa rejection is the lack or incorrect documents.
The following are the major documents needed in Schengen visa:
You should have a valid passport and Passport-sized photos, which should be in accordance with the Schengen requirements.
You need to have a bank statement of the past 6 months to demonstrate your financial strength. Ensure that your account has a good balance.
You will be required to provide an itinerary of the trip with the flight tickets and hotel bookings. These need not necessarily be fully paid but must appear real.
Travel insurance is obligatory, and it is supposed to be against emergency, hospitalization, and repatriation.
An explanation cover letter regarding your purpose of travel, period of stay and whether it is a business trip or recreational travel are the elements that will greatly enhance your acceptance.
Schengen Visa Application Process
It is a very easy application process of the Schengen visa provided that you observe every step taken.
- First, choose the country through which you are going to apply. It is your home country where you will be spending the largest amount of time.
- The second step is to make an appointment at the embassy or an authorized visa center such as VFS.
- Then get all your papers in readiness. Check twice, check before submitting.
- Bring your documents on the day of your appointment and do biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Lastly, wait until you get your visa. The processing normally requires a couple of weeks.
Applicant Schengen visa in the UAE (Dubai Guide)
When you are in the UAE then the things are a little different but easy.
To get a Schengen visa in UAE, one must possess a valid UAE residence visa.
You are supposed to make your appointment using VFS global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Every Schengen member state has its application center.
These are required to be in the form of your Emirates ID, a copy of your UAE residence visa, and the bank statements of a bank account in the United Arab Emirates.
The steps involved in applying Schengen visa in Dubai include booking, submission of the documents, biometrics, and waiting to be approved.
The UAE has a processing time of between 15 and 30 days in most of its applications.
Schengen Visa Fee and Costs Breakdown
The knowledge of the Schengen visa fee assists you to make a proper budget plan.
The normal Schengen visa fee is:
- €80 for adults
- €40 for children (6–12 years)
Visa fee is generally not a requirement to children under 6 years.
Nevertheless, there are other fees. They comprise VFS service charges that differ according to your place of residence.
Another expense that you have to take into account is travel insurance. It normally varies with your traveling time.
In case of UAE application, the Schengen visa fee can have service and processing fee as well in AED.
Note that the visa fee is not refundable even in the case of the rejection of the application.
Processing Time
The average time of processing a Schengen visa is 15 to 30 days.
This process can also take up to 45 days in certain instances particularly when there is a high season of travel or where more documents are involved.
It is always good to submit at least a month to your travel date so that you do not get late.
Usually Triggering Schengen Visa Refusals
Simple mistakes are the reason why many applications are rejected.
A poor bank statement is one of the reasons. If your bank account is not high or stable enough, then it becomes a point of concern.
Another significant cause is incomplete or counterfeit documents. Always give sincere and full information.
No history of traveling may also play a part in the choice, particularly when this is your first time in an international destination.
Poor purpose of travel or absence of cover letter can also result in rejection
Visa Hints on Schengen Visa Approval
This is because with a few clever tips to observe, you should get your visa approved.
Have a good and consistent bank balance of at least 3 6 months before applying.
Arrange a proper travel plan with good bookings and itinerary.
Write a powerful cover letter stating your intention and purpose to come back.
As much as can be done create a travel history by visiting visa friendly countries first.
Conclusion
The Schengen visa gives an opportunity to tour Europe easily. Be it applying to a Schengen tourist visa or making the plans in UAE, one must be aware of the requirements, documents that are needed in Schengen visa, and cost.
The proper process and prevention of major errors can help you to become a lot more probable to be approved.
FAQs
1. What is the validity of a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa normally lasts a maximum of 90 days out of 180 days.
2. What is the minimum amount of required bank balance in a Schengen visa?
There is no specific amount, only that you ought to have enough money to finance all your trip in a comfortable manner.
3. Is it possible to obtain a Schengen visa in UAE?
Yes, the residents of the UAE may apply at the VFS centers in either Dubai or Abdu Dhabi.
4. Can you refund the Schengen visa fee?
No, the visa fee cannot be refunded even in the case of application denial.
5. What is the time of the Schengen visa processing?
The process takes an average of 15-30 days and in some situations 45 days.