What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel across 27 European countries without internal borders.
It permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This visa is mainly used for tourism, business, or visiting family/friends.
It does not allow long-term work or study.
Which countries are part of the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area includes 27 European nations like Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
It also includes countries like Switzerland, Norway, and the Netherlands.
These countries have removed internal border checks for travellers.
Once inside, you can move freely between them.
Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Europe?
Citizens of countries like India, Pakistan, China, Nigeria, and the Philippines need a Schengen Visa.
If your country is not part of the visa-exempt list, you must apply before travel.
The visa must be obtained from the consulate of the main destination.
Visa-free countries include the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Australia.
Can I travel to all Schengen countries with one visa?
Yes, with one valid Schengen Visa, you can visit all 27 Schengen countries.
It doesn't matter which country issued the visa, as long as it's valid.
However, you must apply through the country that is your main travel destination.
You should also enter through that country if possible.
What type of visa is the Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is officially called a Type C short-stay visa.
It allows a stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family visits.
This visa is not suitable for studying or working long-term.
For longer stays, you need a national visa of that country.
Do I need a Schengen Visa for airport transit?
Some travellers need a Type A Airport Transit Visa if they’re changing flights in a Schengen airport.
This depends on your nationality and destination.
Most travellers do not need a transit visa if they stay within the airport zone.
Check the rules of the specific Schengen country you’re transiting through.
Is the Schengen Visa valid for multiple entries?
You can apply for a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Zone several times.
Validity can range from a few days to up to 5 years.
Always check your visa label for the number of entries allowed.
Do I need a visa if I have a residence permit in a Schengen country?
No, a valid residence permit from any Schengen country lets you travel freely within the zone.
You don’t need a separate visa to move between Schengen states.
But you must carry your permit and passport when traveling.
This doesn’t apply to residence permits from non-Schengen countries.
Are there any exemptions from the Schengen Visa requirement?
Yes, travellers from countries like the U.S., Canada, and Japan can visit visa-free.
They can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
From 2025, these travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorization.
This is not a visa but a security screening system.
Can dual citizens choose which passport to use?
Yes, dual nationals can choose the passport that gives them visa-free access.
Make sure to use the same passport when applying, flying, and crossing borders.
Avoid switching passports during travel in the Schengen Area.
Your travel documents must match at all checkpoints.
Which countries require a Schengen visa?
Citizens of India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and many other non-EU countries need a Schengen visa.
The full list includes over 100 countries.
Visa requirements depend on nationality and purpose of visit.
You can check eligibility on the EU immigration portal.
What is the purpose of a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows short-term travel (up to 90 days) across 27 European countries in the Schengen Area.
It covers tourism, business, family visits, events, or short courses.
It does not permit long-term stays or work unless otherwise stated.
It’s ideal for multi-country travel within Europe.
Who is required to have a Schengen visa?
Non-EU/EEA citizens from countries without visa-free access to the Schengen Zone must apply.
This includes most countries in Asia, Africa, and parts of South America.
Even transit through a Schengen airport may require a visa.
Exemptions apply for holders of valid EU/Schengen permits or some diplomatic passports.
What 5 countries are not in Schengen?
Five major European countries not in the Schengen Area are:
- Croatia (now part of Schengen as of 2023)
These countries have separate visa policies, even if they're in the EU.