Useful information on the Schengen Visa
What is the Schengen area?
The Schengen area refers to the area of the European Union where you are allowed to travel without a passport. Most of European countries are part of this area. It is the largest area in the world with unrestricted freedom of movement.
What is a Schengen visa?
Un visa Schengen permet de voyager ou de séjourner dans la zone Schengen d’une durée de 90 jours maximum. Il s’agit donc d’un visa court séjour. Le visa Schengen peut être accordé dans un but professionnel ou touristique.
It should be known that this type of visa is among the most common in European countries. A visa holder is able to move freely in the Schengen area and any other member countries at any time. It should be noted that there is no border check in the Schengen area.
However, if you plan to live or study in one of the Schengen countries, you must apply for a national visa. To apply for this visa, you must go to the consular authorities of the country you wish to settle in.
In 2019, more than 15 million people used their Schengen visas to travel throughout Europe.
Who needs a visa to enter Europe?
Prior to enter a European territory, all nationals of a foreign country must obtain a visa. This includes people whose country has not entered into a visa-free agreement with Schengen countries.
But how do I know if I need a Schengen visa to travel to one of the Schengen countries? For your convenience we have compiled below the list of countries requiring a Schengen visa.
What travel documents are required and what are the entry requirements for non-EU nationals?
When you enter the Schengen area, you will be asked for documents that you must hand over to the country’s competent authorities. These are documents that allow you to enter the territory, but also to check if you are a national of a non-EU country or the Schengen area.
Here are the documents required to submit to enter the Schengen area:
- A passport: It must have been issued for less than 10 years. In addition, it must be valid at least 3 months after your scheduled departure date ;
- Schengen visa: If you are a member of any third countries that require a visa.
It should be noted that the border guards of the European Union or the Schengen area will ask you for certain information and documents, namely proof of accommodation, the length of your stay, a sufficient amount of money, your return ticket, your travel insurance, the purpose of your stay, etc.
It is very important that you ensure that a border guard stamps your passport once you arrive in the Schengen area. Otherwise you may be fined or even detained.
What are the European countries granting a Schengen visa?
The Schengen area is made up of 26 countries. All of these countries have entered into a Schengen agreement. The agreement provides that anyone from member countries may travel within the area without a passport and will not be checked upon arrival in the country. All Schengen countries can grant Schengen visas.
Here is the list of Schengen countries
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What are the different types of short-term Schengen visas?
If you are planning to visit one of the Schengen countries for the following reasons:
- Visiting a loved one ;
- Tourism ;
- Holidays ;
- Business or medical purposes ;
- Studies ;
- Research ;
- Sports or cultural events ;
You must apply for a Schengen visa.
You may be granted a Schengen visa by the Consulate depending on the purpose of your trip. You can be issued with two types of visa: a single entry or multiple entry visa.
A single-entry visa is valid depending on the circumstances, i.e. the number of days of your stay in the Schengen area as mentioned on your Schengen visa application form and the decision of the competent authorities of the country you wish to travel to.
Do you like to travel? Apply for a visa that will allow you to stay in the European area for up to 5 years. However, you should not forget that you are not allowed to stay more than 3 months in the Schengen area over a previous 6 month period, even if you hold a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years.
How do I apply for a Schengen visa to enter Europe?
Before you apply for a Schengen visa, the question you need to ask yourself is: Do I really need it? If so, start with planning your trip.
First, count the number of days you want to spend in the area. Then, which countries you plan to visit and finally, you need to know which are the countries of entry and exit from the Schengen area.
Once you are done with that, you must visit a consulate in your country and apply for a Schengen visa.
How much does a European visa cost?
For an adult, it costs €80. However, it may vary from person to another depending on their age and other factors.
What is a travel itinerary for a Schengen visa application?
This is a document that can be verified on the internet. The flight itinerary indicates the flight schedule.
A travel insurance to apply for a visa
To be valid, your travel medical insurance must be valid for the duration of your stay. It must be up to €30,000 to cover the cost for medical emergency or hostpital care.
What is a proof of accommodation?
A proof of accommodation is a confirmation document that you must present to the competent authorities. It shows where you will stay during your stay in the Schengen area.
Travel Insurance is mandatory to obtain a Schengen Visa
To be valid, your Schengen Travel Insurance must be valid for the duration of your stay. It must be for a minimum of €30,000 to cover costs in the event of medical emergencies or hospital treatment.
With Mondialcare, your Schengen Travel Insurance is available with two levels of coverage for medical expenses:
- €35,000 (ideal for short stays)
- €100,000 (recommended for stays longer than 6 months)
Does Mondialcare Schengen Travel Insurance also cover medical and hospitalisation costs caused by COVID-19?
Due to the health situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, MondialCare provides full coverage for hospitalisation and medical expenses related to COVID-19.
In addition, it is now mandatory in some countries to present a travel insurance certificate mentioning this coverage, which Mondialcare integrates into all its travel insurance products.
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