Getting a Schengen visa is an important step when travelling to Europe based on your passport and nationality and it is necessary to know all the details before you apply. So, here’s all info you need and which countries offer the easiest Schengen visa!
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, there’s one term you need to familiarise yourself with: ‘Schengen.’ It’s not a term commonly used in everyday conversations, but understanding what it means and how it affects your European escapade is essential.
Be it the beaches of Malta or the mountains of Switzerland, you need a Schengen visa to explore all the wonders in Europe.
So, I have put together this guide to help you understand how to get a Schengen visa, its benefits, and its restrictions.
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The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, significantly transformed travel within Europe, allowing movement across specified countries with a single visa. It was an agreement made to abolish internal borders, resulting in unrestricted movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
Among those things that streamline a European holiday, the Schengen area ranks high.
Tourists from approved non-Schengen countries can explore the majority of Europe, bouncing from one stunning locale to another, all with just one visa. The vote of confidence this gives travellers is immeasurable, and the thrill of borderless travel is unbeatable.
Countries in the Schengen Area
So, what do you need to know? Well, to put it in a nutshell, the Schengen area comprises 26 European countries.
These include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen area, and some non-EU countries are. For example, the United Kingdom and Ireland opted out of the Schengen agreement, while countries like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein (non-EU countries) are a part of the area.

Obtaining a Schengen Visa
If your country is not on the visa-free travel list for the Schengen area, you’ll need to obtain a Schengen Visa.
This is a short-stay visa that allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen area for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Keep in mind that the application process can take several weeks, so apply well in advance of your intended departure date. It usually takes around 15 days to obtain the visa, but it may take even more than 45 days in some cases.
The general Schengen visa fee is 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children between six to twelve years old.
It is necessary to confirm the fee applicable to your nationality or age group on the official website or at the concerned embassy.
Where and how to apply for a Schengen visa?
When applying for a Schengen visa, you must check the procedure at the nearest consulate of the country you intend to visit.
If you are visiting more than one country in Schengen, it is necessary to apply at the country’s consulate, where you intend to spend more time than other destinations.
So, if you are visiting France, Switzerland, and Italy during your trip and spending 3 days each in France and Italy but 5 days in Switzerland, then apply at the nearest Switzerland consulate.
If you are spending equal days in all three countries, then you must apply to the first country you are visiting.

What to do in case your visa application is rejected
If your Schengen visa application is refused, you will be provided with a standard form citing the reasons. You will also be told if you can apply again.
You will need to contact the embassy to confirm whether reapplying is allowed. If yes, then depending on the reason for refusal, you will need to submit more supporting documents.
There are a few common reasons to refuse a Schengen visa, including an unclear itinerary, not having proof of sufficient funds and insufficient documents. Ensure you read the refusal letter carefully and follow the instructions.
You will also have to submit the appeal letter along with your new visa application. Keep the letter short, with at least three paragraphs including your personal details and the purpose of reapplying.
Keep in mind that visa fees will not refunded even if your visa application is rejected, and you will have to pay fees again when reapplying.
Types of Schengen visa
The most popular is the Schengen tourist visa, which allows you to visit one or more Schengen countries.
You can also apply for the Schengen business visa or Schengen student visa, depending on your purpose of travel.
There are times when you need an airport transit visa, which is required in some of the Schengen airports during a layover or transfer.
Limited territorial validity visa permits you to visit only the country that issued the visa and it is not valid in any other Schengen area countries.

The Benefits of the Schengen Visa
The benefits of holding a Schengen visa are manifold.
As previously illustrated, the biggest advantage is the opportunity to visit multiple Schengen countries on one visa and without internal border checks. This simplifies travel, saves time, and eliminates the need to apply for multiple individual visas.
Remember that a Schengen visa is not a work visa. Therefore, while you can travel freely, you are not permitted to take up employment in any of the Schengen countries.
Important Restrictions to Note
While the Schengen Visa promises freedom of travel across member countries, it’s essential to understand the limitations. The visa is primarily for tourism, business trips, or transiting through the Schengen area.
As a holder of this short-stay visa, you cannot stay for more than 90 days in a 180-day period in the Schengen area. This is known as the 90/180 Rule, a rule strictly enforced, and if violated, can result in penalties, including a potential ban from the entire Schengen area.

Preparation is the key to a successful and stress-free journey to the enchanting continent of Europe.
Understanding the Schengen agreement and its implications can go a long way in planning your trip and making the most of your European odyssey.
May your European exploration be filled with beautiful landscapes, intriguing history, delicious cuisines, and memories to last a lifetime. Bon voyage!

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.
She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.
She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
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