- 04 Jan, 2020
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How to apply Schengen visa?
It isn’t east to apply Schengen visa. If you want to apply for a Schengen visa, you must understand what it is. In the following article, you will learn everything about it. Educon abroad will try to answer all possible Q’s and A’s to help you.
Schengen visa
Schengen visa allows you to cross borders between the 26 Schengen areas. In such case, you don’t have to apply visa for each of them. For instance, you want to visit France, Italy, and Germany covered in the Schengen zone. Instead of applying visa for each country, apply for a Schengen visa. It allows you to travel in these 3 countries with only one visa.
Q. How to apply for Schengen visa?
A. To apply for a Schengen visa, you must abide by certain terms. They are:
- Find out the several types of Schengen visa and apply for the suitable one
- Make sure you fulfill Schengen visa requirements
- Apply for the visa either online or in-person with the embassy of the chosen country
- Be present at the visa interview
- Pay the visa fee that is 60 euros for adults and 35 euros for children between 6 to 12 years and waitfor t he approval
The “How to apply” answer doesn’t end here. This is further divided into 2 categories for your convenience
- When to apply for a Schengen visa: You can choose to apply for the Schengen visa at the earliest which is 3 months before the trip. You must submit it at least 15 calendar days before the proposed journey
- The validity and when it is received: When you apply for the Schengen visa, the Embassy consulate replies to it in 10 working days. It is the usual time taken to process the request as well as the documentation. The validity of the Schengen visa depends on the type of visa applied. For instance, you applied for a tourist visa, it is valid for not more than 90 days
Documents required
When you apply for the Schengen visa application, you need the following documents
- A completed and self-attested Schengen visa application form
- Two static and unchangeable photograph size, 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height. Also, the photograph must be taken within the past 3 months
- A legitimate passport, not older than 10 years and must be valid for at least 3 months more months beyond the date of departure from Schengen area
- Travel itinerary: Mention detailed information of your date of arrival, departure, flight number, and hotel or any other place you will be residing during the stay
- Accommodation proof: Mentioning only the places where you will be accommodating isn’t enough. Therefore, don’t forget to provide proof for the same including booking details. If you have rented a place, a rental agreement would be required. If you will be sojourning at a relative’s house, a letter of invitation from the host must be attached
- Travel insurance policy: You must have proof of travel insurance for the Schengen territory with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros
- Testament of financial means: To prove that you can sponsor yourself during the stay in Schengen area, attach testament of financial means
- If you are the sole sponsor of the trip, make sure your bank account statement proves that you have enough funds. Also, it shouldn’t be older than 3 months
- If another person is sponsoring the trip for you, a sponsorship letter along with a bank account statement of the concerned person will be needed. Again, it shouldn’t be older than 3 months
- If both the cases exist, the bank account statement will be required for both along with sponsorship letter
- Evidence for paid visa fee: An evidence to prove that you have paid the fee is also compulsory
Though these are the basic Schengen visa requirements, check the documents as per the applied Schengen visa
Reasons for Rejection
Reasons that lead to rejection of Schengen visa application are
- Prevailing or past criminal record: Any such circumstances and actions of the applicant leads to rejection of Schengen visa as the applicant is considered a threat to the country
- Faulty documentation: Presenting any faulty documentation that may misinterpret the identity of the applicant causes absolute rejection
- Insufficient evidence: Unable to submit relevant pieces of evidence related to the purpose of travel and its details, accommodation, travel insurance and financial means also results in Schengen visa rejection
- Flawed passport: Any internal and external damage to the passport such as missing pages, the damaged cover, etc. are enough to get your Schengen visa rejected
- Incomplete itinerary: Inability to submit incomplete itinerary within the Schengen area along with detailed information about tickets, flights, accommodation, etc. leads to rejection
- Inoperative letter of reference: If the letter of reference doesn’t have an original letterhead, is issued not later than 3 months, doesn’t have the stamp or authorized signatory, etc. drives visa rejection
- Inadequate funds: One of the crucial reasons that lead to Schengen visa rejection is inadequate funds. It may also include the inability to submit financial statement not older than a month, sharing credit card statements, traveler’s cheque that doesn’t have applicant’s name
- Incorrect birth or marriage certificate: There is a possibility that you haven’t submitted the required certificates in the prescribed manner resulting in visa rejection. Such cases may include
- Certificates aren’t endorsed by official authorities
- Submission of documents without translating them in English
- No evidence of civil certificate
- Certificates don’t match the name of the applicant, etc.
- Inaccurate travel insurance: Inability to submit inaccurate travel insurance, imminent amount, incapacity to show travel insurance that covers entire accommodation, etc. causes visa rejection
To apply for Schengen visa, it is better if you get some professional help. You may also contact Educonabroad for the same.