Schengen FAQs

Schengen FAQs

Schengen Frequently Asked Questions
Full Application Support & Visa Advice.

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that established the Schengen Area in Europe, which has effectively abolished internal border checks. It was signed on June 14, 1985, by five of the then-ten member states of the European Economic Community and enacted a decade later, with all nations in the European Union (EU) except the United Kingdom and Ireland joining over the next several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I Need the Schengen Travel Authorisation?

    If you are a third-country national and wish to travel into the Schengen area you will require a Schengen Travel Authorisation.

  • How long is a Schengen visa valid for?

    This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally you first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay. Future applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.

  • Which countries is a Schengen visa valid for?

    There are 26 Schengen members states in Europe. You can see the full list of countries in the Schengen zone in our resources section.

  • How does the application process work?

    After submitting your application, one of our experts will be in touch to discuss your travel plans. After the initial consultation, we can arrange for an appointment at your nearest visa centre / Embassy. We will provide you with the document checklist and advise accordingly.

  • What Documents Do I Need?

    You may be required to submit proof of your financial history, your work history and any immigration history. You must be able to prove that you will return back to your home country if you are applying for a non-immigrant visa. More documents may be required depending on which travel document you choose, you can find more information by booking a consultation or reading the information on our website.

  • How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

    You can expect an update on your application within 3 days of submission. You can choose express processing at checkout for a response within 24 hours. We recommend you apply at least 3 months before you travel. It can sometimes take several weeks to get an appointment at your local embassy. Once you attend your appointment, your visa can take up to 15 working days to be processed by the Embassy.

  • How Long Will My Schengen Travel Authorisation Last?

    For your first application, you will likely only be granted a visa that lasts for the duration of your planned visits. Any future applications you may be granted a multi-entry visa valid for 1 year or more.

  • What Happens If I Am Denied A Schengen Travel Document?

    Usually you can appeal the denial or re-apply at a later date, however this depends on the reason for denial. No refunds are given for denied visas as the payment is for the application processing fee. You must pay again if you re-apply for a visa.

  • Does Schengen Travel Documentation Guarantee Entry Into The Country?

    No. All travel authorizations only grant eligibility to travel to the port of entry. Entry to any country is dependent on the customs immigration officer authorizing or denying admission through the border.

What countries are in the Schengen Area?

Border checks at the area’s shared borders were withdrawn as part of the deal, allowing individuals to travel freely within it. It allows residents of border areas to cross borders away from permanent checkpoints and has standardized visa procedures, allowing for the issuance of a Schengen Visa for stays of less than 90 days.

The Schengen Area is a zone in which 26 European countries have eliminated their internal borders to allow for unfettered movement of people while following too common standards for policing external borders and combating crime by enhancing the shared judicial system and police cooperation.

The Schengen Area countries are listed below:

Austria Hungary Norway
Belgium Iceland Poland
Czech Republic Italy Portugal
Denmark Latvia Slovakia
Estonia Liechtenstein Slovenia
Finland Lithuania Spain
France Luxembourg Sweden
Germany Malta Switzerland
Greece

Netherlands
1
Enter application information
2
Enter travel information
3
Review your details
4
Pay application fee

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-term European visa. This type of Visa enables the holder to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area. The visa, itself is issued by one of the Schengen nations. That is to say, you can visit any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day period. The Schengen Visa is the most common visa in Europe. In order words, it entitles the holder to enter, travel freely within, and exit the Schengen area from any Schengen member country. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.