The Schengen Treaty
The Schengen Treaty was created in 1985. All states that fall within the Schengen area are members of the European Union, except Norway, Iceland and Switzerland which are members only of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Switzerland entered the Schengen area on 12 December 2008. However, two members of the union, the United Kingdom and Ireland, do not fully participate in the system provided by the area and have their own requirements for a visa.
This treaty led to the arrival of more members and therefore to the abolition of customs between acceding countries.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a visa issued by a European Union country belonging to the Schengen area. Foreigners from a foreign country need a Schengen visa if they want to travel to an EU or EFTA country. A Schengen visa allows people to enter the countries that are members of the Schengen area and to cross them freely. Internal border controls have disappeared and there are practically no more customs obligations.
There are currently 25 countries in the Schengen area.
Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Holland, Portugal and Spain joined in 1995. Italy and Austria followed in 1997, Greece in 2000, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland in 2001.
Nine members joined in 2007: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Switzerland signed the treaty on 12 December 2008.
The UK and Ireland have chosen to stay out of the treaty. The UK wants to keep its borders and Ireland prefers to keep its free travel arrangements with the UK - called the Common Travel Area - instead of joining the Schengen area.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the country or countries you want to travel to
If you visit more than one country during your trip you will need a Schengen Visa from the consulate of the country you intend to visit first. For example, if you go to Portugal and then to Greece and Italy, you will need a visa through the Portuguese consulate because that will be the country from which you will enter the Schengen area. In the case of short trips, the number of nights spent in the country will determine which country to apply for the visa for. In this case it could be a country that is not the first to be visited.
Step 2. Know for sure how long you intend to stop
A Schengen visa usually guarantees single or multiple entry valid for 3, 6 or 12 months. However, each consulate has its own award criteria. It is important to be honest and clear about your intentions.
Step 3. Make sure you also have proof of how much money you have
When applying for a Schengen visa you will also need to provide a bank document among others. Beware of discoveries.
Step 4. Book accommodation and flight
It is important to check with the consulate about the documents required to obtain the visa. Spain, for example, requires that the flight and hotel have already been booked, Italy, France and Portugal only want information on the flight and hotel. Double check with your consulate.
Step 5. Get travel insurance
You will need it to apply.
Step 6. Get there on time when you want to apply for a Schengen visa
Sometimes it takes a week, another 15 working days. It is important when planning a vacation. Also remember that it's best to go and apply at least three weeks before booking to be on the safe side.
Step 7. Make sure your passport is not about to expire
Most countries want a passport that is valid for 6-12 months before the expiration date. You will need to have at least one blank page (sometimes two close together) to be able to put your visa on it.
Advice
- Application forms must be signed
- Check that they are up to date that they contain everything you need
- Make sure you have at least one blank page in your visa passport (some embassies even want 2 to 4)
- Original documents are always better than copies
- If your travel insurance is required, make sure it covers the entire visit area and for the entire period
- Check with the embassy if you need a visa or not
- Some countries allow those with a service or diplomatic passport to enter without a visa, check with the embassy
- Application forms should be capitalized where required
- Some countries allow biometric passport holders to enter without a visa, check with the embassy
- Send the correct number of photographs with the application (check the requirements: they must be recent, in color, with a white background, of a certain size, etc.)
- Remember to attach all documents including your passport
- When attaching your passport avoid the cover
- Make sure you move in time to get your visa
- You need to prove that you have enough money in your checking account. If you are in the red you can still get a visa but only for a certain period in that country. If you have the money, on the other hand, you will get it in the longer term. It depends on the embassies and is not always guaranteed.
- Forms must be completed in black ink
- Be sure to attach copies of all documents (including passport information pages, residence permits, etc.)
- Make sure all dates on the form match those on the tickets, attached letters, etc.
- Each field must be filled in
- Make sure you have a sufficiently valid passport
- In the UK they may require a residence document or a residence visa (in the same passport)
