Plan your travel itinerary accordingly.

What is your budget? When is the cheapest time to visit Europe? Where do you want to go? Do you want to experience winter, summer, spring or fall?

Your first step in travel planning is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and the B – budget, budget, budget. Yes, your travel budget. The whole idea of taking this one in a bucket list vacation trip is to have a memorable time, enjoyable and fun without worrying about cash in your entire vacation. Please don’t go into debt for the love of travels. The weather and crowds play an important role when you plan to your trip. Research first, the year is divided into three seasons: peak season (roughly mid-June through August), shoulder season (April through mid-June and September through October), and off-season (November through March), each has its pros and cons.

In which country you need to apply for visa.

One of the most common questions asked is where to submit the visa application.

You must submit your application for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country that you intend to visit, or – if you intend to visit more than one Schengen State, the Consulate of the country of your primary destination (i.e. main purpose of stay or longest stay).

If you intend to visit several Schengen States and the stays will be of equal length, you must apply at the Consulate of the country you will cross first when entering the Schengen area.

Scenario 1 – You wanted to travel to Europe and see France and Spain; your itinerary plan was 3 days in Paris and five days in Barcelona. You need to apply in the Embassy of the country in which you will stay the longest (counting by night spent). In this case, you need to go to Spain Embassy.

Scenario 2 – You wanted to visit four days in Paris and four days in Barcelona. You need to apply in the first country of entry since the number of stays is the same.

Gather all documents required and make photocopies.

Always check the main website and the requirements they need. Each country may have the same but different conditions.

For standard applications, you need to download Schengen visa application form online, duly filled (in capitals) and signed. The application form has the same format no matter which country’s visa it is that the applicant wants to apply for. However, the required documents are different in each state – please verify with the relevant consular authority.

Proof of accommodation for the Schengen visa dummy hotel reservation is one of the most important elements, whether you are applying for student, work, and tourist visa duplicate hotel reservation is the best option for this, because there is not 100% chances of visa confirmation, so you do not need to spend your money on paying the final accommodation (Actual Hotel Booking) before the authentication of Schengen visa. Otherwise, you may lose your money on buying actual hotel reservation. Dummy hotel booking is the helpful way before applying visa application.

The process of getting dummy before Schengen visa is to submit online request letter for reservation to the selected hotel. In this way, you will only pay fee for dummy instead of the actual fee.

HOW TO GET CONFIRMATION LETTER?

There are few firms which have physical existence and hotel booking organizations who provide real and economical services.

But do not worry following a simple process for booking your desired hotel.

•           Go to Schengen Flight Reservation Visa

•           Choose the Hotel Plan underpricing section

•           Fill the required form complete details

•           Make the Payment Successfully

•           Then you will be received an email after confirmation of your payment

•           Show this email in hard form to the embassy at the time of interview

HOW DO YOU CONFIRM YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION?

Hotel booking confirmation letter would increase chances of your Schengen visa, if embassy found it free of fraud, for this you should check your confirmation letter number and also contact the hotel management directly.

There is no way to guarantee visa approval, as things depend on a number of factors. But being prepared definitely helps. We have experienced that if we are applying for visa with a single entry for a specified duration – our visa is approved with those exact dates (usually no buffer). When we applied for multiple entry, with specified dates, we received a 90-visa stamp.

Here are some of the useful tips for your Schengen Visa application –

1.         Review the General Schengen Visa Requirements (The information is same as what is highlighted on this post. But if you are curious, here is the website)

2.         Visit and review the MAIN country’s consulate website. When in doubt, call them

3.         Keep in mind, different countries have different requirements for supporting documents. Some consulates require you to take a leave letter from your employer or submit tax returns (notice of assessments) or 3 months of bank statements, marriage certificate, etc.

4.         Check the consulate requirement, do you have to submit online or do you fill out the application on paper or on it is a fillable pdf form?

5.         Follow the checklist and gather all documents. Include your identification documents – like your work permit or permanent resident card, if applicable in your country of residence.

6.         Check your Passport – it SHOULD be valid for at-least 3 months, AFTER your RETURN (it is in CAPS for a reason)

7.         Photo specifications – your Passport photos and Schengen photo specifications are different. Please carry the photo specs with you, when you have your pictures taken (bright white background is unacceptable and they prefer off white or light grey background and not every photo studio might have those, so double check)

8.         Offer of employment – Read this as “confirmation of employment”, meaning a letter from your employer (with company letter-head), stating your position, salary and start date with the company. The letter is valid for 90 days only

9.         Financial statements are also valid for 90 days, dated and stamped by the bank. It must include your name and address along with a summary of accounts

10.       If you have been approved for Visa in the past, please include that in your application

11.       Most consulates will and can request your presence in the Consulate office (inside or outside of Canada), if the bio-metrics are not available or if the quality is poor. So be prepared to visit in person.

12.       If you do not have a visa office nearby, try changing your Schengen visa itinerary and see if you can visit another country whose consulate office is located near your place of residence.

13.       Visa processing time-line – Depending on the season, resources available at the consulate, sometimes the visa processing could take 30 or 60 days (instead of the usual 15 days). So always check the consulate’s website before you submit. They do not have a rush procedure, but usually they are pretty good in processing visas before your actual travel date.

14.       We recommend reviewing the checklist on the Netherlands Consulate website. It is very detailed and useful.

15.       If you follow all the instructions that are listed on the Schengen site diligently including booking your flights, hotels and have an itinerary plan, your Visa will be processed successfully. You will hear about your Visa results in about 15 days. Good Luck!

There are several scenarios you can make use of temporary bookings:

To Avoid risking your money: when applying for a visa, there is always a risk of rejection either because of insufficient information, acts of god such as pandemic like COVID or your travel plan being cancelled. In such situations using a Flight Itinerary & Temporary Hotel Booking will hedge you from the risk of losing all your money. Few $$ vs 1000s of $$$$.

Inflexible Travel Plan: Europe is one of the best continents to backpack, if you wish you can have your lunch breakfast and dinner in different countries with the same day. But the barbaric visa laws require to lay out your entire travel plan for each day including your train tickets and plans. In such a situation it makes sense to pick just 5 cities across Europe for visa purpose and once you get your visa you are free since there are no checks once you enter the Schengen Zone.

No Appointment Available: Another issue is Schengen has limited visa appointments. Countries such as France, Italy Switzerland are always full and if you want an appointment it will be very difficult, in such cases you can provide a travel plan with flight itineraries and temporary hotel bookings and apply with Either Germany or Iceland and once your visa is approved you can stick back to your normal plan. We can help you get a Schengen visa appointment

Proof of Financial sustenance: If you book all the Flight & Hotel before your get your visa, you will be out of cash and for Schengen visa and UK visa you need to submit proof of financial ability and it is around EUR 100 per everyday of stay to get your visa approved. If you make all the bookings, you will be short of cash and your bank statements will show it. Although you can travel most of Europe around 30 EUR a day.

For more details, please visit: https://www.schengenvisaitinerary.com/

There is no fixed period, and it depends a great deal on several different factors. Hence it is advisable that the embassies be provided enough time for processing the visa. In some cases, it may take only a couple of weeks, while others have reported having to wait up to two months to get their visas.

During peak seasons, there are a lot of tourists visiting the Schengen countries, so the embassies are required to deal with tons of applications. These are some of the factors that one needs to take into consideration before applying. Also, the application is submitted should be complete so that any unwanted delays are avoided later.

How much does it cost to apply for a Schengen Visa?

The cost of applying for a Schengen Visa will depend entirely on the prevailing exchange rate between the local currency and Euros and is likely to change from time to time. It is also important to note that payments made for a visa are non-refundable. Usually, no fee is applicable for kids under the age of 6 years.

 Applicants should also inquire with the embassy if there are any additional charges that they need to pay. The payment is mostly taken in cash, and there is a reluctance among the embassy workers to provide change, so it is advisable to carry the exact amount while proceeding for the application.

How long is a Schengen Visa valid?

The validity of the Schengen Visa is for a maximum period of 90 days. Those planning to travel to multiple countries during the period or having intentions of traveling in and out of the Schengen Zone should remember to mark the “multiple entry” option in the application form. Applicants receiving approval for multiple entries are given a visa valid for six months, which means that they can travel in and out of the Schengen Zone for 90 days within a 6-month period.

If you are not one from one of the next 62 countries, you will need a Schengen visa: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Venezuela.

However, in 2021, the European visa situation will change. Travelers from certain countries will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), while others will need a Schengen Visa. The whole situation can be rather complex and confusing, so to help you, below is an explanation of the Schengen Visa vs. the ETIAS.

SCHENGEN VISA VS. ETIAS

The Schengen Visa currently allows travelers who can’t visit Schengen countries without a visa to travel around Europe. This visa will continue to serve that purpose even after 2021.

On the other hand, the ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization designed to strengthen travel security in Europe (not only in the Schengen Area).

It is specifically geared toward citizens of the 62 countries mentioned above who do not currently need a visa to travel to and around Europe.

Starting in 2021, these travelers who can currently travel to Europe without a visa will need authorization in order to travel to Europe. This will be a big change for citizens of countries like the United States, who can currently travel to Europe without even having to worry about any kind of visa.

Basically, travelers who have always used the Schengen Visa to travel to Europe will still need a Schengen Visa after 2021. However, travelers from the 62 countries who, prior to 2021, never needed a visa to travel to Europe will, starting in 2021, need to obtain either ETIAS approval or a Schengen Visa. Travelers do not need both.

Note: Citizens of the U.K. will also need ETIAS to visit other countries in Europe if Brexit goes through in October 2019.

WHICH EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WILL REQUIRE ETIAS?

ETIAS doesn’t only apply to the Schengen area but to some other countries in Europe too. These are the European countries that will require ETIAS upon arrival: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Malta, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

In the next map, you will see all the countries that require ETIAS. Some of them belong to the European Union, some of them to the Schengen Area but not the European Union and some of them to the European Union but not the Schengen area.

Whether you’re heading to snowy slopes or beautiful beaches, going abroad is an exciting experience.

Although accidents can happen while you’re away, the best travel insurance policies provide you with peace of mind; with travel insurance from Schengen Visa, you’ll be covered for many unforeseen costs incurred whilst you’re away.

Our holiday insurance can be used to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, delays, lost or stolen baggage and personal liability. When you choose Allianz Assistance travel insurance for your trip, there’s no more wondering ‘what if?’.  There’s a policy for most types of travel so, whether you’re heading on a family holiday, a last-minute business trip or jetting off on a few city breaks, we’ve got you covered.

Below is some more information about our products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

You spend months planning and looking forward to your holidays, and Schengen visa  travel insurance helps you to protect your investment. There’s no need to worry about whether medical emergencies or delayed flights will affect your trip, because we offer the support you need to handle the unexpected. Plus, with three different levels of cover to choose from, you’re sure to find the right travel insurance for you.

Choose the plan that suits you and you’ll be protected for your holiday. The type of travel insurance you need will depend on the countries you’re visiting, the activities you’ll be doing and the length of your trip. We offer Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance, and can provide cover for Backpackers (under 35) too. 

Schengen Visa Insurance requirements

When you apply for a visa to travel to Europe, you must submit a copy of your travel insurance policy along with your Schengen Visa form. If you fail to prove that you have existing insurance or if your minimum coverage is not enough, your request will automatically be rejected.

Before you purchase your medical insurance for Schengen Visa, you must choose one that meets the following criteria:

•             A minimum coverage of €30,000. However, if you plan to take part in sports events or engage in similar activities, it is advisable to get some add-ons to be fully covered;
•             The policy should cover all member states of the Schengen Area, or at the least the ones where you are allowed to travel.
•             Your insurance must cover the entire period of your stay or transit in the Schengen Area;
•             Your policy must cover several health expenses, such as repatriation for medical reasons.

If you are an EU or EEA national, you do not need a visa nor travel insurance to cross the Schengen Area borders. However, it is recommended to get health insurance to cover at least urgent medical issues.

Aside of a multiple-entry visa, which enables you to remain in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180 days period, the validity of your single-entry visa or double-entry visa depends on the embassy. The embassy appoints the number of days you are permitted to stay in any of the Schengen countries, as well as the first date you are permitted to enter Schengen and the last day that you are permitted to remain.

This is the point where many people get confused, because they do not realize there is a difference between visa validity and the duration of stay in a visa.

Duration of Stay – is the maximum of days you are permitted to remain in the Schengen. The first day you enter Schengen is counted as “Day 1”, even if you enter just a few minutes before midnight. Whereas, the “Last Day” is counted the day you leave Schengen, even if it is just a few minutes after midnight.

Visa Validity – on the other hand, is the period of time from which to which you can use your visa to enter and stay in the Schengen Area.

Example: the duration of stay in your visa is 10 days, whereas the validity of your visa is from 1 January to 20 January. In this case, you can enter the Schengen Zone anytime within this period. You can enter i.e. on 3 January and leave on 12 January.  On the other hand, if you enter on 15 January, you will still have to leave on 20 January, despite of not having spent the number of days you were permitted to stay.

On the other case, if you have a double-entry visa, with a visa valid from January 1 to March 1, and a duration of stay of 10 days, then you can enter the Schengen Area twice within this period. You are still not allowed to remain more than 10 days during both trips. If during the first trip you stay 7 days, then in the second trip you can stay for three days at most. If you make just one trip and spend 10 days in any of the member states, then you have no right to enter the country despite of the fact that you visa is still valid.

As per a multiple-entry visa, if i.e. you have a three-year multiple-entry visa, which becomes valid on January 15, 2018 then you will be permitted to enter and leave the Schengen whenever you want until January 15, 2021. You should not forget that there is a rule of 90 days limit per each 180 day-period.

90/180 Schengen Visa Rule

Another point where most multiple-entry Schengen visa holders get confused, as well as the nationals of the countries that are permitted to enter Schengen visa-free. Most people think that the 180-day period starts on the day you visa becomes valid, which is not true.

Actually, the 180-day period keeps rolling. Therefore, anytime you wish to enter the Schengen, you just have to count backwards the last 180 days, and see if you have been present in the Schengen for more than 90 days throughout that period.

Check the Schengen visa calculator to calculate the remaining number of days that you can stay in the Schengen zone.

Documents Required for Schengen Visa

General/Mandatory Requirements

These are the general mandatory documents for travelling to any Schengen Zone:

1.         Passport: A valid passport with at least 3 months validity from the date of return from Schengen Area. Also, passport MUST not be older than 10 years, i.e. it must have been issued in the last 10 years. The old passport will also be required if you have any.

2.         Visa application form: Must be filled and signed.

3.         Photos: Two passport-sized similar photos. The photos must have been taken recently, like within the last 3 months.

4.         Round trip reservation or Itinerary: It must mention all hotel books, flights, flight numbers, dates, entry, and exit.

5.         Travel Insurance: You’ll need to have travel insurance for the whole Schengen territory of 30,000 Euros in case of any medical emergency like any illness or accidents.

6.         Proof of Accommodation: Usually a hotel booking voucher, this ensures that you have a place to stay in Schengen Zones. It can be any one of the following:

•             Hotel Booking
•             Rental Agreement
•             A Letter of Invitation from a host at whose house you’ll be staying

7.         Proof of Financial Means: This is required to show that you have sufficient funds to stay or travel around and take care of your expenses. It can be any one of the following:

•             Bank statement – of last 6 months, not older than 3 days
•             Sponsorship Letter – mentioning that you’ll be taking care of the person going to Schengen area financially. This must be also accompanied by the bank statement of the person who is sponsoring the trip.
•             Combination of both
•             Please note that each Schengen country has its specific requirement about the amount required in the bank.

8.         Proof of Paid Visa Fee: You’ll have to show the proof of paid visa fees while receiving your processed application. The fee is non-refundable in the case the visa is rejected. As of now, the fee for an Adult is €60, and €35 for a child (6-12 years) and no fees required for children below 6.

•             Important: The fees have been increased to €80 and €40 for adult and child respectively. The change will come into effect from 02 February 2020. (Source: The Financial Express)

9.         Schengen Visa Cover Letter: This is a letter written by you explaining why you are going to Schengen Area; your travel plan, and what will you do there.

Additional Requirements (Depending on Applicant’s Current Employment Status)

In addition to the above-mentioned general documents, you may also be requested to provide further evidence depending on the status of your employment. These are listed below:

Student

•           Proof of Enrollment

•           No Objection Certificate (NOC) from school or university

•           You’ll also have to submit proof of sufficient funds for the entire duration of your stay. Work contract and bank account statement from your parents or host may suffice.

Employee

•           Original signed letter from employer or recent pay slip or employment contract

•           Bank statement of the last six months

•           Approved leave from your Employer

•           You may also be asked for Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at Source of salary

Self-Employment

•           Copy of business license

•           Bank statement of the company for the last six months

•           Income Tax Return (ITR)

Retired

•           Last six months pension statement

Unemployed & Married to EU Citizen

•           Confirmation of employment letter, at least three months old from spouse’s employer confirming the employment, position, and date of starting.

•           Marriage certificate (official)

•           Spouse’s passport

         Note: Two application forms may be required to fill.

Documents Required for Minors

•           Birth certificate

•           Application form signed by both parents

•           If only one parent has custody of the child, the Family Court Order is required

•           Passports of both parents

•           Parental Authorization (Notarized) signed by parents if the minor is travelling alone

More requirements depending on Visa Type

Airport Transit

•           Flight ticket to the final country

•           Valid visa to final country (if a visa is required for that country)

Medical

•           Letter from the doctor in the home country explaining that you need medical treatment

•           Confirmation of the doctor’s / hospital’s appointment in EU

•           Proof of Financial Means