Taking a vacation without the proper arrangements can be downright disastrous. Especially if what you have in mind is a European tour. For those wishing to travel to any European state a Schengen visa is required.
What is a Schengen visa? It is a travel permit to visit a member country of the European Union (EU); With this pass you can cross the borders of different countries freely. The countries that belong to the EU are Spain, Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Norway.
The Schengen visa can be used whether you are traveling by plane, car or train. With this particular visa, you do not have to stop at numerous checkpoints in different countries. These allow you to pass through all borders without problems. The time you save can be used for your total enjoyment and relaxation, a fun way to start your vacation.
Schengen applications are accessible free of charge online or at the embassy belonging to the European Union. Planning your trip in advance will also help you determine the cost of the visa. Be sure to include all the countries you will be visiting on your Europe trip. Planning ahead for your trip can go a long way in managing your financial expenses for your vacation.
Each country has its own set of fees to pay. These fees must be paid before the visa is issued. For more detailed information, it is best to call the nearest consulate or embassy, and you can also log in to the embassy website. Preparing before your scheduled departure will help you avoid problems in the future.
There are several documents that you need to prepare and submit to the consulate office for your visa application to be processed. Such as: passport with a validity of 6 months before the intended date of travel, financial documents must also be submitted to help the embassy establish its ability to finance your trip, itinerary, hotel reservation with confirmed reservations, medical insurance or of health and, finally, photography for your visa
It is essential to submit your Schengen visa application to the embassy 3 months before the date of your planned holiday. However, it is important that you do not make any permanent arrangements with the airlines or hotel company until you can secure your Schengen travel visa. This will prevent you from paying an additional charge for rebooking. Keep this in mind when planning your next vacation.