The Schengen visa eases the headaches of travelling in Europe between its European member countries and gets rid of all the bureaucratic headaches accompanying such travels. Using a Schengen visa, the visa holder can travel to any or all European member countries using one single visa and does not sit with the hassle of applying for a visa every time they want to enter a specific country. This has the distinct advantage of saving time and money to travelers. This is specifically advantageous for travelers who want to visit two or more European member countries on the same trip. The Schengen visa is a "tourist permit" and issued to nationals of countries who requires a visa before entering Europe.

The reason for the visit must be for vacation, tourism or business oriented visits. Upon delivery or issuing of the Schengen visa, the holder is allowed to travel between member countries where the Schengen visa is permitted without any hassle. It is keenly advised that travelers plan their trips with exact precision as extensions of visa periods can be difficult to obtain. Plan your journey within the Schengen visa time frames to save a traveler the embarrassment of having to leave forcibly to stay within the Schengen visa rules and regulations.

All Schengen countries are in Europe but it must not be confused with the European Union. Schengen and the EU have two different agreements in place with European countries. Twenty-five countries, including European Union countries with the exception of Ireland and the United Kingdom, have signed the Schengen agreement. There are also three non-EU members as parties to the Schengen agreement namely Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Please note that only fifteen countries have actually implemented the visa provisions and common border control.

A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely between and within the Schengen member countries up to 90 days in a six-month period. It is extremely important to note that Schengen visa holders are forbidden to engage in two actions; they cannot settle permanently nor take a job in any member country. A Schengen visa holder only has the right to travel as a short-term visitor for the reasons as stated above namely vacation, tourism or business to member countries.

Download your Schengen visa application here