The concept of a visa-free Schengen area was introduced almost 30 years ago. Since that time, the majority of EU countries and a few others have joined this project, which eliminates borders and makes it easier to move inside this 4.3 million square kilometers area.
While EU residents enjoy its benefits straightforward, Schengen visa life hacks will be useful for those who need this document for entry,
Life Hack #1: Best Time to Apply for a Schengen Visa
The first thing to know about Schengen visas is that they are given for a specific purpose (travel, work, transit, etc.) and it takes some time to issue them.
That is why, while preparing for an application, take into account the following timeframes:
- the minimum time taken by the authorities is 15 days;
- the requests are not considered 3 months before the planned visit;
- a period of up to 1 month is considered perfect for the application and proceeding of the request.
Life Hack #2: Compiling a Flawless Application Package
The list of tips in this case can’t do without documents. One should be conscious of all their contents and validity. The basic package is as follows:
- Completed application form with a sign of the person. It is compiled individually, so if you travel with family, children will have their forms.
- A passport that was issued less than 10 years before and will be valid for 3 more months after the end of your trip. There should be 2 pages without visas.
- Two color photos.
- Current insurance.
- Receipt of the payment of service fee. For applicants over 13 years, it costs 80 euros. The half price is taken for kids from 6 to 12 years. There is no need to pay for children who are younger than 5 years.
As noted by Polly Johnson (My Schengen company), an expert on the investment program for obtaining Schengen visas, the authorities may also ask for your fingerprints. This is usually done for all first-time applicants. Then, the data is added to the information system and there will be no need to redo this step in case of the following applications.
In addition, to obtain a Schengen visa one should provide information about financial viability, accommodation booked for the period of stay, tickets for the trip, and clearly state the main purpose of the visit.
Life Hack #3: Choosing the Right Schengen Country to Apply
As we have already noted only six countries in Europe have not for now entered into this agreement. The list includes the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, and Ireland.
All other EU countries are accessible through this visa, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein.
If you plan to visit a few of the member states, then you need to select a proper one for your application. Specialists of My Schengen explain the logic:
- For a visit to one country, address its consulate.
- For several countries, select the one with the longest planned period of stay.
- If the timeframe is the same, choose the country, in which you enter the first.
- If there is no appropriate consulate for your case, address the honorary one.
Life Hack #4: Using Multiple Entry Visas to Your Advantage
In general, this document gives you access for 90 days during 180 days. In addition, during this time, there are a few options for entry:
- Single. The holder can cross the border only once during the stated period.
- Double. There is permission to utilize the document two times.
- Multiple. This type does not limit the crossings.
Furthermore, the multiple visas may have a prolonged period of action of up to 5 years for those who applied for it for the second time and did not violate any regulations during previous visits.
The possible number of entries is designated on the permit and one should pay attention to this possibility at the application step.
Life Hack #5: Preparing for the Interview with Confidence
After you have complied with the documents and submitted a request, the consulate will schedule an interview for you.
The common questions include the clarification of your purpose for the planned visit, your marital status, and some details about your work and financial condition.
The main thing is to be coherent with your documents and answer simply and friendly.
Life Hack #6: Understanding and Utilizing EU Border Rules
The concept of borders in the EU area is eliminated for the locals. As for the visa holders, they are permitted to stay in those regions that were listed and approved in their request. There are no customs for everyone between the countries but one should follow his visa.
Life Hack #7: Leveraging Freedom of Movement within Schengen and EU
The movement in the Schengen area is free for locals, as well as for visa holders. Therefore, do not hesitate to apply to several countries and enjoy visiting them without additional control.
