13/04/2024
Here are five Important Things to know about the Schengen visa.
1. The Schengen visa allows you to move freely between 26 Schengen area countries. The Schengen area member states are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
2. Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all travelers who plan to visit any of the Schengen area countries and that the minimum coverage is EUR 30,000. Also, travel medical insurance is valid for all Schengen area countries.
3. Short stay visa – allows you to visit Schengen countries for tourism, business or if you want to visit your relatives up to 90 days within a 180 day period from the date of first entry.
Transit visa – used for transiting through the international parts of airports
Long stay visa – issued for stays exceeding 3 months
4. No, you don’t have to go into the Schengen Area through the country that gave you your visa. You can enter through another Schengen country, though it's good to visit the country that issued your visa at some point during your trip
5. You can fly European airlines (KLM, Lufthansa, Airfrance,Air Portugal) only if you have a Schengen visa, an EU resident permit , a US or Canada visa/passport,UK passport (not visa) and Non-EU individuals from eligible countries who are not required to obtain a visa for travel of 90 days or less.