Understanding the Schengen VISA
The Schengen visa allows travelers to visit most of the European countries with a single visa. This visa allows a temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to any country in the Schengen area. With the recent arrival of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area, the Schengen visa now covers 27 countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This unified visa system simplifies travel within Europe, making it an attractive option for tourists.
The Schengen visa comes in 3 forms:
- Single entry visa
This visa allows you to enter the Schengen area once. - Multiple-entry visa
This visa allows your to go several times to the Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid. - Airport transit visa
Allows you to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights. It does not allow you to leave the international transit area.
Which Schengen VISA Do I need?
Depending on the reason you come to Europe, you'll want a different type of VISA.
The are many type of Schengen visa but the most common are:
- Tourist visa
This visa is solely for the purpose of leisure travel including vacationing, cruising, sightseeing and other recreational activities. - Business visa
A business visa is required if during any portion of your visit you intend to conduct business or commercial activities, e.g. meetings, conferences, training, trade fairs. - Airport transit
Depending on your passport issuing country, you might need a transit visa to change aircraft at an airport in a Schengen country. - Visiting family / friends
If you are traveling to Europe to visit family / friends (including girlfriend/wife and boyfriend/husband), you may apply for this visa.
Which Documents Are Necessary to Obtain a Schengen Visa?
Several documents are needed to obtain the Schengen visa.
- A valid passport. The passport expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, the expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited
- A visa application form.
- A photo in compliance with ICAO standards.
- A medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in the event of death).
- Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means and accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
- Your fingerprints
They will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).
How to Obtain a Schengen VISA in Thailand?
You will need to gather all your necessary documents before starting your Schengen VISA application. Depending on your destination country, you will book an appointment either at VFS Global or TLSContact in Bangkok. Keep in mind that both VFS Global and TLSContact charge fees for processing your documents.
During your appointment, you will submit your documents along with your passport and provide your fingerprints. Depending on the country you are applying to, you may be required to attend an interview where you will answer questions about your trip. If you have enlisted the services of a VISA agency, they will help you prepare for this interview.
After the interview, you will need to pay the VISA fees and indicate whether you would like to collect your passport with the VISA affixed or have it sent to you. Using a VISA agency can streamline this process, ensuring that all steps are completed accurately and efficiently.
How Long Does The Process Take to be Processed?
You’ll typically receive a decision on your application within 15 calendar days. However, in some cases, it might take longer, extending up to 45 calendar days.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a Schengen VISA
The cost of the visa has recently increased (since June 11). The prices are now €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12.
An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres, which collect applications on behalf of consulates in some cases. The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.
Why Using a VISA Agency is a Wise Decision for Obtaining Your VISA
The application process can be daunting, especially for first-time applicants.
Errors in your VISA application can be costly, both in terms of time and money. If your application is rejected, you may need to start the process from scratch, including paying the VISA fee again. A VISA agency helps you get it right the first time, saving you from these unnecessary expenses and delays. The agency handles the paperwork, scheduling, and follow-up, allowing you to focus on preparing for your trip.
You may also need to prepare for an interview, provide additional documents, or respond to consulate inquiries.
A VISA agency offers personalized support, guiding you through each step and providing practice questions for the interview. Their assistance boosts your confidence and increases your chances of a successful application.
Not only a visa agency ensures that your application is completed accurately and efficiently, significantly reducing the risk of errors, but they also reduce the stress and hassle of the procedure as the application process can be stressful, especially when dealing with bureaucratic procedures and strict deadlines.
How PT Services Can Help You to Get Your Visa and Prepare your Trip
At PT Services, we understand that going through the visa application process can be complex and time-consuming.
Our agency specializes in helping travelers obtain their Schengen VISAs.
We offer expert consultation to understand your unique needs and travel plans. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance, ensuring you are well-informed about the specific requirements for your Schengen VISA application based on your destination country.
One of the most common reasons for VISA rejections is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Our team meticulously reviews all your documents to ensure they meet the consulate’s requirements. We help you gather and organize your application materials, reducing the risk of errors that could delay or jeopardize your application.
Booking an appointment with VFS Global or TLSContact can be challenging, especially during peak travel seasons. PT Services handles the appointment scheduling for you, securing convenient slots and expediting the process. This ensures that your application moves forward without unnecessary delays.
If your application requires an interview, our experts will provide you with thorough preparation. We offer practice questions and tips to help you confidently answer inquiries about your travel plans, financial status, and return intentions. This preparation significantly increases your chances of a successful interview.
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for a Schengen VISA. PT Services can recommend reputable insurance providers that meet the necessary coverage criteria. We assist you in obtaining the right insurance policy, ensuring you comply with all the consulate’s requirements.
Our agency guides you through the payment process for VISA fees and helps you choose the most convenient option for collecting your passport. Whether you prefer to pick it up in person or have it sent to you, we ensure that this final step is handled smoothly and efficiently.
Throughout the application process, PT Services provides ongoing support and updates. We track your application status and keep you informed of any changes or additional requirements. Our proactive approach ensures that you are always in the loop and prepared for the next steps.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Schengen VISA is a crucial step for non-EU nationals planning to explore Europe. By understanding the process, gathering the necessary documents, and seeking professional assistance, you can ensure a hassle-free application experience. Our VISA agency is here to support you every step of the way, making your European dream trip a reality.