For every novice traveler who wants to visit the countries of the European Union, the question arises: “what is a Schengen visa and how can I use it?”. A Schengen visa (Schengen) is a sticker affixed to a foreign passport, which means that a citizen is allowed to freely enter the countries of the Schengen Agreement. You also need a Schengen visa for free movement throughout the Schengen area. In total, the Schengen area includes 26 countries.
Note that Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are also included in it, but they have nothing to do with the European Union. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania and Croatia are still "newbies" in the aforementioned union, and entry into these countries can be made on a national and Schengen visa.
What is Schengen and Schengen visa, see the video:
The Schengen Agreement was first signed in 1985 between five countries. This event took place on the Moselle River, near the village of Schengen (hence the name of the Agreement), right on board the river boat.
Over time, more and more countries gradually joined the Schengen, and at the present time we can observe this community, consisting of 30 countries.
See the list of Schengen countries in the picture:
Types of Schengen visas
To understand what kind of visa you need to apply for at the embassy, you need to know what is the difference between one visa and another. Schengen visas are divided into categories, and differ from each other in the purpose and timing of the visit.
Category A
It is issued if there is a need to make 2 or more transfers in the Schengen countries. It will also be required for those citizens who will make a transfer at the airport of one of the Schengen countries, in which there is no transit zone. This point must first be viewed on the website of the airport through which you plan to fly. For a single transfer at an airport with a transit zone, Russians do not need to obtain this permit.
You can stay in the transit zone of the airport for no more than 24 hours. It is possible to stay for more than a day if you have boarding passes for the plane.
Category B
Canceled since 2010. It was issued for moving from one Schengen country to another, with the help of any land transport. It worked from 1 to 5 days. Now, for transit from one country to another, a “pass” of category C is required, indicating in the column “reason for entry: transit”.
Category C
Issued to citizens who plan to spend some time in one or more Schengen countries. Moreover, this time is limited by certain periods. This category of visa can be single or multiple entry.
Visa C1 - allows you to stay in the above countries for 1 calendar month (30 days). This visa can be either single or multiple entry. A single entry visa means that you can only enter the Schengen area once.
C2 visa (multivisa) - will allow you to enter the Schengen countries an unlimited number of times (multivisa), but general term presence is 90 days per half year. This visa is issued only for 3 months.
C3 visa is the same as C2, but it can be opened for a longer period: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years. Time of stay in the Schengen area: no more than 90 days per half year and no more than 180 days per year, respectively.
Visa C4 is a multiple entry visa and is valid for 5 years. The conditions for staying in the Schengen area are the same as for C3.
Pictured is a Schengen visa.C:
Category D
With this visa, you have the right to reside in one of the countries of the Schengen Union for 5 years, with the ability to move around other Schengen countries, with a period of stay in them up to 90 days per six months.
Schengen visa process and required documents
To apply for and receive a Schengen entry permit, the following documents are required:
- Passport with at least two blank pages for stamps and visas. The passport must be valid for another three months after the planned trip.
- Questionnaire. Filled in in English, put yours below personal signature. Download the application form.
- Internal passport and copies of its pages, which contain basic information about you (registration, marriage, children).
- Three photos (standard, without corners).
- Medical insurance is issued for the period that you plan to spend abroad. The minimum sum insured under the insurance must be at least 35,000 euros.
In the picture - a sample of medical insurance:
- Certificate issued by the employer. The full name of the institution, the position held and the average salary are indicated (sometimes they request a certificate in the form 2-NDFL). Some embassies may request additional documents, such as a copy of the employment record.
- An extract from a bank account or from a credit card to prove your ability to pay. The statement must contain a certain amount, calculated as follows: 60 euros multiplied by the number of days (which you want to spend in the country). This amount is per person, if there are several people, then the amount received must be multiplied by the number of travelers.
- Copies of paid air tickets and hotel reservations. Some embassies and consulates require you to pay half of the hotel reservation at once.
How to fill out an application for a Schengen visa, see the video instructions:
financial guarantee
If a relative has expressed a desire to pay for your trip, then the consulate or Visa Center you must provide an extract from his account or bank card as proof of his solvency. As well as all documents confirming your relationship.
If an outsider pays for your trip, then a sponsorship letter is drawn up, where the person agrees to take on all your expenses while you are abroad.
Check out an example sponsorship letter on the picture:
Application and visa process
Making a coveted "pass" is a fairly simple process. With all of the above documents, you must come to the embassy by the appointed date and time. You must make an appointment in advance, approximately two weeks before the intended visit to this department.
When accepting documents, a short interview will be held. Usually they ask standard questions: the purpose of the visit, the length of stay, how you will travel, which countries you plan to visit. Recently, biometric data (fingerprints) has also been taken. This procedure is carried out to combat crime. Biometric data is taken from persons over 12 years of age.
Basic documents required for obtaining a Schengen visa for a short stay:
- A visa application form filled in Russian (in this case, the words must be written in Latin letters), national or English and signed personally by the applicant.
- One color photography meeting the following requirements:
- color photograph, clear, clean and contrasting,
- 3.5 x 4.5 cm,
- printed on high quality paper on a light background,
- the photo must be no more than 6 months old in order to be able to identify with the applicant,
- taken full face, showing clearly the eyes and face on both sides from the top of the head to the top of the shoulders, so that the face occupies 70 - 80% of the photo,
- the photograph must show the applicant without a headdress, looking straight ahead, with his mouth closed,
- the face should not be covered with hair.
- If the applicant wears glasses, the photo must meet the following criteria:
- untinted glass,
- the frame should not cover any part of the eye,
- there shouldn't be any glare.
- If the applicant is wearing a religious head covering, then the photograph must meet the following additional criteria:
- the chin, forehead and both cheeks must be clearly visible,
- there should be no shadows on the face from the headgear.
- International passport and a copy of the passport page with a photo and personal data. The passport must be signed and valid for more than 3 months after the expiration date of the requested visa. Passports are accepted without additional covers eg plastic, leather.
- Applicant's proof of having Money to cover expenses related to the trip, for example: bank statement, traveler's checks, credit cards (with a certificate from the bank on the availability of funds on the card), invitation (original and copy).
- Health insurance covering € 30,000, valid in all countries of the European Union. The insurance policy must cover the entire period of validity of the visa and all planned days of stay.
- Original letter of employment:
- for employees: a certificate from the place of work, issued on a form with the details of the organization, indicating the position, length of service and size wages;
- for private entrepreneurs: a copy of the certificate of registration of an individual or legal entity, as well as a certificate of registration in tax authority(TIN);
- for students: certificate from the place of study, in case of a trip to school time- certificate of permission to be absent from classes.
- Copy of passport pages with previous Polish and Schengen visas.
- If the applicant is a minor and traveling alone or with a parent, a copy is required written consent non-traveling parent(s) or guardian for the trip of the child, or, if it is impossible to obtain it, documents confirming the reason for the lack of consent (certificate of a single parent or other documents).
The consular fee for consideration of a visa application is 35 euros for Russian citizens.
Persons who are not citizens of Russia must additionally present:
- Russian visa(allowing you to return to the Russian Federation) or a residence permit;
- Registration valid for 3 months from the date of the planned return from the trip;
For tourist trips:
- Hotel booking confirmation (can be electronic, for example, from Booking.com) or confirmation of your trip from a travel agency.
- Copy of round-trip tickets (available at in electronic format) or a document giving the right to use an existing vehicle.
Booking a hotel for a Schengen visa For trips by private invitation - a visit to relatives or friends:
- Invitation (original and copy).
- The invitation (original and copy) in the form of a letter from the inviting person to the invited person must contain the following information:
- Surname and name, address and telephone number of the inviting person.
- Surname and name, address, date of birth and passport number of the invited person.
- Time, date and place of travel.
- Information about the degree of relationship between the invitee and the inviter. In the event that the parties are not related, confirmation of where and when the parties have personally met before is required.
- Details of who is responsible for travel expenses.
- The invitation must be notarized. A copy of the first page of the inviting person's passport must be attached to the invitation. If the inviting party is not a citizen of the European Union, a copy of the residence permit.
Specific rules are determined by the consulate of the country in which you receive a visa.
| Where to apply for a Schengen visa |
When planning a trip abroad, Russian tourists in most cases are faced with the need to obtain a visa. Active travelers who often travel to Europe dream of getting a multi-Schengen for several years. The RIAMO observer has collected tips from experienced tourists on how to get a Schengen visa for long term.
For long term tourist visa for a period of 2 to 5 years, those who have at least one Schengen visa issued within the last three years can apply. And it must be “rolled back” according to all the rules of the visa code on the procedure for moving around the Schengen countries.
When applying for a visa for the first time, you will receive a Schengen visa for up to a year, but the next time you apply to the embassy of any country that has signed the Schengen Agreement, you can apply for a longer visa.
Alena Koryakina, head of the Rambler Travel travel service, notes that the decision on the term for issuing a Schengen visa with multiple entries to the EU countries depends on the number of entries to the EU countries, a correctly completed application form, and the availability of bank statements with sufficient funds on the applicant's account.
First, you need to prepare Required documents strictly according to the list on the website of the visa center or consulate. Since 2015, fingerprints have also been required to obtain a Schengen visa.
If you have not decided on the dates of the trip, then it is not necessary to buy a ticket and pay for a hotel before obtaining a visa. For example, on the Aeroflot website, you can book a ticket with the condition of redeeming it at the box office, and print the reservation for a package of documents for a visa, traveler Evgeny advises. You can do the same with the hotel - book on Booking.com with free cancellation or on the Ostrovok.ru website with payment on the spot.
One of the important conditions for obtaining a visa will be proof of financial solvency. According to an experienced tourist Evgeny, the more card statements you bring, the better.
except standard package documents, there are several ways to increase the chance of obtaining a long-term Schengen:
- Provide documents confirming that you need to visit the country frequently, to whose consulate you are applying for a visa, says the manager of the Kupibilet service, Yulia Kurets. These can be relatives who live in this country, business trips, for example, when the head office of your company is located in the EU, and so on.
- Acquire the status of a permanent traveler. Alternatively, you can make a travel itinerary in such a way that it passes through several EU countries at once, and when applying for a visa, document this desire by attaching tickets and hotel reservations for two or three trips at once, the owner of the Ariadolce visa center recommends. Alexander Stremetsky. You can also take out insurance for a year - this will confirm your desire to travel abroad often. At the same time, there should be no more than 3-4 working days between trips, Stremetsky clarifies.
- Take care of your visa history. If you visit several times during the year different countries Schengen visa, even with an urgent multi-visa, then the next time you apply, it is highly likely that you will be given a visa for 2-3 years. The easiest option is to go on a Euro tour. If some country gave you a multi-visa in advance, then make every effort to visit there several times, then when you apply again, you can count on a longer multi-visa, advises Stremetsky.
- Go on business trips. If documents are submitted under business invitations, then, as a rule, visas are opened for a long period - from 1 to 3 years. But even if it didn’t work out the first time, there is a high probability that if you regularly visit the same country on a business invitation, you will be issued a visa for five years. According to experienced traveler Bella Yuryeva, this method is slow, but effective. Plus, when you're busy with work visas, you don't have to think about vacation visas.
Visa to Spain
In 2016, the Schengen area includes 26 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia.
Not every state can give a long-term visa. In particular, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Belgium and Denmark most often issue travel visas. And even if you are an experienced traveler, and you have a lot of seals from European countries in your “abroad”, then the maximum that you can count on from these countries is Schengen for six months or a year.
There are a number of European countries where, according to statistics, more positive decisions are made on issuing a “long” Schengen compared to other EU countries. For example, France and Italy are very friendly towards Russia, notes the head of the Rambler / Travel travel service. Also, a long-term Schengen for a period of 2 to 5 years can be obtained from Spain and Greece.
Spain has been issuing multiple visas to Russian tourists since 2011, and even a novice traveler can get it. Many tourists note that it is Spain that issues long-term visas, regardless of previous visits to the country. However, if most of the time Spanish visa spend in other EU countries, then when you re-apply to the Spanish consulate, there may be problems with obtaining long stay visa, seasoned tourists warn.
Questionnaire and sample filling
Visa to Italy
The facilitated procedure for obtaining Italian visas in Russia has been in effect since 2014, which was declared a cross year of tourism in the two countries. Then everyone who had already had two or more stamps in their passports, and not necessarily Italian ones, could receive a Schengen visa for up to two years. For those who already had a long-term Schengen, Italy began to issue visas for up to three years. At the same time, those who have previously observed the rules of the visa code and have repeatedly visited Italy have a high chance of obtaining a visa.
In 2015, the simplified procedure for obtaining Italian visas was preserved, and in 2016, it became possible to make an appointment at one of the visa centers through the Your Italy website. With a full package of documents, even for the first time, Italians open Schengen for at least 1 year, and upon re-submission, you can get a visa for 2 years already.
Visa to France
According to the majority of interviewed travelers, the French consulate willingly issues multiple-entry visas for a period of 5 years upon presentation of a full package of documents.
It is important not to forget to indicate France as the country of first entry in the application form, attach air tickets to any city in France and hotel reservation, and also put the appropriate mark in the box on the planned number of entries - multiple, which means that you intend to come to the European Union several times and want to get a multiple-entry visa, says Alena Koryakina, head of the Rambler Travel travel service.
A long-term visa is not always given for 5 years, but if you already had at least one french visa, then it is quite possible to apply for a Schengen for 2, 3, 5 years.
The Avianiti visa guide tells how to apply for a Schengen visa in 2020 on long term without any extra problems. In the article we consider what visa centers are, how much a Schengen visa costs, what are the terms of issue, how to fill out a questionnaire for a consulate. We share life hacks on how to get a visa for a long time, how to check a visa upon receipt and what to do in case of refusal.
What are Schengen visas
Schengen visa is different types, depending on the purpose of the trip, you need to request a specific visa. If at the border of the European Union a customs representative asks you a question about the purpose of the trip and the answer does not match the type of visa, then the visa may be canceled.
A Schengen visa can be obtained for the purposes of tourism and travel, transit, business, work, residence, study or treatment. The trip must be confirmed by documents: tickets, accommodation reservations, invitations, etc.
Types of Schengen visas
- Schengen visa type A
Available only for transit through EU airports to third countries. This visa is required if the applicant does not plan to leave the airport building. - Schengen visa type B
Transit visa, which allows you to stay in the European Union only for short periods of up to 5 days. Typically, such a visa is requested to cross the border by car when heading to third countries. - Schengen visa type C
Tourist or business visa. The most common Schengen visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days, is issued for up to 5 years. A visa can be with a restriction on the number of entries, or without restrictions (multi). It is worth noting that the visa is suitable for both tourism and travel, and for business purposes, but does not give the right to work, only negotiations and meetings. - Schengen visa type D
National Schengen visa. Allows you to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days in a row. Intended for special occasions when the applicant needs not to leave the Schengen area for more than 3 months. Such a visa is often equated with a residence permit.
Our guide to obtaining a Schengen visa describes how to obtain a Schengen visa type C for travel, tourism and business. This type of visa is divided into 4 subspecies.
Tourist Schengen visa type C
The main differences in the subtypes of the Schengen visa type C are the duration of the visa and the period of stay in the EU countries.
- C1 - stay in the Schengen area up to 30 days.
- C2 - stay up to 90 days, visa validity up to 6 months.
- C3 - stay up to 90 days, visa validity up to 1 year.
- C4 - stay up to 90 days, visa validity up to 5 years.
When requesting a Schengen visa type C, you cannot select its subspecies. The consulate at its discretion issues visas for different periods.
Schengen visas by country
To visit one of the 26 Schengen countries, it is enough to obtain a Schengen visa for any country from the list. To apply for a visa, you must contact the representative office of the country where you are going. It doesn't matter which border you cross first.
Consulate or visa application center
You can apply for a Schengen visa through the consulate or visa center. The difference is that the consulate is the end point where visas are stamped into the passport. The visa center is an intermediary agency that collects documents and submits them to the consulate.
It is worth noting that some countries do not issue tourist visas through consulates, but work only through visa centers. Consulates, in addition to Schengen tourist visas, issue other types of visas for work, study, business, and resolve emigration issues. Consulates do not recommend applying for a tourist visa during peak tourist seasons.
Obtaining a visa through the visa application center will cost more than through the consulate due to an additional service fee. Submission of documents through the visa center is easier: before acceptance, the documents will be carefully checked, in case of inaccuracies, they will tell you where to correct the errors.
At the visa center, you can arrange insurance, book flights or a hotel, take photos and photocopies. It is better to do it yourself and in advance, since prices for Additional services in visa centers higher than market rates by 2-3 times.
Unofficial visa application centers
In Yandex and Google search engines there are sites that pretend to be visa centers. At best, these "unofficial visa centers" take a power of attorney from the applicant, after which they independently submit documents for a Schengen visa to the consulate or official visa center. The main disadvantage of such centers is that in order to obtain a visa, you will have to pay 2-3 times more.
Official visa centers
Official visa centers work directly with consulates and have a special license for this. The websites of consulates contain links to visa centers. Links to the websites of consulates (embassies) and visa centers can be found in. Follow the link to the country of visit, in the Contacts section you will find verified links.
There are 4 large international companies among the visa centers
How much does a Schengen visa cost in 2020
The cost of a Schengen visa may vary depending on the exchange rate and the country that issues it. Below are the prices for a Schengen visa when applying for Russian Federation.
Consular fees for obtaining a Schengen visa
- For citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Schengen visa costs 2,654 rubles.
- For citizens of other countries - 4,550 rubles.
- Urgent Schengen visa (registration within 24-72 hours) - 5,309 rubles.
- Children under 6 receive a visa free of charge.
Service fee of visa centers
Visa centers charge an additional fee for collecting and sending documents to the consulate. If you do not want to pay a service fee, you can directly submit documents to the consulate.
- Service fee — 1,172 rubles. (1 passport)
- SMS notification - 100 rubles.
- Photocopy - 15 rubles.
- Printing documents from any media - 100 rubles.
- Filling out the questionnaire - 350 rubles.
- Submission of documents without an appointment - 1,500 rubles. (1 passport)
- Submission of documents on Saturday - 2,000 rubles. (1 passport)
- Receipt of documents outside the schedule on weekdays - 600 rubles.
- Receipt of documents outside the schedule on weekends - 800 rubles.
Terms of issuing a Schengen visa
According to the new EU rules, you can start applying for a Schengen visa six months (6 months) before your trip. Previously, documents had to be submitted 3 months in advance.
The timing of the issuance of a Schengen visa may depend on the workload of the visa application center and the consulate. We do not recommend applying for visas back to back before departure, as in case of refusal or request additional documents trip may be interrupted.
Usually a Schengen visa is issued in 3-4 business days (in the high tourist season for 7-10 days), days off Saturday and Sunday are not considered. Separately, it should be noted that consulates do not work on national holidays of their countries.
Visa centers offer services for obtaining an urgent visa within 1 to 3 days. No one other than the official visa center or consulate can guarantee a faster visa.
A set of documents for applying for Schengen
To obtain a Schengen visa, you must prepare a package of documents and provide a completed application form. Regardless of the country of entry (the Schengen area consists of 26 European countries), the questions in the questionnaire are the same, only the language of the comments differs. You can apply for a Schengen visa 3 months before the planned trip.
Filling out the application form - final stage preparation of documents for obtaining a Schengen visa. Before filling out the Schengen application form, you need to collect the entire set of documents, because. part of the data from the documents must be indicated in the questionnaire. The set of documents may differ depending on the country. Some countries do not require copies of all pages of passports.
In addition, before filling out an application for a Schengen visa, you must book flights and a hotel, so the data from the reservation must be indicated in the questionnaire. Below is the most complete package of documents.
Printouts and copies of documents must be on A4 sheets.
How to get a Schengen for a long time
The European Union has adopted new rules for obtaining long-term Schengen visas. Now consulates do not independently determine for how long to issue a visa, but are guided by new rules.
- Schengen for 1 year
To obtain a visa for 1 year, you must previously obtain a Schengen visa more than 1 time in 1 year. - Schengen for 2 years
To obtain a visa for 2 years, you need to get at least 1 annual visa in the past year. - Schengen for 3-5 years
To obtain a visa up to 5 years, you must obtain a Schengen visa from 2 to 3 years.
It is important to note that in order to obtain a long-term visa, you must comply with the rules for staying in the Schengen area: no more than 90 days in 1 half a year. It is advisable to get a Schengen visa in the country where you will be most of the time.
Important conditions for obtaining a Schengen visa for a long time
The first factor in obtaining a Schengen visa for a long time is related to the country that issues the visa. In 2020, the longest Schengen visas are issued Spain, France, Greece, Greece(by invitation from individuals).
Please note that countries issue longer visas during cultural events and festivals. For example, during the “Days of Holland in Russia”, the Dutch Consulate issued Schengen visas for 1-2 years or more to almost all applicants. Usually the Netherlands issues a Schengen one month more than the dates of the trip. Some countries in principle give Schengen visas only for the requested period, for example, the Czech Republic or Germany.
The second factor in obtaining a long Schengen visa is a package of documents. The main purpose of a visa is to prevent illegal emigration from other countries. Therefore, the better the applicant proves his ability to pay and only tourist intentions to visit the country, the more likely it is to get a long Schengen.
The main conditions for obtaining a Schengen for a long time
- Loyal visa request country: France, Spain, Greece.
- The presence of other Schengen visas for the last 3 years.
- Availability of visas of other countries (active traveler).
- Travel insurance for a year.
- Account statement over 100,000 rubles.
- High salary over 100,000 rubles.
- Airline and hotel booking.
Rules for filling out the questionnaire
Questionnaires for a Schengen visa are posted in electronic form on the websites of visa centers and consulates, the document forms differ only in official information for consular employees and the language in which comments are written.
- The application form must be downloaded from the website of the visa center or consulate of the country where you are applying.
- The questionnaire can be filled out online and printed.
- The questionnaire can be printed and filled out ballpoint pen(in blue or black ink), block letters. Try not to make corrections in the questionnaire.
- The questionnaire consists of 4 sheets, it can be printed on 2 A4 sheets on both sides or on 4 sheets on one side.
- Do not fill in the items that do not apply to you.
- The questionnaire must be filled out in Latin letters or in the language of the country of visit. Addresses and company names must be written according to the rules of transliteration. The name and surname must be written as in the foreign passport.
Instructions for filling out a Schengen application form
You can download a sample of the completed questionnaire at the end of the instructions. Fill out the form carefully, do not make typos and inaccuracies in the data provided! The information in the application form must match the set of documents. Errors and inaccuracies may be the reason for refusal to obtain a visa.
- Surname
Enter your last name as in your passport. - Surname at birth
Enter your last name at birth (maiden name). If the last name has not changed, the field can be left blank. - Name
You need to specify the name as in the passport. - Date of Birth
Date of birth format: day, month, year of birth as in a foreign passport. For example: 02/01/1989. - Place of Birth
Enter your city or place of birth. Indicate the city as it was called at the time of your birth. If you do not remember the name - look at the birth certificate. - Country of birth
Enter your country of birth in English. Those born in the USSR (before 1991) write USSR. - citizenship at present. Citizenship at birth
Specify your citizenship, for Russians you need to specify the Russian Federation. - Floor
Please enter your gender on your passport. - Family status
Please indicate your marital status. If you are married or married, you need to supplement the package of documents with a copy of the marriage certificate. For those living in a civil marriage, the item “single / not married” must be marked. - For minors only: last name, first name, address (if different from the applicant's address) and nationality of the person with parental/legal guardian authority
This section is required for minors only. If it does not apply to you, leave the field blank. - Identification number, if any
Citizens of the Russian Federation leave this item blank. This item is filled in by citizens of countries that have a national plastic ID card. - Travel document category
Owners biometric passports and ordinary passports mark the item "ordinary passport". - Travel document number
Specify the series and number of the passport. For example: 55 123456789. Special characters (№, #, N) do not need to be specified. - Passport issue date
Date of issue of the passport, format as in the passport. For example: 11/20/2012 - Valid until
Passport expiration date. - Issued by
Who issued the passport. This information indicated in the passport in Russian, but it must be indicated in Latin letters. Transcribe by sound English language. For example: FMS 0001 - FMS 001, FMS - UFMS, MFA - MID. - Applicant's home address and email address
Enter your residential address. If the address of registration differs from the address of residence and city in the certificate of employment, then the consulate may require a rental agreement. Please indicate the address in full in transliteration. For example: Moscow, ul. Leninskie Gory, d. 15, kv. 15. [email protected] - Country of residence, if not the country of citizenship
Citizens of the Russian Federation mark the item "no". Citizens of other countries indicate the number of the residence document and its validity period. - Current professional activity
This item is filled in according to the data of the certificate from work. Use Google Translate to translate your post into English. - Employer: address and telephone number of the employer
Work address from the certificate of employment. The address must be transliterated. Abbreviations should also be indicated by transliteration, nothing needs to be translated. For example: OOO Ivanov i partnership. Moscow, ul. Pravdy 5, ofis. 2. Tel.+74956667766 - Main purpose(s) of travel
If you are applying for a tourist visa, indicate the purpose of tourism. - Destination country
Indicate the country to the consulate of which you are submitting documents. It is worth noting that you need to obtain a visa in the country where you plan to spend most of your time. For example: if you bought cheap flights to Cologne, but then you plan to go to Amsterdam and spend most of your time there, then submit tickets to the Dutch consulate. - Country of first entry
Specify the country through which you will enter the Schengen area. Countries can be specified in English. - Number of entries requested
Specify what type of visa you want to get: single, double and multiple entries. Always ask for multiple entries. If you are going to Europe again, you will no longer need to fill out this form and pay fees. - duration of stay
Specify the days of the trip according to the reservation of air tickets. - Schengen visas issued within the last three years
Here you need to list all Schengen visas for the last 3 years and their validity. - Fingerprints provided earlier when applying for a Schengen visa
Indicate "Yes" and the date of the fingerprinting, if you have taken them. - Permission to enter the country of final destination, if necessary
A point for those who plan to fly in transit to a third country through the Schengen zone. At this point, you must specify supporting documents or a visa number. If not, then leave the field blank. - Intended date of entry into the Schengen area
Specify the date of arrival according to the reservation of air tickets. - Estimated date of departure from the Schengen area
Specify the date of departure according to the reservation of air tickets. - Surname/s, given name(s) of the person inviting to the Schengen state/s. Name of the hotel(s) or address/s of temporary stay on the territory of the Schengen Agreement member states.
Enter your hotel reservation details in English: hotel name, address, phone number, email. Leave the paragraph asking for the inviting person and his address to be left blank. - Name and address of the inviting company/organization. Surname, name, address, telephone, fax and e-mail address of the contact person of the company/organization
If the purpose of the trip is tourism, leave the item blank. - The applicant's expenses for travel and during the stay are paid by
We note the points: cash, credit card, prepaid place of residence, prepaid transport. - Personal data of a family member who is a citizen of the European Union
This item must be completed in case of obtaining a visa to visit relatives in the European Union. The field can be left blank. - Relationship with a citizen of the European Union
The field refers to item 34. Can be left blank. - Place and date
You must indicate the city where the application is submitted, and the date of application. - Signature
You need to sign in 4 places. Directly in the field of paragraph 37, as well as below: that in case of refusal to obtain a visa, the fee is not refundable and that in case of obtaining a multiple-entry visa, it is necessary to purchase insurance for the next visits to the Schengen countries.
For a Schengen visa.
How to check a Schengen visa upon receipt
You can pick up foreign passports with a Schengen visa 3 working days after the documents are submitted (usually documents arrive at the visa center for issuance in 2 days). Visa Application Centers send a paid SMS reminder when the documents are ready for issuance.
Be sure to check the time on the website of the visa center to receive documents. The time of submission and receipt of documents is different. Visa centers offer to pick up documents outside the schedule only on a paid basis.
The number of errors and typos in the Schengen visa is very low, but there is always a "human factor". Therefore, be sure to check the visa yourself so that there are no problems at customs control and you do not have to fly back on the same flight.
Documents are issued in a sealed envelope. If the envelope is damaged or there are traces of liquid on it, draw the attention of employees and do not sign the document acceptance certificate. If everything is in order with the envelope, check that it contains your first and last name. For acceptance of documents, you need to sign an acceptance certificate, indicating your last name and phone number.
What to check on a visa
- Territory of validity of the visa (Valid for)
The word Schengen should be written. - Visa validity period (From/Until)
Must match the start date of the trip. - Type of visa requested (Type of visa)
For tourist and business trips, a type C visa is issued. - Number of allowed entries (Number of entries)
How many times can you enter on a Schengen visa. If it is MULT, then the number of entries is unlimited. - Number of days of stay (Days)
At a minimum, it must match the number of days of the trip. Regardless of the duration of the Schengen visa, the number of days of stay in the Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days. - Where the visa was issued (Issued in)
You may not check. Here they write the city of the consulate in which the visa is issued. - When Issued (On) The date the visa was issued by the consulate.
- Passport number
Important point! The passport number on the visa must match the passport number. - Surname and first name (Surname, name)
Important point! Surname and name must match the data of the passport. - Additional marks (Remarks)
This item can be left unchecked. It contains official information for customs officers. - Presence of printing
Important point! In addition to the visa itself, it must have a small seal of the consulate that issued it. - Visa for a child
If a child is entered in the passport, then you need to check the availability of a visa for him.
If errors are found, please contact the Visa Application Center within 3 working days from the date of receipt of the passport to correct inaccuracies.
What to do if you are denied a visa
In case of refusal to obtain a Schengen visa, a stamp will be placed in the foreign passport. The documents will be accompanied by a letter explaining the reasons for refusal to obtain a visa. Consular and service fees are non-refundable in this case.
First of all, there is no need to panic. Receiving a refusal does not mean that the applicant will no longer be able to visit EU countries. Carefully read the letter, and then contact the window for issuing documents to further explain the reasons for the refusal.
Usually, a refusal can be delivered if the documents contain false information, data important for the consulate were hidden or not provided. In some cases, the refusal may be due to a damaged form. foreign passport(the chip is poorly readable, the pages are damaged), fake reservations for air tickets or hotels.
After receiving clarifications, it is necessary to re-collect documents with the elimination of deficiencies, if necessary, provide additional information and re-apply for a Schengen visa at the same visa center. We do not recommend applying for a Schengen visa at another consulate - this can increase the likelihood of getting a second refusal. Do not change your passport because of a refusal stamp.
Questions and discussions on obtaining a Schengen visa
Leave in the comments questions related to the design and receipt of a Schengen visa. If you have already received a Schengen visa, tell us from whom you received it and for how long the visa was issued.