Schengen Tourist visa

Features of the Schengen Zone

The abolition of borders between the members of the Schengen area benefits the citizens and the governments in various ways. Few of the features of the Schengen Zone are listed below -

• Within the Schengen Zone, the citizens of any country can liberally cross the internal borders without any border checks (subject to valid Schengen Visa or permit).
• The members share common standards for crossing the external borders.
• Police and Judicial collaboration to fight crime effectively.
• The presence of Schengen Information System (SIS), a unique database to share information pertaining to individuals, goods, criminals, etc.
• Borders checks can be introduced for a maximum of 30 days, if required.

Security System of the Schengen Zone 

The Schengen Zone has implemented strong security systems to protect the citizens from fraud, criminals, etc. The security system consists of Visa Information System (VIS), Schengen Information System (SIS), and European Dactyloscopy (EURODAC) that helps the members in developing and sharing a database for various reasons. The databased helps the members in accessing information of people entering the Schengen Zone, people who are flagged for criminal activities, and people who banned from entering the Schengen Zone. The details of each of the systems are listed below -

• Visa Information System (VIS) - Collects and exchanges information of short-stay visa applications.
• Supports Visa Issuance and Border Check Processes
• Protects Schengen Travelers
• Supports with Asylum Applications
• Improves security measures
• Schengen Information System (SIS) - Collects and exchanges information of people who are suspected to be criminals along with data of people who are not allowed to enter/reside in the Schengen Zone. Moreover, it collects information pertaining to stolen/lost assets and missing people.
• Allows Collaboration of Border Control and Law Enforcement
• Supports Vehicle Registration Collaboration
• European Dactyloscopy (EURODAC) - A fingerprint database to identify asylum seekers and illegal border-crossers.
• Supports applications of Asylum Seekers
• Supports VIS
• Avoids, identifies, and explores crimes, terrorism, and other threats

Documents Required For Tourist Schengen Visa

Along with the filled in application form, the following details/documents are required for the application process -

• One passport format photograph with a light background where the complete face is captured.
• A valid passport with three months of validity from the departure date. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
• Copy of the confirmed airline ticket for the return journey.
• Travel visa insurance policy which is valid in all Schengen countries. In the event of visa application rejection, the applicant can claim for a refund after cancelling it.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Latest bank statement for the past six months.
• Official affidavit of support is applicable for applicants who will require financial support for their visit.
• Details of the travel plan.
• First-time travelers need to submit additional documents.
• Invitation letter, if applicable.

Depending on the particular Schengen country the applicant will be entering first and residing the most number of days during the visit, the visa application will need to be submitted at that particular consulate/embassy in India. Applicants are advised to apply for the Tourist Schengen Visa at least two weeks prior to the departure date of the travel.

Tourist Visa Validity

The Tourist Visa allows the visa holder to reside in the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days. Based on whether it’s a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, the visa holder can enter and leave the Schengen zone accordingly. If the visa holder needs to reside in a Schengen Zone for more than 90 days, he/she will need to apply at the consulate/embassy again.