Schengen (24 Countries) Visit Visa

Phoenix Global Resettlement Services (Phoenix GRS) offers specialized assistance for individuals seeking to obtain a Schengen Visit Visa for travel within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Visa grants access to 24 European countries, making it an attractive option for tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family or friends. Phoenix GRS simplifies the visa application process, offering expert guidance through each step to ensure a successful application.

Schengen Area Countries (24 Countries)

The Schengen Area consists of 24 European countries that have abolished internal borders for easier travel. These countries are:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Czech Republic
4. Denmark
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. France
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Hungary
11. Iceland
12. Italy
13. Latvia
14. Lithuania
15. Luxembourg
16. Malta
17. Netherlands
18. Norway
19. Poland
20. Portugal
21. Slovakia
22. Slovenia
23. Spain
24. Sweden

Although Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, all other listed countries allow for seamless travel with a single Schengen Visa.

Types of Schengen Visas

Phoenix GRS assists applicants with the following types of Schengen visas:

1. Tourist Visa: For individuals traveling for leisure or sightseeing.
2. Business Visa: For attending business meetings, conferences, or other professional events.
3. Family Visit Visa: For those visiting family or friends within the Schengen Area.
4. Cultural, Sports, or Study Visa: For attending cultural events, sports competitions, or short-term study programs.

Schengen Visa Criteria for Application

1. Eligibility for a Schengen Visa

To be eligible for a Schengen Visa through Phoenix GRS, applicants must meet certain criteria:

• Passport: A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and with at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
• Intended Duration of Stay: The visa is typically issued for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Financial Stability: Proof of sufficient financial means to cover expenses during your stay.
• Clear Purpose: A valid reason for travel, whether for tourism, business, family visit, or cultural activities.

2. Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa

You should apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to:

• Spend the most time during your trip (main destination).
• If there is no primary destination, apply to the country where you will first enter the Schengen Area.

Phoenix GRS provides services to help you determine which country to apply to, based on your travel itinerary.

3. Required Documents for Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

1. Schengen Visa Application Form: Completed and signed by the applicant.
2. Valid Passport: With at least 3 months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay.
3. Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent passport-style photographs that meet specific criteria.
4. Travel Itinerary: Details of your planned travel, including flight tickets and hotel bookings.
5. Travel Insurance: Proof of travel insurance covering €30,000 in medical expenses, repatriation, or evacuation.
6. Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in the Schengen country.
7. Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, pay slips, or other documentation proving you can financially support your stay.
8. Visa Fee: The standard visa fee is €80 for adults, and €40 for children between 6-12 years.

Phoenix GRS guides you through gathering the necessary documents to ensure they are correctly formatted and meet the requirements of the consulate.

4. Application Process with Phoenix GRS

1. Initial Consultation: Phoenix GRS offers a free consultation to evaluate your travel plans and determine eligibility.
2. Application Form and Documentation: They assist with completing your visa application form and gathering all necessary supporting documents.
3. Visa Appointment: Phoenix GRS schedules an appointment for you at the relevant embassy or consulate.
4. Submission of Documents: Your application and documents will be submitted, and biometric data (fingerprints) will be collected.
5. Interview: In some cases, an interview may be required to clarify the purpose of your visit.
6. Wait for Decision: The processing time typically takes around 15 calendar days, but it may vary depending on the embassy or consulate’s workload.
7. Receive Your Visa: Once approved, your visa will be issued, and Phoenix GRS will notify you so you can collect your passport with the visa.

5. Financial Requirements

Phoenix GRS helps you ensure that your financial proof is in order. Typical financial requirements include showing that you have enough money to cover:

• Daily expenses (generally €50-€100 per day, depending on the country).
• Accommodation costs for the duration of your stay.
• Additional costs for transportation, meals, and other travel expenses.

Documentation like bank statements, sponsor letters, or proof of employment is required to demonstrate financial stability.

6. Travel Insurance Requirement

All Schengen Visa applicants are required to have travel insurance that covers:

• €30,000 in medical expenses within the Schengen Area.
• Emergency evacuation or repatriation in case of illness or accident.

Phoenix GRS assists applicants in obtaining the right insurance to meet Schengen requirements.

Schengen Visa Validity and Stay Duration

Once approved, the Schengen Visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Depending on your travel plan, Phoenix GRS helps you obtain the appropriate type of visa, such as:

• Single-entry visa: You can enter the Schengen Area only once.
• Multiple-entry visa: You can enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during the visa validity.
• Double-entry visa: You can enter the Schengen Area twice during the visa validity period.

Key Considerations for Schengen Visa Holders

• Traveling Between Schengen Countries: Once granted the Schengen Visa, you can travel freely between the 24 countries within the Area without additional border checks.
• Overstay Penalties: Overstaying your visa can result in fines or being banned from entering the Schengen Area in the future.
• Extensions: Schengen Visas are generally non-extendable. However, in cases of exceptional circumstances, an extension may be requested.

Conclusion

Phoenix GRS makes the process of obtaining a Schengen Visa as smooth and efficient as possible, with expert assistance every step of the way. Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or family visits, Phoenix GRS ensures that all your documents are in order, and you submit a strong application to the relevant consulate. With their support, your trip to the Schengen Area can become a hassle-free and memorable experience.