What Is European Visa Called

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Europe is a vast continent with diverse cultures, economies, and landscapes. It attracts millions of visitors every year, whether for tourism, work, study, or family reunification. To enter most European countries, non – European Union (EU) citizens usually need a visa. But what exactly are these visas called? Let’s explore the different types of European visas and what they are used for.

Schengen Visa

What is the Schengen Area?

Before we talk about the Schengen visa, it’s important to understand the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls among themselves. This means that once you enter the Schengen Area with a valid Schengen visa, you can travel freely within these countries without having to go through additional border checks. The Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Schengen Visa Itself

The Schengen visa is the most well – known European visa for tourists and short – term visitors. It allows you to enter and stay in the Schengen Area for a specific period, usually up to 90 days within a 180 – day period. This visa is valid for multiple entries, single entry, or double entry, depending on what you apply for.

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa?

Non – EU citizens who want to visit the Schengen Area for tourism, business meetings, visiting friends or family, or attending short – term courses or seminars can apply for a Schengen visa. For example, if you are from the United States and want to take a three – week vacation in France, Italy, and Spain, you would need to apply for a Schengen visa.

What Do You Need to Apply?

When applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to provide several documents. First, you need a valid passport that will remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area. You also need to fill out an application form, which can usually be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you are applying through.

You will need to provide proof of your travel itinerary, such as flight bookings and hotel reservations. This shows the authorities where you plan to go and stay during your visit. Additionally, you need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. This could be in the form of bank statements, credit cards, or traveler’s checks.

You may also need to provide a letter of invitation if you are visiting friends or family in the Schengen Area. For business travelers, a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your trip and your employment details is required.

Another important document is travel insurance. Your insurance should cover medical emergencies, including repatriation in case of serious illness or injury, and have a minimum coverage of €30,000.

National Visas

Types of National Visas

While the Schengen visa is great for short – term stays and travel within the Schengen Area, some people may need to apply for a national visa. National visas are issued by individual European countries and are specific to that country. They are usually for longer – term stays or for purposes that are not covered by the Schengen visa.

Long – Term Study Visas

If you want to study in a European country for more than 90 days, you will likely need a long – term study visa. For example, if you are from India and want to pursue a one – year master’s degree in the United Kingdom, you would apply for a UK student visa. Each country has its own requirements for study visas. In general, you will need to have an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in the country. You may also need to show proof of financial support to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, some countries may require you to pass a language test, especially if the medium of instruction is the local language.

Work Visas

There are different types of work visas in Europe. Some countries have work visas for highly skilled workers, while others have visas for seasonal workers or au pairs. For instance, Germany has a Blue Card, which is a work permit for highly skilled non – EU workers. To be eligible for a German Blue Card, you need to have a job offer in a profession that requires a higher education degree, and your salary must meet a certain threshold.

In the UK, before Brexit, there were various work visas such as the Tier 2 visa for skilled workers. After Brexit, the UK has its own points – based immigration system for work visas. Other countries like France have different work permit categories depending on the type of work, such as a carte de travail for employees or a titre de séjour entrepreneur for business owners.

Family Reunification Visas

If you are an EU citizen or a non – EU citizen with a valid residence permit in a European country, and you want to bring your family members to live with you, they may need to apply for a family reunification visa. For example, if a Spanish citizen living in Spain wants to bring their non – EU spouse and children to live with them, the spouse and children would apply for a family reunification visa in their home country. The requirements for family reunification visas usually include proof of the family relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, and proof that the sponsor (the person already in the country) can support the family members financially and provide accommodation.

Transit Visas

Purpose of Transit Visas

Transit visas are for people who are passing through a European country on their way to another destination. If you need to change planes or trains in a European country and your layover is longer than a certain period (usually more than 24 hours in some cases), you may need a transit visa. For example, if you are flying from South Africa to the United States and have a layover in Frankfurt, Germany, and the layover is 36 hours, you may need to apply for a German transit visa.

Requirements for Transit Visas

The requirements for transit visas are generally less extensive than those for other types of visas. You will need a valid passport and a confirmed onward ticket to your final destination. Some countries may also require you to show proof of accommodation during your transit if you plan to leave the airport or train station. Additionally, you may need to provide information about your travel itinerary, such as the flight numbers and the duration of your stay in the transit country.

Special – Purpose Visas

Cultural and Sporting Visas

Europe hosts many cultural and sporting events throughout the year. If you are an artist, athlete, or performer who wants to participate in such an event in a European country, you may need a cultural or sporting visa. For example, if a Brazilian soccer player is invited to participate in a friendly match in Italy, they would need to apply for an Italian sporting visa. The application process usually requires an invitation letter from the organizer of the event, proof of your professional status in the field (such as certificates or previous performance records), and sometimes a letter from your national sports or cultural association.

Diplomatic and Official Visas

Diplomatic and official visas are issued to diplomats, government officials, and their families who are traveling to a European country for official business. These visas are usually processed through diplomatic channels, and the requirements are different from regular visas. The issuing country’s embassy or consulate in the home country of the diplomat or official will handle the application process. These visas often come with certain privileges and immunities, which are based on international diplomatic agreements.

Applying for European Visas

Choosing the Right Embassy or Consulate

When applying for a European visa, you need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. If you are applying for a Schengen visa, you usually apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination. If your travel is evenly divided among multiple Schengen countries, you can apply at the embassy or consulate of the first country you will enter. For national visas, you apply at the embassy or consulate of the specific country where you will be staying.

The Application Process

The application process for European visas typically involves filling out an application form, providing the required documents, and paying a visa fee. In some cases, you may also need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. The visa fee can vary depending on the type of visa and the country. For example, a Schengen visa application fee is usually around €80, but it can be different for certain categories such as children or people from certain countries.

Processing Times

The processing time for European visas can also vary. Schengen visa applications are usually processed within 15 calendar days, but it can take longer, especially during peak travel seasons. National visa applications, such as work or study visas, may take several weeks or even months to process. It’s important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the visa to be processed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several types of European visas, each with its own name and purpose. The Schengen visa is popular for short – term travel within the Schengen Area, while national visas are for longer – term stays in a specific country for purposes like study, work, or family reunification. Transit visas are for those passing through a European country, and special – purpose visas cater to specific groups such as artists, diplomats, and athletes. Understanding the different types of visas and their requirements is crucial if you plan to visit or live in Europe. Whether you are a tourist, a student, or a professional, make sure you research the visa options carefully, gather all the necessary documents, and apply in a timely manner. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth and successful journey to Europe.

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