Understanding the EU Visa Policy is crucial for anyone planning a trip to Europe. The region is home to some of the world’s most picturesque destinations – from the romantic streets of France to the historic cities of Italy and the sunny shores of Greece. While some nationalities can enter Europe without any visa, several others need to have a Schengen Visa before they can be allowed entry.
Under the EU Visa Policy, many international travelers need to have a visa. However, navigating these policies, particularly that of the Schengen Area, a zone that covers most EU countries, can be confusing. Here at Checklist Visa, we will dig deeper into these policies and understand the different types of visas one might need to enter Europe.
What Is the EU Visa Policy?
The EU visa policy states that 27 countries under the Schengen Area follow a set of visa rules for a short stay. That is to say, the requirements for getting a visa are relatively the same as long as you are visiting any Schengen country.
For non-EU nationals, a visa is typically required to enter the Schengen Area. They can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies whether the reason for entry is tourism, business, or family visits. The 180-day period is counted starting from the date of entering the territory of a Schengen country, and during this period you may enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as you want. However, your total stay in all the Schengen countries should not exceed 90 days during the said 180 days.
Under the EU Visa Policy, a person with a Schengen Visa can travel freely across all countries in the Schengen zone. They can move between member states without needing additional visas or facing extra border checks.
However, different rules apply for those staying longer than 90 days. Longer stays are regulated by national visa procedures. So, if you plan to study, work, or live in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-term national visa or permit from that specific country.
Types of EU Visas
Here are the different types of EU visas:
1. Short-Stay Visa
A Schengen Visa allows one to stay for as much as 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa is applicable for those traveling throughout the countries of the Schengen zone. Such visa is mainly for tourism, business, or visiting relatives.
Besides sightseeing, the Schengen Visa allows other activities such as attending business meetings and visiting relatives. One should not take up work or study under this visa. It is mainly for short visits.
2. Long-Stay Visa (National Visa)
A long-stay visa is for people who will stay longer than 90 days. You should only be staying in one country within the Schengen Area on this visa. This visa will be required when you work, study, or live in that country for a long period.
Every EU country has different terms and conditions for the long-stay visa. You can do long-term activities in that country under this visa, such as attending school and taking up work. It is perfect for those who desire to settle in the EU for a while.
3. Transit Visa
A Transit Visa enables you to transit in a Schengen country to get to your final destination. This type of visa is for passengers who pass for a short stay in an airport or a port.
Note that you are not allowed to exit the transit area or enter the country with a transit visa. It’s only to get from one layover to another or to change flights and is applicable to travelers going to non-Schengen countries.
Visa-Free Travel to the EU
Citizens of certain countries have the right to visa-free travel to the Schengen Areas. These countries typically have agreements with the EU for visa-free travel. Here’s a list of visa-exempt countries:
-
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Chile
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- United Kingdom
- Albania (with biometric passports)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (with biometric passports)
- Serbia (with biometric passports)
- Israel
- United Arab Emirates
- Georgia (with biometric passports)
- Ukraine (with biometric passports)
From 2025, the EU will implement the ETIAS, or European Travel Information and Authorization System. While not a visa, this online authorization is required for those who came from any of the visa-exempted countries. It is quite similar to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program.
The introduction of ETIAS aims to enhance security in the EU. While it adds an extra step, it will help travelers avoid more complex visa procedures.
FAQs on EU Visa Policy
How long can I stay in the Schengen Area with a visa?
A Schengen visa gives you the opportunity to stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This is only applicable to tourism, business trips, or other types of short stays. The 180-day period is calculated from the day of entry into the Schengen Area. You may re-enter and leave as many times as you wish. Your total stay must not exceed 90 days. Once you have stayed 90 days, the cycle is completed, and you must wait for the next 180-day period to begin before returning. If you intend to stay longer than that, you need to apply for a national visa.
Can I travel between Schengen countries with a single visa?
You are free to move from one country to another within the Schengen Zone using a single visa. There are no border checks on the Schengen countries, so you can move freely. You do not require any other visas or permits to travel within the Schengen Area, but note that your total duration cannot exceed 90 days within a period of 180 days, which may apply for travel throughout all the Schengen countries put together.
How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?
The time it takes to process the Schengen Visa is usually within 15 calendar days. However, it sometimes takes longer than this. This is especially the case during the peak travel seasons. If other documents are required, the processing time can be longer. Therefore, it is a good practice to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your intended visit. This is to ensure that you receive your visa before you set out for your trip to the EU.
1 Comment
Comments are closed.