Schengenviisumi

Schengenviisumi, commonly called the Schengen Visa, is a short-stay visa issued by a Schengen state that allows the holder to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, enabling visa-free travel for short stays among member states. Countries in the area include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, among others; Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and Bulgaria are not part of Schengen.

There are two main visa types: type C, the uniform short-stay visa for tourism, business, or family visits, and type D, the national long-stay visa for purposes such as study or work in a specific Schengen country. Many applicants receive a single-entry or multiple-entry type C visa, depending on the purpose and travel pattern.

The visa is usually issued by the consulate of the country that is your main destination in Schengen. If there is no clear main destination, the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country of entry may issue the visa.

Common requirements include a passport valid for at least three months beyond planned stay and with blank pages, a completed application form, photos, travel medical insurance with minimum coverage (typically 30,000 euros), proof of funds, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Biometrics are often required.

Processing times vary, typically up to 15 calendar days, but can take longer in some cases. The visa grants access to travel within Schengen but does not guarantee entry; border control may require additional documents. A fee is charged (generally 80 euros for adults; reductions or exemptions apply in some cases). Cyprus is not part of Schengen, and visa rules differ for non-Schengen destinations.