Trip to Europe, you'll need a Schengen visa

Are you planning a trip to Europe? Well, you'll need a Schengen visa for that! This visa allows tourists to explore multiple countries within the Schengen area without the hassle of applying for individual visas for each country. It's a convenient way to travel and experience the diverse cultures and landscapes of Europe.

Which countries are included in the Schengen visa? 

If you're wondering about the countries that fall under the Schengen visa, let me break it down for you. The Schengen visa allows you to travel to 26 European countries without the need for individual visas. These countries include popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many more. So, if you're planning a trip to Europe, getting a Schengen visa will give you the freedom to explore multiple countries hassle-free.

What are the requirements for a Schengen visa? 

If you're planning to apply for a Schengen visa, there are certain requirements you need to fulfill. Firstly, you'll need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. You'll also need to provide proof of travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation. Additionally, you'll have to show proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host. Financial documents, like bank statements, will also be required to demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your stay. Lastly, you'll need to submit a completed visa application form and pay the necessary fees.

Schengen visa - a gateway to European travel! 

Dreaming of exploring the enchanting cities of Europe? Well, the Schengen visa is your ticket to an unforgettable European adventure. With this visa, you can hop from one country to another within the Schengen area without any hassle. From the romantic streets of Paris to the historic ruins of Rome, the Schengen visa opens up a world of possibilities. Just make sure you meet all the requirements and have your travel plans in order, and you'll be ready to embark on an incredible journey through the heart of Europe.

The Schengen area is made up of several countries including;

 Austria, 

Belgium, 

Croatia, 

Czechia, 

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. 

These countries have common rules when it comes to visas and border controls. One important thing to note is that while there are no checks within the internal borders of the Schengen area, some countries may require you to register with local authorities upon arrival, especially if you're staying in private accommodations.

If you're a Canadian citizen planning to travel to the Schengen area, you're in luck! You don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you leave the Schengen area and return within the same 180-day period, the days you've already spent there will count towards the 90-day limit. So make sure to keep track of your time if you plan on coming and going.

If you're planning on staying in the Schengen area for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you'll need to obtain the appropriate visa from the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you'll be visiting. It's important to do this before you travel, as staying longer than the permitted 90 days without the proper visa can result in fines or even deportation. When you first enter the Schengen area, make sure to get your passport stamped at the port of entry. This stamp is important as it serves as proof of your entry into the area and can help avoid any issues with local authorities or immigration officials during your visit or when you leave.

Schengen Visa - Courtesy
Application form (Original) 
Contact Consent Form (Original)
Passport (Original + 1 Copy)
Recent biometric photograph (Original) 
Travel health insurance (Copy) 
Travel Itinerary (Copy) 
Government Order (Copy) 
Travel purpose (Copy)

The Schengen Area  is a region consisting of 27 European countries that have officially abolished passport policies and all types of border controls within their respective border areas. This area primarily serves as an international travel destination, with visa policies as usual. The area is named after the Schengen Agreement. Schengen Area countries strengthen border controls with non-Schengen countries.

Twenty-three out of the 28 European Union member states are included in the Schengen Area. Croatia is the latest country to join this list in January 2023. Three EU member states, namely Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, are not part of the Schengen Area; although legally integrated into the area, while two others, namely the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, have chosen to opt-out. The four member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, and are not EU members, have signed agreements related to the Schengen Agreement. Additionally, three small European countries, namely Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City, are de facto considered EU members.

The Schengen Area is a significant development in facilitating travel and promoting integration among European countries. By eliminating passport and border controls, it allows for smoother movement and encourages tourism and trade. The inclusion of more countries, such as Croatia, further strengthens the unity and cooperation within the region. However, it is important to note that not all EU member states are part of the Schengen Area, as some have chosen to maintain their own border controls. Nonetheless, the Schengen Agreement remains a crucial framework for promoting freedom of movement and enhancing European integration.

The Schengen Area has a population of over 400 million people and covers an area of 4,312,099 square kilometers (1,664,911 sq mi). Around 1.7 million workers cross European borders every day, which accounts for one-third of the total workforce. There are 1.3 billion individuals who cross Schengen borders each year. In total, there are 57 million crossings due to the transportation of goods by land, with an economic value of €2.8 trillion annually. Since the establishment of the Schengen Area, trade costs have decreased by varying percentages, ranging from 0.42% to 1.59%, depending on geographical location, trading partners, and other factors. Countries outside the Schengen Area also benefit from these developments.

During the migration crisis in the summer of 2017, countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden implemented border controls in certain areas along their respective borders, particularly in Schengen member states, temporarily. The November 2015 Paris attacks and subsequent attacks in France led to France declaring a state of emergency and tightening border controls with Schengen member states. The border controls implemented in September 2015 resulted in a decrease in trade volume of around €70 billion per year. These countries later lifted their temporary restrictions and reopened borders with other Schengen member states.