European Schengen Visa

Travelling in Europe has been simplified by way of the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area, you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Basically speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of the visa. Internal border controls are limited with no or few stops and checks.

The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg where in March 1995, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries, all in Europe.

Schengen countries / territories

Although there have been a number of new countries (including Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic) who have recently joined the EU - these countries have NOT yet joined the Schengen Agreement. As a result a visa issued by a Schengen Country will NOT currently cover these new EU members and a visa from these new members will not cover travel to Schenge countries.

Where to apply for Schengen visa:

A Schengen Visa can be applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen Space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

When to apply for Schengen visa:

If you require a Schengen Visa you need to apply before travelling.

Do I have to have travel insurance:

Travel insurance including medical cover and repatriation is required when you apply for your Schengen visa (actual repatriation clause needs to be presented to the Consulate). It must cover the duration of the requested visa - annual insurance may be required if you are requesting a multi-entry visa.

Multiple Schengen visa:

A multiple entry Schengen visa will allow the holder several entries into the Schengen area, allowing you to return to the UK and then re-enter the Schengen area at a later date.

Not all embassies issue multiple entry visas some prefer to only issue a single entry visa to cover you for the specific trip you are going on.

UK residency requirements when apply for Schengen visa:

Generally you need to have at least three months left on you UK immigration visa from the time you come back from your holiday. If for example your visa expires on 12 December 2005 you can only apply for a visa up to 12 September 2005.

The issue of such visas is discretionary and depends on examination of each individual case, including purpose of visit and intention to return.

The Schengen visa issued by an Embassy or Consulate of the above countries allows the holder to move freely in all of these countries within the validity of the visa.

If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of that country.

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries without having a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the first country that requires you to have a visa.

Applications should generally be made in person at the Embassy or Consulate that is responsible for your place of residence. Get in touch with us and we will help you provide exactly what you need to the right place.

Normally, if you live more than 50 miles from such an Embassy you will able to submit your application by post : prepaid self addressed envelope, (recorded or registered delivery for the safe return of documents)

A Schengen visa is not appropriate if you wish to remain in a Schengen member state for longer than 3 months or take up employment or establish a business or trade or profession.

Apart from these so called Short-Term or Travel Visas there are 2 other types of Schengen visas.

Cost of visa

The cost of a Schengen visa will depend, on the tariff as laid down by the issuing country and should be averaged around the following rates which are approximations:

Transit ( both categories ) £7 ( 10 euros)
Short Stay - Up to 1 month incl. - single entry £17 ( 25 euros)
Short Stay - Up to 3 months incl. - single entry £22 ( 30 euros)
Short Stay - 2 or multiple entries £25 ( 35 euros)

All normal Coddan Visas and Work Permits LTD fees apply in relation to the above.
A Schengen visa will be issued free of charge to the spouse and children of a citizen of an EU-member state upon presentation of the original marriage certificate (duly translated, if the marriage did not take place in Great Britain) and the EU-citizen's passport. For children, the original full birth certificates are required. Translation of such documents may be required.