Europe-related, planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but when it comes to visas requirements on something a little murky. If you’re going to be visiting more than one country in Europe you’ll need to apply for the appropriate Schengen Visa to make sure your travels are as hassle free as possible. Schengen Visa is a document required to allow you to move freely between Schengen Area countries (consisting of 27 European countries) once you have obtained it. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveler or a family visit, knowing the different types of right schengen visa will allow you to make the best choice of the visa for your trip.
If you’re based in Abu Dhabi, getting a Schengen Visa from Abu Dhabi is quite simple, but it does need some organization and attention to detail. Visa application process is different for different countries and different purpose of your trip.
If given the right guidance, and the right preparation you can make your way through the Schengen Visa application process and get the right Schengen Visa for your European adventure. So, let’s look into the details of how to select the right Schengen Visa for your travel plans.
1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
The short stay Schengen Visa is the most often issued visa for the Schengen Area in case one wants to visit the visa area to do something like tourism, business, and even visit a family member in the area. The visa allows you to stay for 90 days in a 180 day period. This Schengen Area visa will allow you to travel freely in the countries of the agreement, if you intend to visit more than one in the Schengen Zone. It’s also worth noting that the country you intend to spend the most time in or the country that you will first enter should be the country where you apply for your visa.
2. Long-Stay Schengen Visa (Type D)
If your missions start in Schengen Area longer than 90 days you will have to apply for the long stay visa (Type D). This visa is for those who intend to work, study or live if they want to spend a long stay in a Schengen country. The long stay visa is limited to a specific country, so if you’re staying in one country for longer than a month, you’ll apply to the embassy of that country. This visa also gives you a bit of flexibility if you have to travel within the Schengen Area while you are there.
3. Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
A frequent traveler to the Schengen Area may choose a multiple entry for visa. A Schengen visa is of a bistriage type of visa that permits you to enter and exit several times from the Schengen Area, within a predefined time frame of up to 5 years. If you have business trips, family visits or other reasons to travel to the Schengen Area more than once in a short period, it’s perfect. More flexible than a single entry visa, a multiple entry Schengen Visa comes with more opportunities but you need to satisfy conditions and maintain record of respecting rules on visa.
4. Airport Transit Visa
If you’re going through a Schengen airport and won’t be leaving the international transit area, you may need an airport transit visa. If you’re travelling to a non-Schengen country and you need to change flights at an airport in a Schengen country, you need this visa. But not all travelers require this visa, as citizens of some countries are exempt. Make sure to check your requirements if your nationality to avoid unnecessary complications.
5. How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from Abu Dhabi
If you are applying for a Schengen Visa from Abu Dhabi, the process is simple enough but is entirely dependent on details and there are some documents that cannot be missed. First, you need to decide on the country you’ll be visiting for the most or first, and apply to the embassy there. Make sure you bring along a valid passport, include a travel itinerary, travel insurance, proof of accommodation and display enough means of financial homebase for your stay.
After you have documents ready, you will submit your application at the visa application center or embassy and have an appointment to complete. If you are applying from Abu Dhabi, bear in mind that the application process may take some time, so make sure to apply well in advance of your travel dates so there are no last minute problems. Early preparation is key, the visa process can take up to 15 calendar days or more.
6. Tips for a Smooth Schengen Visa Application
There are some things to remember to make the Schengen Visa application process smooth. Before applying, always make sure to check the most recent requirements of the country of the Schengen you’re applying to, as visa requirements can change. In addition to this, if you need to stay somewhere other than the travel group’s accommodation, then make sure to provide proof of your accommodation, a travel itinerary and enough money to cover your trip. Finally, make sure if you’re honest on the form you submit and honest during the interview, as any discrepancies can have the visa denied. It’s all about patience: allow yourself enough time before your trip so that you don’t have to worry.
Conclusion
Lastly, deciding on your ideal can save you trouble on your European travel plans. You would want to know the type of visas and the requirements of a country you are visiting whether you are visiting for business, tourism or for family reasons. Applying for a Schengen Visa from Abu Dhabi based upon your residence in Abu Dhabi itself is smoother than it is if you are coming from a third country. All you have to ensure is your documentation is on point and you apply well in advance of your travel dates.
If you follow the tips and stay organized, you’ll increase your chances of a successful visa application. Planning ahead will help you take the stress out of your European travels by ensuring you have the necessary documents, and know how to apply. After you’ve picked the right Schengen Visa and filled out your application, you can go ahead and explore Europe’s many wonders with confidence.