You would think that one of the biggest challenges in setting foot on European soil would be a Schengen visa. While this is true for most countries in the world, there are many nations which are allowed visa-free access, with the length of stay varying depending on which state is in question. As an overview, here are some of the countries that are allowed visa-free access.
Visa-Free
Holders of passport of any country from the European Economic Area and Switzerland could stay in the Schengen zone for as long as they want. There are many countries which are not part of the European Economic Area but are allowed to stay in the Schengen Area visa-free for a 90-day period. These countries are: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, and Venezuela. Any other country not stated on this list would have to apply for a Schengen Visa in a European embassy in their country prior to their travel date.
What is the Schengen Area?
Once upon a time five member countries of the European Economic Community held a meeting at the town of Schengen in Luxembourg and agreed to abolish internal border controls by establishing a unified visa policy system which has, since then, became the basis of the permission of entry for most of the countries in the European Union, with the notable exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which have retained their own visa policies.
What is the Schengen Zone?
The Schengen Zone includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Securing a Schengen Visa from the embassy of one of these countries would mean permission of entry for the others on the list, totally eliminating the need to apply for separate visas. This means less paperwork and expenses for the traveller.
Requirements for a Schengen Visa
Requirements in obtaining a Schengen Visa would vary from embassy to embassy and from country to country, depending on the bilateral relations shared with the particular Schengen state. Some countries would have stricter rules and more paperwork necessary, while others would have a simpler process overall. The best thing to do is to visit the website of the Schengen country you are planning to visit, or better yet drop by the embassy personally to get a list of requirements.
Schengen travel insurance is one of the most important requirements for most visa applications. A Schengen travel insurance covering the number of days you’re planning to stay in the Schengen zone is essential and would be used as an important factor in the approval of your visa, if you need it.