| The Schengen Visa Application form is necessary for | | | | to Europe, your application must include them. |
| those who may wish to travel freely in any European | | | | Schengen applications are available online at no cost. |
| Union country. This type of visa was introduced in | | | | Fees: Each country sets its own fees for this special |
| 1995 and allows visitors to pass freely into and out | | | | visa. Additional fees may be required depending on |
| of many of the small European countries. | | | | how many countries you will be visiting. All fees must |
| Countries: There are 15 countries that acknowledge | | | | be paid in full prior to receiving this visa. Contacting |
| the Schengen Visa. These include Austria, Belgium, | | | | the embassy or consulate will help you pre-plan and |
| Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, | | | | avoid last minute problems and fees. |
| Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, | | | | Documentation: In addition to documents like a valid |
| Spain, and Sweden. With the exception of Iceland | | | | passport that has a minimum of three months before |
| and Norway all of the countries are European Union | | | | expiration, financial disclosure and employment |
| members. | | | | information may be required. You may also be asked |
| Travel Methods: The Schengen Visa allows people to | | | | for your itinerary. You may also need confirmation of |
| travel by train, road or inside the country by plane. | | | | your motel or hotel reservations. Providing this |
| This special visa put an end to the numerous stops | | | | information ensures that you will not become a |
| at checkpoints for each country’s borders. Many | | | | burden to the country you are visiting. |
| travelers find the Schengen visa had improved | | | | Photographs: A Schengen Visa requires two |
| European travel. | | | | photographs. Like passport photos they must be two |
| Application: Schengen applications are available from | | | | inches by two inches of just your head and |
| every country. These specialty visas are confusing. | | | | shoulders. All persons traveling with you are required |
| Having your itinerary in hand when contacting the | | | | to have a Schengen visa. Take extra photographs |
| embassy of your point of entry country is helpful. If | | | | with you just in case. |
| you are planning to visit many countries on your trip | | | | |