What is a Schengen Visa? It is basically a document issued by the appropriate authorities to interested parties for visiting and travelling around the Schengen region.
A Schengen region is a group of 26 countries that have allowed free mobility of its citizens. In effect, the Schengen region is like a large nation with each of the individual countries behaving like incorporated states. Of these 26 countries, 22 are part of the European Union while the remaining 4 are not.
5 things to take care of while applying for the Schengen Visa
While applying for the Schengen visa, there are 5 things that are necessary to remember. They are:-
- Remember where you are going
While applying for Schengen visa or Belgium visa, one needs to remember which countries we are visiting. Though most European Union nations were part of this Schengen region, the United Kingdom was never a part of the Schengen region even when they were in the European Union. Similarly, countries like Switzerland, Lichtenstein, etc. belong to Schengen region but are not part of the European. Similarly, post the terror attacks in France, when a state of emergency was declared in the region, Schengen Visa did not apply to France. Hence, remember where you are travelling to while applying for the visa.
- Submission of detailed documents
When filling in the form make sure you complete every necessary aspect of the form for smooth processing of your Schengen Visa. Make sure to have at least 2 backup physical copies of the documents as the authorities might ask you to furnish them at a moment’s notice.
- Zero food restrictions
There were no food restrictions while entering the Schengen region and probably will never be. Indian foods share similarities with west Asian and African cuisines. But it’s a whole different ballgame with the European styles of cooking. Do pack food items if you feel they are necessary or if you follow some specific diets. In fact, tours and travels operators, like Kesari tours & travels, etc. are known to give their clients food packets at airports while boarding a flight to the Schengen region.
- Remember the right side of the road
This basic suggestion might bring a smile to your faces, but that’s actually a common complaint of most people travelling in the region. The Schengen region follows the left-hand drive method, which is opposite to our Right-hand drive system. Be careful on the roads and while crossing looks to your left first and then to the right, not the other way around.
- Sponsor details when applying for tourist visas
When applying for specific countries of the Schengen region, like Belgium, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, etc. the application requires a further document. When applying for a Belgian Visa, the authorities require you to provide accommodation details and a written statement from the place where you will be staying, along with a copy of the passport, etc. After confirming the details, the Belgian authorities will issue the passport.
Now you can apply for a visa online. Be it student visas, business visas or tourist visas; everything can now be applied online following the simple prompts on the Schengen Visa Website.
Keep all these things in mind to have a happy and safe trip to the Schengen region. And remember to keep yourself open to all experiences. That’s how your trip will be a trip to remember. Happy Trails!