Schengen is a small town in Luxembourg where, in 1985, seven European Union countries met to sign a treaty for ending internal border control. By now, all 15 European States have signed up for it.
If you have a Schengen Visa you can freely travel within these 15 European States: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries, except Norway and Iceland, are European Union members.
Even with your "Indefinite Stay" stamp in your passport you are not allowed to travel without a Schengen Visa in Europe. You might be able to travel to Germany if you have the required army stamp in your passport.
When Marika and Birgit tried to travel to romantic Venice, almost two years ago, Marika was not allowed to check in at the airport because he had no Schengen Visa. He contacted the Italian embassy before and they confirmed that he would be able to travel on his army stamp.
But Easyjet would not accept that and he was left behind while Birgit spent an unromantic week in Venice, by herself, while Marika desperately tried to obtain the required visa.
Therefore, it is very important to make sure you have the appropriate visa. Obtaining a Schengen Visa takes time so plan early!
How to get the Schengen Visa:
To acquire the visa you have to apply at the embassy of the country to which you wish to travel. If you wish to visit more than one country, apply at the embassy of the country where you will be spending the most time.
It can take up to 8 weeks to receive the visa and all countries have different forms of application. For example when applying at the German Embassy the following documents need to be supplied:
- A passport with one blank page and residence permit for the UK, both valid for at least three months longer than the expiry date of the visa.
- Visa application form with colour photo
- Each child endorsed in a passport and traveling too needs a separate application form with photo and birth certificate
- A travel health insurance covering at least £20,000 and valid for all member states of Schengen (the NHS European Insurance card, available from the Post offices, was sufficient for Marika's Visas; normal travel insurance, also available at the post office, should also be fine)
Visitors visa (family / friends)
- A formal invitation (Verpflichtungserklärung) from your host in Germany. A German citizen has to complete this form.
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
Tourist visa
- Confirmed hotel booking
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
- Proof of travelhealth insurance
- Evidence of occupation/student status; proof of your current occupation in the U.K. (an original letter from your employer, solicitor, Company House or Chamber of Commerce or a recent original letter from your school/university for students)
Business visa
- A formal invitation by fax from your business partner in Germany stating the kind of business, duration of the business trip(s) and a confirmation of guarantee for the cost of your stay.
- A letter from your employer, stating how long you are employed with the company, the kind of business and duration of the business trip(s) and a guarantee for the costs including the travelhealth insurance (see above).
As you can see it is quite hard work obtaining a Schengen Visa. It is also costly if you consider the visa fees, the travel to the embassy and the time you need to take off work. Therefore it is very important to bring all required documentation and to book an appointment.
Prepare your trip in advance. The visa can take up to 8 weeks!!
Please click here to visit the visa section of embassies in London:
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