Schengen Visa

As of March 25th 1995 a new type of visa -the Schengen visa- was introduced by the following European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy and Austria.  On March 25, 2001 Sweden, Denmark,  Norway,  Finland and Iceland became members of the Schengen States.

As of February 2008 the updated list of member countries of the Schengen States include, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,  Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

A Schengen visa issued by a Consulate of the above countries allows the holder to travel freely in all of these countries.

There is no legal right to a visa

The Counselor Administration has full authority to evaluate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant. The latter is hereby informed that submitting the aforementioned documents does not guarantee automatic issuance of the visa.

A latter change to the purpose or the date of the visits is not admissible.

Which country to apply to?

If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, apply to the Consulate of that country.

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, apply to the Consulate of the country which you are staying the longest, your main destination.

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries and you plan to spend equal time in each country (no main destination) apply to the Consulate of the country which is your first point of entry.

If you do not need a visa for the Schengen country which is your main destination or your first point of entry, please note you may require a visa for other Schengen countries. Apply at the Consulate of the first Schengen country which does require you to have a visa.

Application should be made at the Consulate in the jurisdiction you reside.

Transiting the Schengen States:

Those who are allowed to transit without a visa can only transit through one Schengen country on their way to third non Schengen Country.   Be aware while transiting France with a final destination of Geneva Switzerland check with your airline carrier to see if you will be arriving on the French side or the Swiss side.   If you are arriving on the French side you will need a visa.