A visa for visiting Europe is often referred to as Schengen visa. Schengen refers to EU-zone where you can freely travel around in. The Schengen zone covers most of the European countries. A European Schengen visa allows foreigners to stay up to 90 days in any 180 days period for business or tourism purposes within the Schengen area. Some nationalities are exempt from that requirement.

Long term visas exceeding the time period above are subject to national procedures and are different for each European country.

Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is a zone including 26 European countries. Ireland, United Kingdom, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria are non-Schengen EU states. You can’t travel to these countries with a Schengen visa. Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are non-EU but Schengen states which means you can travel to these countries with a valid European Schengen visa.

The Schengen Visa covers the following countries:

I know it’s confusing to learn which countries are EU but not Schengen and vice versa. Even me for as European it is confusing sometimes. Once you are in Europe you can travel around between countries. You can cross internal borders within Europe and there are no border checks.

Visa required or not

Some nationalities must apply for a visa when crossing the external borders. There is a list of nationalities who are exempt. Check the list Who must apply for a Schengen visa. This list is from the European Commission. This article is to advise you. Please make sure to check the latest information, regulations and requirements before applying for a Schengen Visa. You can find the information you need at the website of the European Commission, department of Migration and Home Affairs.

Get your visa hassle-free via iVisa

Do you have issues with your credit card not being accepted, a government website that isn’t working or do you have problems submitting your application online? iVisa is a third party helping out with your visa application. The price of the fee is usually around 35 US dollars but can vary depending on destination, type of visa and requirements.

How does it work?

1. Use this link to visit the iVisa website. This is an affiliate link to iVisa which means we make a small commission if you click this link. You don’t pay anything extra. We recommend using iVisa if you don’t want the extra hassle when applying for a visa.

2. Tell them your nationality and where you are going to.

3. Fill out the application which is usually the same information you need to provide at the official government websites.

4. You have several options in processing time; standard processing is 5 business days, rush processing is 3 business and super rush processing is 2 business day.

5. Once you have finished your application check if your details are correct. Or double check if you are a control freak like I am. When everything is correct you can proceed and pay. They ask you to create an account if you like.

6. The last thing you need to do is upload a copy of your passport and passport photo with a white background. If you have uploaded the images you are finished and need to ‘Save and Complete request’.

If you completed the process you will receive a confirmation email from iVisa. As soon as they received your visa they send it you via email. You can save the email or print the visa and bring it to the airport. Contact the customer service of iVisa if you have any issues. They are available 24/7.

Get your passport photo online via iVisa

Do you need an approved passport photo? At iVisa they have a photo service. You only pay 1 dollar per photo. Their team will check your photo to make sure it meets the government requirements. Use this link to get your passport photo online. This is an affiliate link to iVisa which means we make a small commission if you click this link. You don’t pay anything extra.

In The World’s Jungle – Practical travel info

Planning a long term trip or holiday can be a challenging task. How do you start and where do you get the information that is most relevant for you? Check the articles below. Start with the Ultimate Guide for planning a long term journey. Even when you are planning a two week holiday it is a helpful guide with tips and how to start. The second step is to create a travel budget. The third step is to make a packing list and trying not to overpack. Check out which travel apps I use. 

In The World’s Jungle – Personal Travel Guide

Do you need help setting up an itinerary or are you looking for unique places to stay? I can help you planning your holiday or business trip. Read the services page to know more or send me a message via the contact form. Let me know what your interests are and your expectations. I’m looking forward to assist you.