Traveling to Europe is an exciting adventure and is often a rite of passage for many. You can explore the countless European cities on offer, from the historical Rome to the chic shopping streets of Paris (oh là là), to the picturesque canals of Venice: you are never spoilt for choice. However, actually understanding the unique visa requirements can be challenging. With the Schengen Area covering 29 European countries, you might assume that one visa covers the entirety of the area; this is not the case, however. It is therefore very important to know exactly which visa type applies to your trip. The right visa means that you can enjoy your European adventure without any unnecessary issues or legal consequences. Whether you're traveling for a short holiday or a long-term stay, selecting the correct Schengen visa type is crucial to ensure you have a smooth, hassle-free journey.
The type of Schengen visa you need will depend entirely upon the purpose and duration of your trip. Each visa category has its own criteria and validity, but one thing remains the same: travel insurance is mandatory for most Schengen visa applications. Fortunately for you, Gigasure offers reliable Schengen Travel Insurance that meets all visa requirements, ensuring your peace of mind from start to finish. Through our Gigasure Schengen Area cover, you will be issued a Certificate of Insurance which will include confirmation that your Travel Insurance meets the requirements for travel within all 29 Schengen countries. You’re welcome.
In this post, we will go over exactly what the Schengen visa is, the various types of Schengen visas available, and which one is right for your travel needs. We will also explain what you need when applying for a visa.
What is the Schengen Area?
Named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg, The Schengen Area began in 1985 with an agreement between five countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It was established with the goal of facilitating travel by abolishing border controls and promoting cooperation amongst its’ members. Since then, it has grown to a whopping 29 and constitutes all the members of the EU.
This means that once you're granted entry into one Schengen country, you can travel to others without additional border checks. Essentially, it should make it relatively easy, simple, and straightforward to travel between any of these countries once you have the appropriate visa. Convenient, right?
The countries that are currently covered under this agreement are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lichenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
As you can see, a lot of popular European tourist hotspots are in the Schengen area so if you are planning to explore Europe, it is almost essential that you understand the Schengen visa requirements.
If you're a non-EU or non-EEA national, you will likely need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. The Schengen visa requirements vary based on the purpose of your visit, whether it's for tourism, business, or other reasons.
If you live in the UK, it can be particularly challenging to know whether you require a visa for your travels to the Schengen Area, especially post-Brexit. The answer will ultimately depend on the country that issued your passport:
UK Nationals: If you are a UK passport holder living in the UK, you will usually require a visa if you will be spending more than 90 days in a 180 period (‘the 90/180 rule’) in the Schengen Area, or if you will be travelling there for a work-related reason. You can find detailed and up-to-date information about travelling to the Schengen Area on the UK Government’s website.
Non-UK Nationals: The UK is home to over 6 million non-UK passport holders from all over the world. If you're a UK resident with a foreign passport, please visit the travel advice section of your passport-issuing country's website to find out if you need a visa. For passport holders of many countries like India, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa and China, a visa is usually required to spend any time in the Schengen Area.
The 3 Main Schengen Visa Types
When planning your travel to the Schengen Area, it's essential to know which type of visa applies to your specific situation. There are three main Schengen visa types: Type A, Type C, and Type D. Each one serves a different purpose, depending on the duration of your stay and the reason for your visit. Here’s a quick overview of each type to help you determine which one suits your travel needs.
Type A: Airport Transit Visa
This visa is a short-stay visa designed specifically for airport transit. It’s required when you need to pass through a Schengen country’s airport but do not plan to leave the international transit area. This type of visa is typically needed by nationals of certain countries, including Afghanistan and Nigeria, who need to transfer between flights in a Schengen country.
Since the Type A visa only applies to airport transit, you cannot use it to enter the country. It’s important to check if your nationality requires this visa before booking connecting flights through a Schengen airport.
Type C: Short-Stay Visa
This visa is the most popular Schengen visa type. This one is best suited for holidays, short-term business trips, family visits, and conferences so it should cover the needs of the average traveller. If you’re looking to spend five days exploring the ruins of Athens, for example, this is the visa for you.
This visa type can be issued as Single-entry, Double-entry, and Multiple-entry (best for Euro-trips and regular flyers).
Type D: National Visa (Long-Stay)
This Schengen visa type is ideal for those wishing to stay in a country for more than 90 days and is typically valid for up to a year. You may also see this visa referred to as the ‘national visa’ because it can only be issued by a specific country. It is required for the following:
- University or study abroad programmes
- Employment contracts
- Family reunification or long-term relocation
Although this visa is meant for long stays in a specific Schengen country, many Type D visa holders are allowed to travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The following reasons are considered valid:
- Your Type D visa or residence permit is still valid.
- You entered the Schengen Area legally via the country that issued the visa.
- You’re only visiting other Schengen countries short-term (think tourism).
- You're not working or studying in those other countries.
Tip: Check the visa sticker or accompanying documents; they will state if the visa allows movement across Schengen countries.
Other Schengen Visa Types
Alongside the above Schengen visa types, there also exists the Limited Territorial Validity Visa. This visa restricts travel to certain Schengen countries or places, rather than the entire area. Reasons for someone being issued with this particular type of visa include:
- Humanitarian reasons, such as a humanitarian worker spending a shot amount of time in a place to help or provide aid of some sort.
- A person needing medical treatment may be granted this visa long enough to receive the necessary treatment. For example, an American citizen receiving a particular surgery in France.
- Asylum seekers
Documents You Will Need
To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to have the following:
- Passport: Your passport must have been issued in the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3+ months prior to your planned trip.
- Visa application form
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of financial means
- Travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 medical cover
You must apply for your visa 6 months before you travel prior at the earliest or 2 weeks before you wish to travel, at the latest.
Note: At Gigasure, all our policies meet the Schengen travel insurance requirements. You can choose between Core, Pro, or Max. Once approved, you will receive a certificate immediately within our Gigasure app.
Why choose Gigasure?
If you’re a UK resident and need travel insurance that supports both your journey and your visa application (and has a cool name to boot), Gigasure offers a seamless and efficient process. We are proud to offer:
- Travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 medical cover
- Tailored Annual Multi-Trip Policy Options:
With our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance, you can choose from three plans, each customisable to suit your needs by adding or removing specific benefits.
- Travelling spontaneously? With the Gigasure app’s Boost feature, you can quickly add activities like winter sports cover on-the-go, or enhance medical benefits as needed, ensuring you’re never underinsured for last-minute plans. No need to wait on the phone for an hour, we know you don’t have time for that.
- 24/7 Worldwide Assistance and Medical Cover
Gigasure’s medical protection includes emergency treatment and repatriation, far exceeding the minimum Schengen visa requirements. If you need help abroad, Gigasure Assist is there to help you.
As you now know, there is a lot to know about the various Schengen visa types and visa requirements, and it is imperative that you apply for the right visa. Whether you're travelling to the Schengen area to eat pizza in Sicily or to soak up with the sizzling Spanish sun (we recommend Seville or Mallorca, personally), or for non-touristic reasons, there is little doubt your trip will be memorable. Remember to always check that your visa allows you to do whatever you need, so that you do not get into any unnecessary trouble and be sure to check that your insurance covers you for what you need.
Your Frequent Questions Answered
Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Yes, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for a Schengen visa. It must provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage and be valid in all Schengen countries.
What if my visa is denied?
If your visa is denied, you can usually appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation. Make sure to check the reason for refusal and follow the specific appeal process.
Can I visit multiple countries on one visa?
Yes, a Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within all 29 Schengen countries. Just make sure your main destination or longest stay is in the country where you applied for the visa.
How do I get proof of insurance?
After purchasing travel insurance, your provider will send you a certificate of insurance via email or download. This document can be submitted with your visa application as proof of coverage. If you use Gigasure, you will instantly receive a certificate via our app as well as email.
