What is the Schengen Agreement and how does it affect travel to Europe?

The historical context of the Schengen Agreement

The agreement regarding the simplification of border crossing and the abolition of passport control was formally signed on June 14, 1985, by representatives of five European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and Germany. This important agreement came into effect on March 26, 1995. The document was named“Schengen”, named after the small town of Schengen in Luxembourg, located at the crossroads of the borders of Luxembourg, Germany, and France.

Changes to the agreement

On March 15, 2006, it was adopted.Schengen Codewhich made changes to the original convention. The latest clarifications to this agreement were made on December 21, 2007, when border control was abolished in nine new countries that joined the Schengen Area: Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Control at air borders was eliminated on March 30, 2008.

Current situation and composition of the Schengen Area

As of today, this agreement has been signed by 30 European countries. However, the actual regime of free movement is in effect in 24 countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Hungary
• Greece
• Denmark
• Germany
• Iceland
• Spain
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Malta
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Finland
• France
• Czech Republic
• Sweden
• Estonia

These countries form what is known as the Schengen Area, which significantly facilitates travel between their territories.

Countries that are not part of the Schengen Area

There are five countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement but are not part of the Schengen Area due to passport control or plans to abolish it. These countries include:

• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Romania

These countries are striving for full accession to the Schengen Area.

Switzerland and small states

Switzerland became part of the Schengen Area on December 12, 2008, becoming the 25th country to join this agreement. Interestingly, Switzerland was the third country outside the European Union, after Norway and Iceland, to sign a similar treaty.

The situation with small European states

In addition, there are five small European states that have not signed the Schengen Agreement:

• Andorra
• Vatican
• Liechtenstein
• Monaco
• San Marino

Although they have canceled border control with neighboring countries, the situation with Andorra remains partial, as control from France and Spain is not completely lifted. It is also worth noting that foreigners, including Russian citizens, cannot legally enter Andorra if they crossed the borders of France or Spain on a single Schengen visa. This creates certain obstacles for tourists looking to visit this compact yet attractive state.

Entry into small states

It's not difficult to visit small states like San Marino and Monaco: the authorities of these countries do not require visas for holders of Schengen visas. The Vatican is also considering participating in this agreement, and for now, it can be freely visited with a Schengen visa.

Liechtenstein, which actively collaborates with Switzerland, already a member of the Schengen Area, has not yet become a member of this agreement. It is planned to participate in it starting from November 1, 2009.

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Results of the Schengen Agreement

The results of the Schengen Agreement's implementation and its exceptions indicate that among the countries in this union, with the exception of Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, all others are EU members. Denmark has its own peculiarities within Europe, which allows it not to be fully involved in the Schengen Agreement.

Future prospects

In the future, it is expected that countries such as Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, which are currently part of the European Union, will join the Schengen Agreement, although the exact timeline for this process remains uncertain. It is also important to pay attention to issues related to the change of status from residence permit to citizenship, as well as the possibility of living and working in EU states.

The process of obtaining a Schengen visa

If you plan to visit one or more countries in the Schengen Area, you need to obtain a Schengen visa. There are several categories of visas, but the most common is category C, which can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

• Schengen visaYou can set up at the consulate or the consular section of the embassy of the country you plan to visit first.
• If your trip covers several countries and you're not sure which one is a priority, you should apply for a visa at the consulate of the country whose border you will cross first.

Example of obtaining a visa

For example, if your trip starts in Belgium but includes a transit through Germany, you need to obtain a visa specifically for Belgium. According to the Schengen Agreement, you are allowed to transit for a maximum of three days. If you decide to stay for a few days in Germany and then head to Belgium, you should contact the German consulate with the necessary documents for both destinations.

It's important to remember

It's important to note: if your journey is from Germany to Belgium by train or in a personal car, your presence in Germany will go unnoticed unless you choose to report it yourself. There will be no stamps in your passport indicating your stay.

Despite the fact that the Schengen Area is a single territory, the consular services of different countries may apply various approaches and rules, which should be taken into account when planning your trip.

Diversity of requirements for obtaining visas

In different countries, the requirements for obtaining a visa can vary significantly. In some states, there are strict conditions, while in others, the rules are more relaxed. It is also important to consider the influence of the human factor.

Simplified procedure for border residents

For example, citizens living in regions bordering Schengen Agreement countries have a simplified visa application process. The Finnish consulate in St. Petersburg allows residents of the Northwest to submit visa applications without the need for an official invitation or hotel booking confirmation. This creates an opportunity to avoid contacting travel agencies, as all processes can be handled independently.

However, recently the Finnish consulate in St. Petersburg has started to scrutinize the documents provided by Russians more closely. Previously, there was no verification of the accuracy of employment information, but now this practice has been implemented.

Agreement between the EU and Russia

According to the agreement signed between the European Union and Russia, which has been in effect since June 1, 2007, all embassies and consulates of Schengen countries in Russia offer an express visa processing service. An express visa can be issued in just three working days, but it costs twice as much as the standard one. It is important to pay attention to the changes made to the visa legislation in 2015.

Cost of visas and their features

As for prices, Russia falls into the category of countries with simplified conditions. The consular fee for processing both single-entry and multiple-entry Schengen visas is35 eurosregardless of which country issues the visa. However, a visa issued for long-term stay, such as for immigration, work, or study, will cost90 euros.

Contacting travel agencies

If your financial resources allow it, but you lack the time or desire to stress over waiting in a long line and risk making mistakes in the paperwork, you can seek help from a travel agency to obtain a Schengen visa. Despite the fact that the visa fee is fixed —35 eurosIn travel agencies, the price can vary significantly depending on the destination country.

• The minimum price for a single-entry visa can be3500 rubles.
• The cost of a multiple-entry visa can reach several tens of thousands of rubles.

General requirements for a Schengen visa

To apply for a Schengen visa valid for up to 90 days, there are general requirements. The applicant must provide:

• A foreign passport that must be valid for at least three months after the planned end of the trip.
• Documents confirming the purpose and nature of the intended trip, for example:
• Business invitations
• Invitations from private individuals
• Tourist vouchers
• Hotel and hostel booking confirmations

When applying for a Schengen visa, you are not required to provide the original hotel reservation; a copy will suffice. Notably, the hotels where you plan to stay can be located not only in the country where you are applying for the visa. The Schengen visa allows you to travel to various countries, and you can spend some time in other states that are part of the Schengen area. The main requirement is that most of your overnight stays need to be paid for in the country where you are obtaining the visa. For example, if your itinerary includes several countries, it is advisable to make your first stop in the Schengen country for which you received the visa.

It is also important to remember that you need to have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay. Experts recommend allocating approximately100 US dollarsfor a day. Additionally, you need to have funds for your return to your country or to a third country where you are allowed to enter.

Multivisa and its advantages

A multiple-entry visa, which allows for repeated entry into the countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement, opens doors for its holders to stay in one or more member countries for two periods — from 30 to 90 days within a six-month period. It is important to consider nuances such as the "first entry" principle and the definition of "country of main residence." There are many reasons to obtain a multiple-entry visa, including business trips, study trips, employment, or owning property in Schengen countries.

Preparation for submitting an application

Before applying for a multiple-entry visa, it's important to carefully assess the necessity of such a visa. First and foremost, you should understand that to successfully obtain it, you need to spend more time in the country that issued the document. Additionally, it's attractive and important to realize that inactive use of a multiple-entry visa can lead to a refusal in subsequent applications. For example, if you applied for a visa for business trips to the Netherlands but actually only used it for vacationing in Spain, during your next interview, you may face questions about this.insufficient grounds for obtaining a visaRegular trips to the country that issued the visa can help improve your application.

Opportunities for property owners

Owners of real estate in Schengen countries can also obtain a multiple-entry visa. For example, when purchasing a residential property, whether it's a house or an apartment, you and your loved ones can expect to receive a multiple-entry visa that allows you to use your property as a vacation spot. In some cases, such as buying real estate in Spain, it is possible to obtain additional privileges, including a visa for a certain period.up to one year.

Medical insurance

In addition, everyone who plans to apply for a Schengen visa must definitely arrangemedical insurancethat can be obtained from most major insurance companies. To avoid unexpected issues, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the insurance requirements on the official websites of the consulate of the country you are interested in. For example, the Finnish consulate requires that insurance be obtained only through accredited companies, the information about which is updated almostevery yearA more convenient way is to obtain the policy directly at the consulate, as there may be insurance companies there that have the appropriate accreditations.

Insurance for trip participants

It is also important to remember that the insurance should cover all participants of the trip, including children, for the duration you plan to specify in your visa application (whether it is 8, 10, 30, 60, 90 days, etc.). The minimum amount of insurance coverage should beat least 30 thousand eurosThese measures enhance safety while staying in Schengen countries, minimizing risks associated with unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Schengen visa is a serious step, and it's important to carefully study all the details and nuances to ensure a successful trip and a pleasant vacation in Europe.

Insurance for a Schengen visa

An important point to remember is the requirement for the insurance policy to be valid in all Schengen Agreement countries. The insurance company will gather all the necessary information from you, issue the policy, and offer assistance in filling out the application if you encounter any difficulties.

There is a chance that some agents reserve spots in line at the consulate in advance for submitting documents, which can significantly ease the visa application process, especially if a large number of applicants is expected.

The cost of health insurance

As for the cost of health insurance, it can vary depending on the type of visa.

• Single-entry visa:The price is approximately $0.40 per day;
• Multivisa for 30 days:10 dollars;
• Multivisa for 45 days:14 dollars;
• Multivisa for 60 days:19 dollars;
• Multivisa for 90 days:24 dollars;
• Multivisa for 180 days:38 dollars at the Central Bank exchange rate.

Categories of citizens who are denied a visa

A Schengen visa cannot be issued to certain categories of individuals. In particular, visas are denied to those who are banned from entering Schengen Area countries for various reasons, as well as to those who may pose a threat to public order or the security of the member states.

It should also be mentioned that a visa will not be issued during a violation of the visa regime if the quarantine period for previous violations has not yet expired.

Entry denial

It is important to understand that having a visa does not automatically guarantee entry into a country. Border or customs authorities of other states have the right to deny entry for formal reasons.

For example, such a situation may arise if you are trying to enter a country for which the visa is in your passport. The Schengen Zone rules allow for transit within five days.

Border control

Furthermore, in accordance with the Schengen Agreement, each country has the right to temporarily introduce border control even on internal flights.

At Helsinki Airport, there have been repeated checks on flights within the Schengen Zone to identify Russian citizens flying to other countries on Finnish visas.

For example, those who are using a multiple-entry visa for the first time or have a single-entry visa may be detained and sent back to the border on specially prepared buses. A similar situation may occur at Tampere International Airport, as well as when boarding ferries in Helsinki and Turku.

Those who, according to customs officials, have not committed any violations are stamped with a border crossing mark. Documents such as hotel reservations and flight tickets often serve as evidence of their innocence or guilt.

Time restrictions on crossing the border

Time restrictions on crossing borders may occur in countries hosting significant events, such as political summits or sporting events, including the Olympic Games and World Cup championships.

This should also be taken into account when planning trips to the Schengen area.

Punishment for violating the visa regime

The most common type of punishment for violating visa regulations is a temporary ban on entry into the Schengen Area. The duration of such a ban is usually determined on a case-by-case basis. Although there is an option to appeal a visa denial, it is not always possible to expect a positive outcome — consulates can take a long time to review appeals, sometimes even for months. In such situations, the best solution is to address the reasons for the denial and reapply for a visa after three months.

Examples of successful attempts

There have been cases where people, facing rejections, persistently continued to submit their visa applications multiple times, ultimately achieving a positive result. There are some nuances that are of great importance.

• If you are planning to travel around Europe and have decided to stay in Portugal, holding a Portuguese visa and planning to spend more time there, then this decision will be completely legal.
• However, the stamp in your passport will only be made by the Schengen country you entered first.
• To further confirm your presence in Portugal when reapplying for a visa, it is advisable to keep all possible evidence, such as receipts, hotel invoices, photos, or other confirmations.

Change in control conditions

Earlier, when Schengen visas were just starting to be actively issued, the control over compliance with the first entry rules was less strict. Tourists could obtain a visa, for example, from Finland and then freely move around other Schengen countries. However, in recent years, the situation has changed, and significant difficulties may arise at the border. The likelihood of encountering problems during subsequent visa applications has significantly increased.

Types of Schengen visas

Now let's take a look at the different types of Schengen visas.

• Category A:An airport transit visa is intended for those who are transiting through the airport of one of the Schengen countries. It is valid only within the airport's transit zone, not allowing exit beyond its limits.
• Category B:Transit visas allow their holders to cross the territory of one of the Schengen Area countries one or more times, if necessary for travel to third countries. The duration of the transit stay must not exceed five days.
• Category C:Tourist visas, which can be either single-entry or multiple-entry. These visas grant the right to one or several entries, but the total duration of stay must not exceed three months within a six-month period, starting from the first entry.
• Category D:includes non-Schengen visas, with unique rules and conditions that differ from standard Schengen visas.

Conclusion

Familiarizing yourself with these rules and visa categories is important to avoid undesirable situations and to carefully plan your trips.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement, signed by five European countries in 1985, has become a true symbol of European unity and the simplification of travel within the continent. Since its implementation in 1995, the Schengen Area has significantly expanded and now includes 24 countries, greatly facilitating the movement of citizens and visitors in Europe. This agreement not only promotes a visa-free regime among the member states but also serves as a striking example of successful cooperation on the international stage.

Despite the fact that some countries still maintain border control or plan to join the Schengen Agreement in the future, the Schengen Area has already become a benchmark for other regions seeking integration and simplification of visa procedures. I am confident that with the further development of European integration, opportunities for travelers will only expand, and countries outside the Schengen Area can learn from this successful experience.

Schengen visa

The Schengen visa has become an important document for those wishing to explore the rich culture and diversity of Europe. I hope that in the future it will be even easier for citizens seeking to visit Schengen countries to obtain the necessary visa, and that the trips themselves will become not only more affordable but also more comfortable. The collaboration of European countries in this direction is the key to their prosperity and harmonious coexistence, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the region's tourist appeal.