Technically the Schengen Visa allows you to enter via any Schengen country. Officially you are supposed to request a Schengen visa via either the country you intend to first enter the Schengen zone
Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement.
Is the Schengen visa valid for all countries?
Yes. According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area. Please note, however, that you always have to apply at the consulate of the country which is your primary destination (see FAQ no 5). Should my first trip be to the country issued by Schengen visa?
How to apply for a Schengen visa?
Although you have to apply at the consulate or embassy of the country where you are traveling to, if you are planning to spend an equal amount of time in Schengen States, for example, on cruises or bus tours, you should apply at the embassy of the country which is your first port of entry. Schengen Visas can be single or multiple entry.
What is the difference between multiple entry visa and Schengen visa?
Once you leave the Schengen Area you entered the visa validity expires, even if the time period allowed to stay in the Schengen Area is not over yet, while Multiple-entry visa allows its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as pleased.
Can I enter Switzerland on a Shengan visa issued by France?
You can certainly enter any country which is member of European Union after getting Schengen Visa. However you have to get the Shenfan visa from the country where you are supposed to spend maximum time. After that you can visit many countries of Europe. You can certainly visit Switzerland on a Shengan visa issued by French Embassy.
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Can I enter Germany with French Schengen Visa?
Can I travel to Germany with it? Yes, holders of a Schengen visa can stay for up to 90 days per period of 180 days in the entire Schengen area (see question 2) and thus also in Germany, provided this is covered by the permitted period of use of the visa.
Can I enter Switzerland with Italian Schengen Visa?
Switzerland belongs to the Schengen Area*. If you have a visa issued by a Schengen member state, you generally do not require an additional tourist visa to enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country. Your stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
How many countries can I visit with Schengen visa?
26 countriesA Schengen visa is a short stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area. The Schengen area covers 26 countries ("Schengen States") without border controls between them.
Which Schengen visa is longest?
Short stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.
Do I need a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland?
To travel to Switzerland for a short trip lasting fewer than 90 days, you will need a Switzerland Schengen Visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls.
Is Switzerland part of Schengen visa?
Switzerland has been a member of the Schengen Area since 12 December 2008. Applicable to all Schengen member states, the Schengen Association Agreement stipulates that short stays may not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
How can I travel from Italy to Switzerland?
Day trains between Italy and SwitzerlandMilan-Zurich takes 3h15 (direct train).Genoa-Zurich takes about 5h15 (direct train).Bologna-Zurich takes about 6h00 (direct train) or 4h50 (with a change in Milano).Venice-Zurich is about 6h15 (with a few changes).Rome-Zurich takes about 7h10 (with a change in Milano).
Is there a border crossing between Italy and Switzerland?
Being an exclave of Italy, it is not possible to reach the territory without crossing either Swiss territory or waters. On 1 January 2020, Campione and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano became part of the European Customs Union and a customs border crossing and check points were established.
What happens when I enter Europe on a Schengen Visa?
If you are traveling to Europe on a Schengen Visa, when you enter a country in the Schengen Area covered by your visa, your documents will be checked to see if they are in order. This is your first port of entry.
Where to apply for Schengen visa?
Although you have to apply at the consulate or embassy of the country where you are traveling to, if you are planning to spend an equal amount of time in Schengen States, for example, on cruises or bus tours, you should apply at the embassy of the country which is your first port of entry.
What information do I need to provide about my first port of entry when applying for my Schengen Visa?
When applying for a Schengen Visa, you will need to provide a full itinerary of your trip - including where you plan to enter the Schengen Area (your first port of entry ), and flight bookings proving this.
What is the first port of entry for Schengen?
Your first port of entry when making your application will be the place where you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. On each return trip, your first port of entry will be where you return to the Schengen Area.
How long does a single entry visa last?
These can last for a short period of 90 or 180 days, or one, three or five years.
Do you need a visa to enter the Schengen area?
Your first port of entry does not need to be the country which issued you with a Schengen Visa - as you must apply to the country where you are planning to spend the majority of your stay in the Schengen Area. When deciding which country to apply for a visa, this is determined by which country you're planning to spend the most time, according to your filed itinerary. Once the visa is issued, it does not matter what country is your point of entry.
What are the different types of Schengen visas?
Schengen Visa Types. There are, broadly, two main types of Schengen visas: Airport Transit (Type A) and Short Stay (Type C). (Type A) Airport Transit visas are used exclusively by those who need to pass through airports located in the Schengen area. Short Stay visas (Type C) allow you to enter and remain in the Schengen area for up to 90 days.
How many types of Schengen visas are there?
There are three Schengen visa entry types: Single Entry Schengen visa. Allows you just one entry to the Schengen area. Once you enter the Schengen area on a single-entry visa, you cannot leave the area again unless you want your visa to be invalidated and you are ok with not being able to return.
What is a Multiple Entry Visa?
The quick answer to the question “what is a multiple entry visa,” is that it’s a type of Schengen visa that allows you to enter the Schengen area as many times as you want during your visa validity period. However, in order to really understand what “is multiple entry Schengen visa,” it’s important to first understand the various categories and types of Schengen visas in general.
How long is a Schengen visa valid?
90 days within a 180-day period. Remember that all Short Term (type C) visas are valid for access to the Schengen for the same duration (90 days).
What are the two main categories of Schengen visas?
There are two main categories of Schengen visas: Uniform Schengen Visas (USVs) and Limited Territorial Visas (LTVs).
How many times can you travel in and out of the Schengen area?
You will need a multiple entry Schengen visa if you plan on travelling in and out of the Schengen area more than two times throughout your visa validity period.
How long can you stay in Schengen?
Short Stay visas (Type C) allow you to enter and remain in the Schengen area for up to 90 days.
Where do I apply for the Schengen visa?
In cases where the applicant will be traveling to one and only one Schengen country, the applicant has to apply at the appropriate embassy/consulate of the designated country.
What type of a Schengen visa do I need?
Depending on the purpose/nature of your travel there are three major types of Schengen visa issued by the designated Embassy/Consulate.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa obtained by any of the Schengen Area member countries allows free movement to its holder within the whole Schengen Zone, up to its validity and timeframe.
When issued a visa, for how long can I reside in the Schengen Zone?
However, the most common type of visa issued to the travelers can reach the maximum of 90 days in every six month period starting from the date of entry .
What is the difference between a single-entry and a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
Single-entry visa allows its holder to enter a Schengen Area only once for the certain period of time. Once you leave the Schengen Area you entered the visa validity expires, even if the time period allowed to stay in the Schengen Area is not over yet, while Multiple-entry visa allows its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as pleased.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Schengen Countries?
In the article Cheap Flights to Schengen Countries we will show you some key tips that will most likely save you time, frustration and most importantly money when booking your next flight to Europe.
What steps do I follow when pursuing a Schengen visa?
Every person the wishes to apply for a visa in order to visit a Schengen member country is obliged to apply in person, gather all the mandatory documents and first and foremost accordingly to the rules and regulations, make an appointment in advance. The person that will be applying for a visa has to make sure he/she holds a valid passport apropos a passport that has been issued no longer than ten years ago and has a period of six months until its expiration date.
