While Europe is a prime destination for travelers, the norms and rules for touring its member countries have changed in the last few years. Apart from your passport, you may need specific types of permits and visas to visit certain parts of Europe. Based on your travel plans, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa.

The Schengen Area denotes a large part of Europe, which comprises of 26 participating countries and these countries have discarded their internal borders. This leads to unrestricted, free movement of people while adhering to a common judicial system. The Schengen Area actually covers a majority of the EU countries that you can visit on Europe tour packages, barring Ireland and UK. While the countries like Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland are not included in the EU, they are covered by the Schengen Area. The latter 4 are part of the European Free Trade Association.

If you have not been traveled to the parts of Europe belonging to the Schengen Area, it is better you get your facts clear. There are travel agencies that can help you get details on the Schengen country and special visa when you buy their amazing Europe tour packages.

What a Schengen Visa enables you to do- You can travel to the 26 Schengen countries once you get the Schengen visa. It is an authorization through which you can stay in the Schengen states for 90 days at a stretch within a 6-month window. You can use international transit areas in airports of those countries.

What are the types of Schengen visa-There are 3 types of Schengen visas travelers can apply for.

– Limited Territorial Validity Visas

– Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)

– National Visas

Who can apply for Schengen travel visa-This visa is issued to those who want to travel to the Schengen countries for leisure, education, business or meeting relatives. This visa is meant for Non-European citizens under “tourist” specification.

What are the required documents- When applying for the Tourist Schengen Visa you will need the below listed documents:

– Visa application form- Duly completed with correct information, and printed and signed

– 2 new photos

– A valid passport which is not older than 10 years

– Round trip reservation for travel

– Travel health insurance (worth minimum €30,000)

– Evidence of accommodation in the 90 day stay

– Accommodation proof (hotel booking or a rent agreement)

– Letter of tour organizer (in case you book through a tour agency)

– Proof of financial means showing, you can support yourself for the 90 day period in Schengen nations.

– Proof of employment status.

– Proof of enrollment in university for students

– Travel Itinerary

Where should you submit the Schengen tourist Visa Application- You can submit the Tourist Schengen Visa application at visa center/ embassy / consulate of the destination in the Schengen Area.

When can you Apply for the Tourist Schengen Visa- It is better you submit an application for Tourist Schengen Visa 15 days before the journey to chosen Schengen Area. However, you can apply before 3 months of the trip. The Embassy Consulate typically responds within 10 working days. However, it can vary at times.

What about validity of Tourist Schengen Visa-The Tourist Schengen Visa remains valid for 90 days. There is option for multiple entry in Visa application form if you plan to stay in several countries in the Schengen zone.

Is extension of Tourist Schengen Visa allowed? – Under specific situations, an extension of the Tourist Schengen Visa is allowed-like Important Personal Reasons, Force Majeure, Humanitarian Reasons, Late Entry. However, the chance of such visa extension is on the lower side. Incidentally, the 19 countries that are not in the Schengen Area nor belong to the EU allow valid Schengen Visa holders entry into their territories.

Do I need anything else for 1st time travel? – The answer is yes! Those traveling to the Schengen nations for the very first time need these documents:

– Appointment letter

– Income tax returns-3 previous years

– Company proof

Anything else to remember? Once you submit the application for Schengen Visa, the next step is preparing for the interview. The interview may or may not be brief. The applicants should have ready the required documents at this juncture. It is also necessary to be well dressed and look confident. Sometimes, the interviewers may ask questions outside the information given in the visa application.

So, what are you waiting for? Armed with these tips you can now look out for the right Amazing Europe tour packages for you and your family. There is so much to do and see in Europe that you will love every minute of your vacation spend in the beautiful continent.