Travel: List of Schengen countries in Europe and Travel Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I enter the Schengen area in country A, while the visa was
issued by Schengen country B?

• As a general rule you may cross any Schengen border with visa issued by any Schengen country. For example: Entering Schengen area via France using a tourist visa issued by Italy.
• However, the short-stay visa does not automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area. At border (or during other controls) you may have to show the visa but also provide additional documentation, for example information on that you have sufficient means to cover the stay and the return trip.
• It is therefore very important that you carry with you copies of the documents which you presented when applying for the visa (e.g. letters of invitation, travel confirmations, travel itinerary, other documents stating the purpose of your stay). 
• Personally, I would recommended entering via the country which issued the tourist visa and avoid any unnecessary complications.

Q2: My visa has been issued by, for example, the French Embassy. Can I use this visa for travelling to other Schengen States?

• 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  embassy/consulate of the country which is your primary destination.
• The territorial validity of your visa is indicated on the visa sticker under the heading “Valid For”. 

Q3: How long before the start of the intended visit should I apply for a visa?

• Applications can be submitted no more than three months before the start of the intended trip and and at least 15 calendar days before the travel date.
• However it is also recommended that you submit the visa application taking into account national holidays of the Schengen State of destination and in the country where you apply for the visa.
• Holders of a multiple-entry visa (valid for a period of at least six months) may submit the application for a new visa before the expiry of that visa.

Q4: How long can I stay in the Schengen area on the basis of my visa?

• The Schengen visa is a short stay visa and takes the form of a sticker, usually pasted on the passport.
• The definition of “short stay” is a stay of “90 days in any 180 days period”. This means that the total duration of stay is of maximum 90 days, in any
  period of 180 days. The precise length of validity of your visa is indicated on the visa sticker under the heading “Duration of visit”.
• With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker under the heading “Number of entries” by “1”.
• A two-entry or a multiple-entry visa allows for two or several entries during the validity of the visa. This is indicated on the visa sticker by “02” or “MULT” under the heading “Number of entries”.