The Schengen countries are very popular among Russians, who, going on vacation, want not only to lie on the beach, but also to see the most interesting historical sights - ancient cities, castles and much more. The list of documents for a visa to different countries of the Schengen agreement may differ, but the principle is the same for everyone.
Short list required in all states
The list of Schengen countries includes the following - Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Vatican, Great Britain (only Gibraltar is subject to the agreement), Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, France, Finland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia.
From time to time, each of these countries updates the list of requirements for obtaining visas, but the main list of documents is almost always the same. You will definitely need:
- a valid foreign passport (old and new documents are suitable);
- a photocopy of all pages of the general civil internal passport;
- insurance policy (the usual amount of compulsory insurance coverage is 3000 euros, but if you are going to ski or engage in other dangerous sports, you may be asked to increase this amount);
- photos.
It is necessary to be very careful with photographs, as each country has different requirements for the size of photographs and their number (from 1 to 3). Before going to the photographer, you need to look directly at the embassy's website for all the recommendations.
Embassies also routinely post mandatory questionnaires on their official websites. Such documents are not universal and are drawn up by each country in its own way.
Additional documents that may be requested at the embassy
Some Schengen countries, faced with a serious problem of illegal immigration, require citizens of other states going on long tourist or other trips and official documents confirming social, economic and family ties with their home country. These include papers on home ownership, marriage registration and others.
Some embassies have gone even further and followed the example of the United States. They can even ask future guests for photos of pets, as they believe that the responsibility of citizens for them can be the reason for returning to their homeland on time.
Additional documents also include the following:
- old foreign passport with old visas;
- copy or original of the work book;
- certificate of registration of your own company;
- originals of a copy of air tickets in both directions;
- confirmation of hotel booking for the entire period of stay in the country;
- certificate from the place of work (best of all, indicating the position held and the level of income);
- certificate of the amount of money in the account of a person who wants to travel to the Schengen countries.
The latter document is not required when applying for a short-term work visa with an indication of the host country.
