Schengen Visa and EU

Schengen visa and European Union (EU)

Establishing European Union (EU), dismantling boarders inside Europe, using common currency in almost all European countries turned life of the people to the good. The aim of European Union is reaching four freedoms: freedom of movement of people, goods, capitals and services. European Union is an association of 25 independent European countries. A common market and united currency system ruled by one organization (Central European Bank) were established in EU.

The aim of Schengen agreement is to give freedom to European citizens (holders of European Union residence permits are equal to citizens) to go to any corner of Schengen zone, as well as foreign tourists- holders of Schengen visas. Agreement got a name "Schengen agreement" due to name of the city- Schengen (Luxemburg) where it was signed. The process of uniting all European nations has started after World War II and still goes on..

In December 2007 Schengen zone is going to be widened: Hungary, Latvia, Litva, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Malta, Swiss are becoming part of Schengen zone.

Independent economical zone of European Union, freedom of movement to any part of Schengen zone, right of a foreigner- holder of permanent residence permit to live and work in any country of the European Union influence much on people's choice of a country for emigration. One should keep in mind that Schengen visa is a short term visa that can not exceed 3 months.

Traveling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area, you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system.

Nowadays one can go to 15 country using Schengen visa: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Island, Spain, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Finland, France, and Switzerland. After a foreigner get Schengen visa he/she may enter one country of the European Union and travel freely throughout Schengen zone. Internal border controls already disappeared, there are very less stops and boarder checks now. Travelers enjoy trips by air, train and roads as domestic trips, similar to traveling from one province of China to another. Those who traveled before can feel positive changes in United Europe.

If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of that particular country. You apply at the Embassy or Consulate responsible for the state where you live.

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your main destination.

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first point of entry.

Schengen visa application form can be downloaded here.

All countries of the European Union (EU) are affected by the flow of international migration. They have agreed to develop a common immigration policy at EU level. Immigration policy of European Union is getting common for all its members though with national features. The European Commission has made proposals for developing this policy, most of which have now become EU legislation. The main objective is to better manage migration flows by coordinated efforts which take into account the economic and demographic situation of the European Union.

Long term visas are still national- members of European Union provide foreigners with long-term visas according to their national laws. After getting a long-term visa in one of European Union countries one has a right to move to any part of EU without visa.

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Schengen Visa and EU