The Schengen Agreement has simplified travel between member nations by abolishing border checkpoints. Schengen visas are common visas established through guidelines set forth in the European Union’s Schengen Acquis (Schengen Agreement).

With the introduction of Schengen visas, travelers wishing to visit member nations no longer need to obtain separate visas for each country they wish to visit. Instead, a single uniform Schengen visa serves the same purpose for either short-term or long-term stays. Uniform Schengen visas are granted by use of a sticker that is affixed to the traveler’s passport or other official travel document.

Schengen Visa Categories

Schengen visas, which are acquired from a member nation’s embassy or consulate, are issued in one of several categories depending on the needs of each individual traveler and their specific reason for stay: