A Schengen visa is the ultimate dream of many tourists. It is needed by those Russians who want to travel openly and freely throughout Europe. Having such a visa in your passport opens up a lot of wonderful opportunities: with it you can freely move from one Schengen country to another, without observing any bureaucratic formalities. This procedure was established many years ago, and 2019 did not bring with it any significant changes in this matter.


Attention! Since September 14, 2015, mandatory submission of biometric data has been introduced for all those applying for Schengen visas. It is necessary to undergo the procedure of dactyloscopy (fingerprinting) and photographing at the visa center. The received data will be valid for 5 years (59 months). In this regard, the initial visa application implies the mandatory personal presence of the applicant when submitting documents. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from fingerprinting (but not photography).

Initially, the creation of the Schengen zone implied relief visa regime between European countries and ensuring a common socio-cultural space. For European residents, the signing of this agreement greatly facilitated the ability to travel to neighboring countries and was a significant step towards creating a single European community.

For the residents of our country, this decision resulted in ambiguous and contradictory consequences. Of course, obtaining a Schengen visa is a great chance to travel to most countries of the Old World without having to apply for a new visa each time. However, as practice shows, often obtaining such a visa results in some problems. It is not very easy to apply for it yourself, and quite high and strict requirements are imposed on applicants. However, if you can provide full list necessary papers and prove your responsibility and trustworthiness, obtaining such a visa becomes quite possible. This will open up a lot of new opportunities for you.

On this moment The Schengen countries include 26 of the 28 European Union states (with the exception of and), these are:

as well as four countries not included in it - , Liechtenstein, and In total, this agreement in different time signed by twenty-six states that are today active members of this agreement. Having received the appropriate visa from any of these countries, you will be able to visit not only this country itself, but also any other state that is part of the Schengen zone.

Different types of visas

The type of visa issued to the applicant depends, first of all, on the main purpose of his trip abroad. Today the most common types of Schengen visas are:

Tourist visa

Of course, it is she who is in the highest demand among travelers. It is necessary for those who plan to visit one or several countries of the agreement in order to see the most important sights and get acquainted with the culture of a given state (or several states at once). This type of visa is for a short period. The validity period of the visa is determined by the diplomatic structures of each individual country, so it may vary. As a rule, a visa of this type is allowed for a period of no more than three months.

student visa

The practice of issuing such documents is especially common in those countries where the education system is very developed. Such countries include, for example, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Spain and others. Today, students from all over the world study at universities, institutes, academies and colleges in these countries. Among Russians today, studying at foreign universities is also considered very prestigious. Many educational establishments Europe is absolutely open to foreign students and hospitably welcomes young people from other countries. A student visa is generally a long-term visa. It is usually issued for a period of about six months to a year and requires mandatory renewal after this period. To obtain such a visa, in addition to the main list of documents, you must provide appropriate confirmation that you have been accepted to study at a particular university and that you have been provided with a place to live for the entire duration of your studies.

Work Visa

Persons who have an official invitation from an employer in a certain territory can count on receiving it foreign country. Most often, such applicants include highly qualified specialists in a particular field in which Western employers are interested. Applying for such a visa is quite difficult, and to obtain it you need compelling and documented reasons.

These are the main types of Schengen visas. Today they are issued by almost all states that are part of the agreement. More detailed information about other types of visas, as well as about the current visa rules of each country, can be found in its diplomatic mission in Russia (or on its website on the Internet).

Long-term multiple visa

A separate type of Schengen visa, which is the most popular and relevant today, is a long-term multiple visa. In fact, it is practically no different from a regular tourist visa, except, of course, for its validity period. It can be issued for one, two, three, four or five years. Such a document makes it possible to enter the territory of any Schengen country an unlimited number of times during the entire period of validity of this visa. It is ideal for those who often travel to Europe for tourism purposes or, for example, on short business trips.

A 5-year Schengen visa will save you from having to prepare a full list of documents every time you go on a trip, stand in tiresome queues at the embassy and worry about whether you will be given permission to leave or not. True, obtaining such a visa is quite difficult. Usually it is issued only to those tourists who have repeatedly made trips to European countries and have demonstrated their absolute reliability, financial security and responsible, honest behavior. A one-year visa is, of course, more accessible, but getting it is not so easy. Therefore, if you are going on your first trip abroad, it is better not to risk it and apply for an ordinary short-term visa. And in the future, when you have already made several trips abroad, and your passport contains stamps about visiting various Schengen cities and countries, you will be able to apply for a long-term multiple visa.

Features of applying for a child visa

At the moment, almost all countries included in the agreement area have standard, almost identical requirements for those tourists who travel with children. Most of these states specify the following rules for such applicants:

  • The child can have his own passport, or be included in the document of one of the parents. If a child is going to travel abroad without parents (accompanied by any third parties), having his own passport is mandatory. It is also necessary to obtain a separate passport for teenagers over 16 years of age.
  • To obtain a child visa, you must present, among other documents, the child’s birth certificate.
  • If a minor travels abroad only with his mother or father, a notarized permission to travel for this trip from the second parent is required. If your child is traveling with certain third parties (for example, on a school trip or with grandparents or other relatives), you must provide notarized consent from both parents.

As a rule, these are the standard requirements for applicants traveling with children. For more detailed information, you can check with the diplomatic mission of the country you are planning to visit soon.

List of required documents

To obtain a Schengen visa, you need to provide the following approximate set of documents to the Embassy (or the official Visa Center of the selected country):

These are the main documents for a Schengen visa, which are usually required at all European embassies. Let us emphasize once again that a complete set of papers and requirements for their execution are individual in each specific case. Look for accurate and up-to-date information about the documents required for a visa on the website of the embassy of the country you are going to visit.

Video: documents and obtaining a Schengen visa

Medical insurance for Schengen visa

In some cases, having health insurance is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa. Although the embassies of some countries have not yet included health insurance in the list of required documents. In any case, even if you do not necessarily need to obtain insurance, it is better to obtain this document in order to avoid various problems.

Today you can apply for it at almost any insurance company. This is a simple procedure that will not take much of your time. You will only need to provide the insurance company employee with your personal information and information about the upcoming trip. If you wish, you can even take out insurance yourself, without visiting the office of a particular organization, but by registering on the company’s official website. The cost of insurance is determined by the duration of the trip, the country of destination, the amount of coverage and other factors. On average, the preparation of this document should cost you 2-3 thousand rubles.

remember, that medical insurance for a Schengen visa is not just a document required to obtain a visa. This is your guarantee that you will receive the necessary medical care in a foreign country. In case of insured events, you will not have to pay for your treatment yourself (which, as you know, is very expensive in Europe). The insurance company will bear all costs.

Schengen visa cost

Of course, applying for a Schengen visa invariably involves certain costs. First of all, each applicant is required to pay a standard consular fee. In most cases, the cost of a Schengen visa is 35 euros. If you are applying for a visa through an official visa application center rather than the Embassy, ​​the cost of this fee may increase slightly.

If you need an urgent visa, you will have to pay twice as much (usually 70 euros). Children under six years of age are traditionally exempt from paying all fees.

For those who want to apply for a visa with minimal costs, it is best to deal with this issue on their own. If you are willing to pay a certain amount to make things easier for yourself, you can contact one of the specialized travel agencies that offer assistance in obtaining a visa. The cost of such services may vary (it is determined directly by the company itself). The minimum price offered by travel agencies ranges from 3000-4000 rubles. By paying this amount, you will save yourself from having to personally visit the embassy, ​​stand in queues and apply for a visa. An employee will do all this work for you. travel company. If you decide to go this route, be very careful. Trust only responsible and reliable partners who have the appropriate accreditation. A list of accredited companies can usually be found on each embassy's website.

"Underwater rocks"

Applying for a Schengen visa is a rather delicate and difficult process that can be accompanied by a number of difficulties. Let's briefly look at possible problems that sometimes arise when obtaining a visa, and also talk about how to avoid them. So, the main difficulties include the following points:

Visa refusal

Unfortunately, Schengen countries traditionally demonstrate a fairly high refusal rate. Some states have recently significantly tightened the requirements for applicants and refuse to obtain a visa even for seemingly minor violations. For example, the embassies of France and Italy may not allow you to enter their country if on your previous trip you “redeemed” your visa not in the country of entry, but in another Schengen state. True, these are still isolated cases. As a rule, the main reasons for refusal are inappropriate behavior of a tourist during a previous trip, criminal activities, unsatisfactory monthly income and other factors.

Difficulties during an interview

To avoid problems, remember that your task at the interview is to make a favorable impression on the consular officer and convince him that you do not have any grounds for a travel ban. Be calm, natural and confident. Answer questions clearly, clearly and comprehensively. Don't fuss or worry, it always creates a negative impression. Think about yours in advance appearance. You should look very dignified, but at the same time discreet and discreet. An ideal option for both men and women would be, for example, a business suit in a classic style. Don't neglect this mandatory point. It is not uncommon for consulates to refuse to issue a visa to an applicant simply because of his unpresentable appearance.

Difficulty paying fees

Each embassy has its own rules regarding the payment of consular fees. Representative offices of some countries only accept advance payment receipts from the bank. Other consulates have their own cash desks where you can pay the fee directly when submitting your application. Issues of choosing a currency also differ in each specific case. In some places you can only pay in euros, and in others in rubles or any other currency. You should definitely find out all these nuances in advance.

"Rule of first entry"

In some cases it also causes certain problems. Of course, a Schengen visa allows you to move freely throughout all Schengen countries. However, not all so simple. Some customs services do not allow travelers with visas from other countries to enter their countries. Therefore, if you plan to visit several Schengen countries, from Russia you first need to go to the state whose visa is in your passport. But once you find yourself in the Schengen zone, you will be able to move around it freely and unhindered.

Additional controls at the border

According to the Schengen Agreement, the customs service of any agreement country can also introduce additional border controls for all tourists visiting this country. As a rule, such control is related to security requirements and is caused by any large-scale events (political meetings and summits, international sports matches and competitions, global cultural events, etc.).

"Empty passport"

Difficulties may arise due to "empty" passport without visa stamps. If you have never been to the Schengen countries, when filling out documents, consulate staff may have doubts: can they give you permission to leave? Are you trustworthy and responsible enough? Will you encounter any financial difficulties during your trip? All these doubts can ultimately lead to a visa refusal. Therefore, if you have an “empty passport”, it is better to start your foreign travels by visiting those countries that demonstrate fairly lenient and loyal requirements for applicants. Such states that are friendly towards Russians include, for example, Malta, Spain and Finland.

These are the most common problems that can ruin your upcoming trip. To avoid them, you must be clearly aware of their causes and be well prepared. A serious and responsible approach, careful planning of your actions and organization are the key to successfully resolving the visa issue.

Procedure

Summarizing all of the above, let us once again outline the sequence of your steps on the path to obtaining the coveted Schengen visa:

  • Decide on your destination country.
  • Search the Internet for the official website of that country's embassy or visa application center. Please study it carefully and familiarize yourself with the basic requirements for applicants (key information can be found on our website).
  • Find on the website a list of documents required to obtain a visa of the type you have chosen. Collect all these documents.
  • Take several high-quality photographs according to established rules.
  • Download the questionnaire from the website. Fill it out carefully and carefully (by hand or on the computer). Don't forget to sign and date it.
  • Make an appointment for an interview and application (unless, of course, the embassy of the country you are going to allows pre-registration for applicants).
  • If you have to go through an interview procedure at the Embassy, ​​it is worth preparing for it in advance. Study the information available on the Internet, read reviews about how the interview is going at this Embassy. You can sketch out a list of sample questions that you might be asked and practice your answers.
  • Before visiting the Embassy, ​​make sure once again that you have collected a complete and reliable dossier and that all your documents are completed correctly.
  • At the appointed time (or without an appointment, depending on the destination country), go to the Embassy or Visa Application Center.
  • After submitting your application, you will only have to wait for the decision of the Embassy. As a rule, the processing time for applications for a tourist visa takes no more than two weeks.

If you approach the preparatory process responsibly and seriously, complete all documents properly, provide reliable information to the embassy and behave naturally and confidently during the interview, you will certainly be able to obtain a Schengen visa without unnecessary problems and delays.

Prospects for visa relations between Russia and the Schengen countries

According to established tradition, the European community is a rather closed space that is not ready to let everyone into its territory. This means that obtaining permission to enter a particular Schengen country is not so easy. To do this, you need to provide a full set of well-executed and reliable documents, as well as prove your responsibility and solvency. And even if all these conditions are met, applicants often encounter certain difficulties.

The 2019 holiday tourist season is approaching and, despite the economic crisis and political battles, Russians need an answer to the question: “Where to go on vacation?” When determining a holiday destination, it is taken into account that entry into countries can be visa-free or visa-free. Visa-free countries in Europe are few in number, but they do exist.

All visa-free countries for Russians are divided into:

  • Not requiring any form of visa.
  • Visas are issued upon arrival.
  • Easy to obtain a visa.

European countries that can be reached without a visa are highlighted in grey.

In 2019, eighty states are ready to provide Russians with a visa-free regime. To get into them, all you need is a foreign passport and space for a new stamp in it. The list of these countries contains very popular destinations, such as:

  • Molova.
  • Belarus.
  • Montenegro.
  • Ukraine.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Macedonia.
  • Albania.
  • Serbia.

Trips to CIS countries

Affordable and budget option holidays remain in the CIS countries. Many Russians have relatives or acquaintances living there, which makes it possible to save on hotels and enjoy the opportunity to speak their native language. This international organization includes Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Russians only need to have:

  • Foreign, official, diplomatic passport - to choose from.

If you need to go to Belarus, you need to prepare a slightly wider list of documents:

  • Any type of passport is your choice.
  • Birth certificates for children.
  • Documents indicating return to the country of citizenship.

In light of the current political circumstances, Ukraine stands apart. In 2019, Russians will be able to spend 90 days in a neighboring state at a time and no more than 180 days a year. Until recently, Russians did not encounter problems when entering a visa-free neighboring state, but now the law on border control has set conditions for the entry of Russians:

  • Possibility to present a valid passport document.
  • A citizen should not be subject to a decision on a ban on entry into Ukraine by a Ukrainian government agency.
  • The opportunity to confirm the purpose of your arrival and stay in Ukraine. For this, a return ticket for departure or invitations from individuals or legal entities will be useful.

The ability to enter the territory of a neighboring country from the territory of the Republic of Crimea is complicated by obtaining special permission from the migration authorities of Ukraine and specialized customs passes.

Balkans

The Balkan destination is gaining popularity among Russians. In Montenegro, Russians can vacation for 30 days without a visa if they have a foreign passport with a validity period of 3 months beyond the expected date of return. For citizens of Ukraine, this period has been increased to 3 months. The same rules apply to Serbia.

Tourism Voucher Sample

Albania, according to annual tradition, cancels visas for Russians for the summer period, and although confirmation of this is expected in March-May 2019, most likely, for a holiday in this country, a foreign passport with a validity period exceeding the date of expected return by 3 months will be sufficient.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country where Russians can travel without a visa for 30 days if they have:

  • A foreign passport valid for another 3 months after return.
  • Hotel reservations.
  • Vouchers travel agency or invitations and tickets during transit.

Schengen countries

Despite the economic crisis and exchange rates, European countries remain an attractive holiday destination in 2019. Most of the most popular countries for our compatriots are included in the Schengen zone.

Map of countries included and not included in the Schengen area

In 1995, the Schengen Agreement was signed between five states, now there are twenty-six. Under the terms of the agreement, states, most of which are members of the European Union, pledged to abolish passport controls when crossing internal borders. Besides these European countries, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland supported the agreement.

This makes it easier for Schengen visa holders to travel around Europe. But even within its borders there are states that Russians can visit without a Schengen visa.

Russia has special relations with Norway, Latvia and Poland, and citizens living in a thirty-kilometer zone from the border can receive a special permit and use it to move within the border areas. This practice is based on intergovernmental agreements on small cross-border traffic.

Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania and Croatia have long been seeking to be accepted into the Schengen area, but this has not yet happened. To travel to these countries you need a visa, but there are exceptions to the rule.

Features of entry

Map of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

You can visit the southern part of Cyprus by applying for a visa online. The Turkish part of the island - Northern Cyprus is available to Russians in visa-free regime for a stay of 90 days with a foreign passport. There will be no entry restrictions on the land side of Greece and Turkey.

However, if further movement is planned in Southern Cyprus, it is not advisable to enter by sea or by air via Ercan airport or the ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia.

To enter Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia you need a national visa, but if you have a Schengen multiple entry visa, you can enter with it.

The main countries where Russians want to go to are last years, CIS countries and European countries remain, and therefore the 2019 holiday season promises to be busy for Russians. Visit - all that remains is to choose where to go.