Mostly Asked Questions

What are the criteria for accessing a tourist visa application?

A tourist visa applicant must satisfy the Consulate that the applicant:

• Has a genuine intention to stay temporarily in the destination country.
• Doesn’t have an intention of business, paid work or medical treatment.
• Has a list of documents that meets the requirements of a tourist visa.
• Has good health as well as a character that satisfies the relevant public interest criteria.
• Has a sufficient means of financial sources or support to meet the expenses of intended stay in the destination country.

If I get a visitor visa, can I visit the destination country multiple times?

It depends on your visa. If you are issued multiple entry visa, you can visit the destination country multiple times otherwise you can visit the country single time. It is always mentioned on the visa, whether it is a multiple entry visa or a single-entry visa.

If I have a valid visitor visa, can I work in the destination country to meet my travel expenses?

No, paid work is not allowed on a visit visa. You should have sufficient means to manage your travel to the destination country.

How long can I stay in the destination country, if I get a valid visit visa?

The duration of a visitor visa decides the length of your stay in any country. The Consulate of some countries issue a long-term visa but allows to enter for a specific time period.

For instance, the High Commission of Canada issues visitor visa for 10 years or up to the validity of the applicant’s passport (which is maximum) but allows entry for 6 months each time. As per the latest updates, every visitor is allowed to enter Canada for a specific duration. The length of stay is decided while entering Canada. One may be allowed to stay for 1 month and another for 3 months or more.

My visa has been refused. Can I re-apply for the same country?

Yes, you are free to re-apply if your visa application has been refused by the high commission. As the Consulate mentions the reason for refusing visa application, you are recommended to take proper notes of the reasons and make amendments (if necessary) while submitting a new visa application.

What does the mean of sticker visa?

A sticker visa is a physical label affixed to the travel document. Like e-visa, the sticker visa contains all the information such as the validity of visa, entry type, visa category, and issue date & place, etc.

Some of the Consulates of countries issue a sticker visa while others issue an e-visa or visa on arrival.

What is a visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival is preferred by those who intend to transit through the airport or plan a trip to abroad within a very short period. Visa is issued by the immigration officer when anyone arrives at the destination country.

What does the mean of e-visa?

E-visa (electronic visa) is issued in the form of pdf. The Consulate doesn’t issue a physical label (sticker) on the travel document (passport) when you apply for e-visa. Even you don’t have to submit physical documents while applying for e-visa.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that lets anyone visit any of the Schengen states. The Schengen visa holder can travel and stay in one or more Schengen countries for tourism or business. The person can remain in Schengen for up to 90 days.

How many countries are part of the Schengen Area?

There are 26 countries (Schengen States) in the Schengen area. The list of Schengen countries includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Where do I submit my visa application?

You need to submit your Schengen visa application at the consulate of the country where you intend to visit or authorized visa application center. In case, you want to travel more than one Schengen State, you will have to apply at the Consulate of your main destination.

Should I apply for a single entry or multiple entry visa?

It depends on the purpose of your visit to Schengen State. If you intend to visit Schengen country only for once, you need a single-entry visa, on the other hand, if you want to travel Schengen State multiple times, you should apply for multiple entry visa.

How long can I stay in the Schengen area if I have a valid visa?

If you are sanctioned Schengen visa, you are allowed to stay for a short period (up to 90 days) in Schengen state. Although the precise length of validity of your visa indicated on the passport as 180 days, you can’t stay for more than 90 days in the Schengen area.

How long does the Schengen visa procedure take?

Generally, when you submit a Schengen visa application to the Consulate, your application is processed within 15 calendar days. Sometimes, it may take more days.

Can I enter Schengen country A, while the visa, is sanctioned by Schengen country B?

Generally, you can visit or enter any Schengen country with a valid Schengen visa. However, a short-stay Schengen visa doesn’t automatically allow you to enter the Schengen area. If you cross the border, you may require to mention the valid motive of visiting another Schengen state, show the additional documents other than traveling document (passport). You should also have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses.

If I have a valid Schengen visa, can immigration officer deport me?

Immigration officer analyses your intention of the visit to the Schengen area, if you are unable to state your genuine reason for travel, the officer is authorized to deport you to the source country.

Sometimes, the officer finds a discrepancy in the information provided while applying for a Schengen visa and the statement of the visitor. At that moment, the officer can restrict the visitor to enter Schengen State.

My Schengen visa has been refused. Can I re-apply?

Yes, you can re-apply if your visa application has been refused by the high commission. As the Consulate mentions the reason for refusing the Schengen visa application, you are recommended to take proper notes of the reasons and make amendments (if necessary) while submitting a new visa application.

How much is the Schengen visa application fees?

Generally, the Schengen visa application fees is EUR 60. If you apply for a visa through an external service provider, you would have to pay service charges, courier charges (optional) and SMS charges (optional).

In some of the cases, the visa application fee is waived off.

Can I apply for the Schengen visa extension?

You must have a solid reason for a visa extension. As per the rules, your Schengen visa can only be extended if you stayed less than 90 days in the Schengen area. If your visa is expired or you have overstayed in the Schengen area, your visa cannot be extended.