Schengen VISA From USA
Find out if you'll need a Schengan VISA from USA and book your flights to Europe with Alternative Airlines.
Schengen Visa From USA
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What is a Schengen VISA?
A Schengen visa is a document that allows people from non-Schengen countries to travel within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is made up of a total of 26 countries in Europe that started the Schengen agreement treaty to allow easier travel for people, goods, services and capital between countries within the continent. Some people assume that all countries within the EU are part of the Schengen area, however, only 22 of the 28 EU members are in the Schengen zone.
Will I need a Schengen Visa travelling from the USA?
If you're a US citizen and hold a valid blue passport you can travel to Schengen countries and stay without a Schengen visa for up to 90 days. If you're a green card holder or you're not a US citizen but currently live there, it's likely that you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa. Find out how to apply for a Schengen visa below.
When will I need a Schengen Visa travelling from the USA?
If you're a US citizen and you intend to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days within a 180 day period, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa. If you're a green card holder or a non-US citizen, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa if you're visiting a country within the Schengen area.
Which countries are in the Schengen area?
Schengen visa countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein.
How do I apply for a Schengen visa from USA?
Applying for a Schengen visa as a US permanent resident
You don't actually need a Schengen visa if you're a US citizen with a valid blue passport. You can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days without a visa or a permit. If you leave the Schengen area, the 90-day limit will not be affected for the amount of time that you're out of the Schengen area. It will only take effect once you're back within the Schengen area. However, the 90-day limit will expire 180 days after you first enter the Schengen area.
For example, if you visit the Schengen area with a Schengen visa for 30 days and immediately go back to the USA for 130 days, you'll only be able to go back to the Schengen area for 20 more days on the same Schengen visa. This is because you'll be 20 days away from the end of the 180 day period.
Once you reach the 90-day limit, you can't enter the Schengen area for another 90 days. If you're looking to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days, you'll have to apply for either a long-term tourist visa or a residence permit. You must contact the consulate or embassy of the country that you plan to primarily stay in to do so.
Applying for a Schengen visa as a green card holder or non-US citizen
If you're applying for a Schengen visa from the USA and you're a green card holder or not a US citizen, you must be able to provide proof of a permanent residence card or US visa that is valid for at least three months after your return.
If you're visiting just one Schengen country you must contact the embassy or consulate of that country to apply for a Schengen visa.
If you're visiting more than one Schengen country you must contact the embassy or consulate of the country that you're staying in for the longest amount of time to apply for a Schengen visa.
If you're visiting more than one Schengen country and you're staying in each country for an equal amount of time, you must contact the embassy or consulate of the country that you first enter.
What if I'm not from the USA travelling to the Schengen area?
If you're not travelling from the USA to the Schengen area, visa requirements will be different. Visit our general visa page for more info.
You can also read the hardest destinations to fly to and determine if you need a visa to those countries.
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SCHENGEN VISA FROM USA FAQS
How to apply for a Schengen visa from USA for an Indian citizen?
If you're an Indian citizen or a citizen from outside of Europe and the US, you'll need to contact the consulate or embassy of the country that you're travelling to in order to apply for a Schengen visa. If you're travelling to more than one country, you must contact the consulate or embassy of the country that you'll be staying at the longest.
Which countries do Schengen visas cover?
Schengen visas cover a total of 26 countries within Europe. These are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What is the Schengen visa application fee?
The Schengen visa application fee is a fee that you have to pay when you submit your visa application. The visa application fee is €60 for adults and €35 for children (aged 6—12). Children under the age don't have to pay the Schengen visa application fee. Please note that if your visa application is rejected, you'll not be able to claim a refund for the application fee.
Can Schengen visa holders enter the UK?
As the UK is not in the Schengen area, Schengen visa holders will not be able to enter the UK with a Schengen visa. Instead, if you wish to visit the UK, you'll have to obtain a Standard Visitor Visa. Contact the British Consulate or British Embassy to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
Will Brexit affect Schengen visa?
No. As the UK isn't part of the Schengen area, Brexit will not affect the Schengen visa for those travelling around Europe from the USA. Please visit our "flights after Brexit" page to find out more about how Brexit will affect air travel.