Since 2017, Ukrainian citizens have been granted a visa-free regime with many Schengen countries, so Ukrainians no longer need to obtain a Schengen visa. With a biometric passport, a Ukrainian can travel to the European Union and almost all Schengen countries without a visa, notes a migration lawyer. However, there are some nuances, which we will discuss in detail below.
What is a Schengen visa and how to open one?
A Schengen visa is a sticker in a passport issued by an appropriate authority that allows its holder to travel to a country that has signed the Schengen Agreement or to the Schengen Area. The Schengen visa was introduced to make travel between all EU countries that have signed the agreement faster and easier.
It is suitable for tourists and other individuals planning a short-term stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Types of Schengen visas
- Tourist visa (category C) – for short-term tourist trips.
- Business visa – for business trips (meetings, conferences).
- Visa to visit relatives or friends – usually issued if there is an invitation from a relative or friend.
- Transit visa (category A and B) – for short transits through airports in the Schengen area.
- Long-term visa (category D) – issued for a long stay for the purpose of study, work or family reunification.
Depending on the duration and number of trips, a Schengen visa can be:
- With a single border crossing, for example, for 15 days for tourist purposes or transit purposes;
- With a double border crossing;
- Or with multiple exits according to the 90/180 principle (as with visa-free travel). In this case, it will be a multi-visa.
Also, a visa may be issued exclusively for stay in the territory of:
- One country (LTV mark);
- Or Universal, i.e. for the entire Schengen area (USV). This will be indicated on the visa sticker.
Schengen visa application procedure
First, you should check whether you actually need a visa for the country you are traveling to. If so, you should apply to the appropriate embassy or consulate of the country you are traveling to.
If you plan to visit two or more Schengen countries, you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will be staying for the majority of your trip. This will be your main destination.
If you are not planning to visit several Schengen countries, but are simply stopping over, you need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country you will enter.
Download questionnaire and fill it in
- This form can be filled out by hand or typed on a computer. Don't forget to sign the form.
- Please ensure that you have downloaded the latest version of the application form as only this version is acceptable. If you are unable to download and print it, copies can be obtained from the relevant diplomatic mission.
- Fill in all fields carefully.
- Visa applications for minor children must be signed by both parents or one of the adoptive parents.
- Do not use colored pencils. Use a black or blue pen.
You will need to apply to the relevant embassy or consulate of the country you are travelling to. The required documents must be submitted in person.
Passport and photos
- Check the expiration date of your passport. It must be valid for at least three months after the expiration date of the visa you are applying for.
- Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages.
- The date of first issue of the passport must be no more than 10 years ago.
- Attach a color photo on a white background of the required format (35×45 mm); the photo should not be older than 6 months.
Required documents for obtaining a Schengen visa
- Proof of residence — confirmation of hotel booking or, in the case of staying with a private person (invitation from the person hosting you).
- Proof of thatthat you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses.
- Confirmation of civil status — original birth certificate, original marriage certificate and/or original death certificate (where applicable).
- Route — you may be asked to provide itinerary information (e.g. planned tourist itinerary); you must provide flight reservations (no need to provide a pre-paid ticket); if you are traveling by car, you must provide a driver's license.
- Schengen travel insurance – insurance covering medical expenses in the event of sudden illness, repatriation, etc. The insurance coverage must be at least 30,000 euros and valid in all Schengen countries.
- Additionally check on the website of the relevant diplomatic mission or by phone, which documents need to be added to the visa application in your case.
WARNING! The list of required documents may change at any time. Please note that the consular office may request additional required documents.
Plan your trip in advance as you may get your visa very quickly or wait several weeks.
When submitting documents for a Schengen visa, you should
- Check the opening hours of the relevant embassy or consulate;
- Check whether you need to make an appointment to submit your visa documents;
- Check the duration of the Schengen visa application procedure and try to submit your documents in advance;
- Check the website of the relevant diplomatic mission to find out what documents need to be submitted with your visa application;
Please note that different rules apply for submitting documents for a long-term visa.
Advantages of working with our law firm
Contacting a migration lawyer Inferno Digital Law Company, you provide yourself with high-quality advice to understand your situation, and legal assistance in obtaining a visa to the Schengen zone.
With us you will get quality, efficiency, accessibility, and meticulousness.
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