The Schengen Agreement constitutes one of the most important steps in the history of the European Union. The object of the agreement is to put an end to border controls within the Schengen Space - constituted mostly by state members of the Union - and to harmonize the external border controls. The object of the agreement is the creation of an area of free circulation by means of the suppression of the common borders of the participating countries. Through this agreement, the states have suppressed the common border controls, strengthening their external borders with the end of obstructing illegal immigration of individuals whose nationality belongs to a state who is not a member of the European Union.
With regards to the "Persons crossing the External Borders", they have a common policy for visa holders; amongst other issues (the external frontiers may only be crossed through the boarder steps and only during an established schedule. Fixed controls have been established which are carried out in external border posts with the end of - Verifying documentation and visa of those expecting to cross the border - Investigate and detect any type of infraction.- Prevent threats for the good of public order and national security of the signing states, etc.).
Requisites of the Schengen Visa. Definition of the Schengen Visa.
A short-term Schengen Visa which allows entry and traveling throughout the 24 countries which compose the Schengen group, in other words: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cypress, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and as of December 21st, 2007: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia.
Depending on the country of residence and nationality of the passenger, if he is planning to travel to Europe and visiting several countries within the Schengen space, the must process their visa application at the Embassy of the country where he is planning to stay the longest.
Even when a visa is sometimes not necessary, depending on the nationality of the traveler, it is still mandatory to present before the migratory authorities of the Schengen country of your destination: Valid Passport, Proof of solvency (credit cards, cash, etc); travel assistance service or medical insurance, return ticket, hotel reservations, etc.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Applicants for a short-term visa must present proof that they are bearers of travel insurance which includes medical and emergency hospitalization expenses (for a minimum sum of Euros 30.000), as well a medical repatriation. This insurance must be valid in every state which is part of the Schengen agreement and throughout the entire stay of the applicant. The medical assistance Travel Insurance abroad must guarantee the following coverage:
- Medical assistance in case of illness: minimum coverage Euros 30,000
- Medical assistance in case of accident: minimum coverage Euros 30,000
- Repatriation: minimum coverage Euros 30,000
- The insurance company must have representation / an office in Europe
- Payment of expenses cannot be reimbursable mode
- The travel insurance cannot have a deductible (according to the country where the VISA is processed)
- This insurance must be valid throughout the entire duration of trip (original and copy)
