A Schengen Visa is the document issued for visiting/traveling in and within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Schengen visas are issued by the following 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, and Liechtenstein

If you intend to visit one of the Schengen countries for business, as a tourist or for a personal/private visit, you must first obtain a Schengen visa, unless your country is part of the Schengen territory or has a special agreement. You can check which whether citizens of your country require Schengen VISA here: http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/who-needs-schengen-visa/

Where to apply:

• You should apply to the Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence (unless you are a resident in Ireland).
• If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, apply to the Embassy or Consulate of that country.
• If you intend to visit several of the Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country in which your main destination is situated (longest duration of stay).

Processing time: Your application should be lodged at the Embassy or Consulate at least 2 weeks before the proposed journey is undertaken.

Requirements for a Schengen visa may vary slightly between the different Schengen countries. Please visit the following link for further information: http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/

Important information: Please notice that although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, it is your responsibility to check that the visa and travel requirements with the corresponding Embassy in your country.