Tourist Visa

– The Schengen tourist visa is a permit that enables individuals to travel freely to 26 European countries that have abolished passports and border restrictions for their citizens.

– These countries are considered a single entity for tourism and traffic purposes. However, the member nations of the Schengen area are strict with nationals requiring visas to enter.

– The Schengen tourist visa allows the holder to travel and visit these countries, as well as visit family members living in Schengen countries. This visa permits a person to stay in the destination country for a specific period and is a single-entry visa, meaning the holder can only enter and leave the destination country once.

– It’s important to note that even if the visa is still valid, leaving the country before its expiration date prohibits re-entry. Depending on the circumstances, a Schengen tourist visa can be issued for 15 to 20 days for first-time travelers or up to one year for those who have already spent 90 days or more in the Schengen area.

– To obtain a Schengen tourist visa, one must visit the embassy or consulate of the desired country with a valid passport.

– It is important to note that the embassy only accepts passports for identification purposes and not national cards or birth certificates.

– It is also necessary for the applicant to be present during the visa application process, as an interview is one of the steps for issuing the visa.

– To schedule the visa application and interview, the applicant must visit the consulate office of the country in question as appointments cannot be made over the phone.

– It is advised to apply for the visa and submit all necessary documents at least four months before the intended travel date, as scheduling an interview may take several weeks, particularly during the summer months and before the Nowruz holiday.

– Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months during the time of visa application.

– Iranian birth certificate

– National card and identity documents

– Passport with a validity of at least 6 months

– Two recent color photographs

– Invitation letter

– Official employment documents and proof of financial resources

– Travel insurance

Furthermore, if applying for a tourist visa, all required documents must be translated into English, and a copy of all documents should be included in the application file.