With a Schengen visa, you can visit all countries within the Schengen Area. But there are certain rules and regulations to be followed before travelling to your destination.
This article will help you learn what the first point of entry is and what you need to know about the primary destination you are travelling to.
What Is the First Port of Entry for a Schengen Visa?
The first port of entry for a Schengen visa is the country where you first enter the Schengen Area during your trip. This means that if you are coming from a non-Schengen country, the first Schengen country you enter is your first port of entry. Once you enter the Schengen Area, you can travel to any other Schengen country using the same visa because there are no border checks within the area.
However, if you have a Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visa, you are only allowed to visit the Schengen countries specified on the visa sticker in your passport. You can check if you have an LTV visa by looking for the indication on the visa sticker.
Should My First Point of Entry In The Schengen Area Be The Same As The Country That Issued My Schengen Visa?
Your first point of entry into the Schengen Area does not have to be the same as the country that issued your Schengen visa. However, the country that issued your visa must be your primary destination or the country where you plan to stay the longest. For example, if you plan to stay in France for a week and obtained your Schengen visa from the French embassy, you can enter the Schengen Area through Germany as long as your stay in Germany is shorter than your stay in France.
What If I Want to Visit More Than One Schengen Country Equally?
If you plan to stay an equal amount of time in multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit first, which will be your first point of entry into the Schengen Area.
What Is a Primary Destination for a Schengen Visa?
If you intend to visit multiple Schengen countries during a trip, you must apply for a visa from the embassy of the country which is your “primary destination”. The primary destination for a Schengen visa is the Schengen country where you will be spending the majority of your time during the trip.
When determining the primary destination, think about factors such as the length of stay in each Schengen country, the purpose of the trip, and the itinerary. If it is not clear which Schengen country is your primary destination, you should apply at the embassy of the country that you will enter first when starting your trip.
Can I Travel To The Other Schengen States With a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is valid for all 26 member states of the Schengen Area. After you enter the country which issued your visa, you can enter other countries within the Area, but you must not exceed the limited period of stay.
If you have a single-entry visa, you can enter the Schengen Area only once, whereas, with a multiple-entry visa, you can enter the area several times.
*Keep in mind that you must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country, which is your primary destination.
How Long Can I Stay In The Schengen Area With a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is issued for short stays and takes the form of a sticker affixed to your travel document. The total duration of your stay under a Schengen visa is a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
You can see the duration of your visit on the visa sticker on your passport.
What Are the Rules For Entering Schengen?
When travelling to a new country, it is important to keep in mind some important rules that you must follow before entering the Schengen area.
- Carry your passport with the Schengen visa stamp with you when travelling between multiple Schengen member states.
- Keep your original passport and copies of your other documents with you to prove your purpose for the visit. You may be required to show these documents at the port of entry.
- Carry a copy of your passport and issued visa while travelling within the Schengen Area.
- Do not exceed 90 days in a 180-day period. The 90/180 rule states that non-EEA nationals cannot spend more than 90 days within a period of 180 days in the Schengen Area without a visa.
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