Are you planning to attend a Cultural, Sports, or Religious Event, or work as part of a Film Crew in the Schengen area you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa for Events and in this guide you will understand the intricate process of getting a short-stay Schengen Visa for these purposes, making your journey to Europe easy and without stress.
Understanding the Schengen Visa
It is your first step to enter the group of European countries that have abolished internal borders and allow easy travel within the region on a short-stay Schengen Visa.
Exemptions from the Visa Requirement
Before starting your application process, you need to know that the citizens of third countries that have reached a visa-free agreement with EU member states are exempt from this requirement so check your eligibility before you apply.
Required Documents for Your Visa Application
Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:
1. Visa Application Form: Complete the application form with accurate information, print it, and sign it at the end.
2. Recent Passport Photos: make sure they were taken within the last 3 months, and comply with Schengen visa photo rules.
3. Valid Passport: It should still be valid for at least 3 months after your trip and if it is older than 10 years it will not be accepted, and it should have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
4. Copy of Passport’s Data Page
5. Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit and your activities during your stay.
6. Flight Reservation specifying flight numbers and your entry and exit dates
7. Ensure your Europe insurance covers the entire Schengen Area for the duration of your stay, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, including repatriation in case of death.
8. Proof of Accommodation like where you will stay during your visit through one of the following documents:
- Hotel Booking
- Letter of Invitation
- Rent Agreement
9. Provide proof of your financial capability to support yourself during your stay like Bank account statements, Sponsorship letter from an institution or organization
10. Proof of Civil Status Including relevant documents like marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, or death certificate of a spouse if applicable.
Additional Documents Based on Employment Status
Depending on your employment status, additional documents are required:
If employed:
- Employment contract
- Approved leave letter from your company
- Pay slips for the last 6 months
- Income Tax Return
If self-employed:
- Copy of your business license
- Company’s bank statement for the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
For student:
- Proof of university enrollment
- No Objection Letter from the university
If retired:
- Pension statements for the last 6 months
Specific Requirements for Cultural, Sports, and Religious Events
- Event Information, such as invitation letters, entry tickets, enrollment conditions, and a detailed program.
- Evidence of previous participation in similar events or competitions.
Specific Requirements for Film Crew Schengen Visa
- Letter from the film company stating the film’s name, synopsis, and shooting locations.
- Complete list of crew members and their roles.
- Letter from the film-making agency/producer in the Schengen Zone with detailed arrangements for film permits.
- Candidate’s certificate of registration as a filmmaker staff issued by the competent homeland authority.
Where to Submit Your Visa Application
Submit at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center (VAC) of the specific country you plan to visit in the EU/Schengen Area If you plan to visit multiple countries, follow Schengen rules for choosing the right embassy or consulate.
How to Apply For Schengen Visa for Events
- Find out where you need to file your application.
- Figure out the most favorable time to apply.
- Collect all the required documents listed above.
- Book an appointment at the embassy of your destination country.
- Attend your scheduled visa interview.
- Pay the Visa Fee which is typically €60 but there may be reductions and exemptions so it is advisable to check the list of Schengen visa fees.
- Wait for a Decision
When to Apply for a Schengen Visa for Events
It is good to submit your application about one month before you plan to go on your trip and the latest you can apply is 15 days before your trip, while the earliest is three months before.
Visa Processing Time and Validity For Schengen Visa for Events
It takes about 15 calendar days to process applications so you can expect a response within two weeks or less but in peak seasons and specific cases, it may take 30 or even 60 days.
The validity of your Schengen Visa for Cultural, Sports, Religious Events, and Film Crews is different and it ideally allows a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days but the actual duration depends on the embassy processing your application.
