As the end of your Schengen visa validity approaches, the prospect of extending your stay within Europe becomes a paramount concern. Whether you're a traveler eager to explore more, a business professional with unforeseen commitments, or a patient continuing medical treatment, the possibility of staying beyond the visa expiration date is crucial.
Understanding Schengen Visa Types and Validity:
Schengen rules allow for a short-stay visa, permitting a maximum of three months within a six-month period. However, for many foreigners, especially those wishing to visit all 26 Schengen Member States, 90 days might not suffice. Contrary to common belief, extending a short-stay Schengen visa is indeed possible, albeit challenging. The key is having a strong reason to support your application.
What are the kinds of Visa Available?
1. Type A - Airport Transit Visa:
Allows transit or waiting for connecting flights at Schengen Area airports.
Applicable for travel from a non-Schengen country (e.g., India) to another non-Schengen country with a layover in a Schengen country.
2. Type B - Transit Visa:
Permits transit through multiple Schengen countries en route to a non-Schengen destination.
Valid for 5 days.
3. Type C - Short Stay Visa (Tourist Visa):
Allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 6month period.
Categories: Single-entry (1), Double-entry (2), Multiple-entry (MULT).
4. Type D - Long-Stay (National) Visa:
Required for studying, working, or residing in a Schengen country.
Categories: Single-entry (for specific periods), Multi-entry (for repeated re-entries).
Applicable for purposes like tourism, business, education, and personal reasons.
Acceptable Reasons for Schengen Visa Extension:
Short-stay Schengen visa extensions are governed by the European Parliament and the Council (EC) No. 810/2009. Acceptable reasons for extension include late entry, humanitarian reasons, force majeure, and important personal reasons.
Humanitarian Extensions:
The Schengen visa policy permits short-stay visa extensions for third-country nationals facing hardships. You may be granted an extension on humanitarian grounds, such as continuing medical treatment, attending a family member's funeral, or supporting someone in distress.
Force Majeure Extension:
In the face of sudden crises in your home country—conflicts, wars, protests, extreme weather, or disrupted flights due to unforeseen events—you have a good chance of securing a short-stay Schengen visa extension. This could grant you a few weeks' stay until the situation stabilizes, and if needed, you can reapply for renewal.
Important Personal Reasons:
Though challenging, if you have unfinished business or unexpected family events in a Schengen country, it's worth applying for an extension. The decision rests with immigration authorities, who will assess the validity of your reasons for an extended stay.
Important information for Application from India:
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu/common-information
1. When to Apply:
It is essential to initiate your visa extension process at least a week before your current Schengen short-stay visa expires. Applying early is crucial to avoid potential deportation issues.
2. Where to Apply:
Submit your extension application in the country where you are currently residing. It is mandatory to stay in that specific country until your visa extension is fully processed. Applying elsewhere may result in complications, so ensure you choose the correct immigration authorities within your current residence.
3. Document Requirements:
The required documents include:
Passport.
Application Form
Photo:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/photo-requirements/
Proof of Income
Travel Health Insurance: Secure insurance coverage for the entire Schengen Area and the intended extension period.
Documents Supporting Extension Reasons: Collect documents that substantiate the reasons for your visa extension, such as medical records, business-related documents, or evidence of unforeseen circumstances.
4. Interview and Processing:
Depending on the country, scheduling an interview may be a mandatory step in the extension process. Follow these guidelines:
Schedule an Interview if Required: Some Schengen countries may necessitate an interview. Confirm the interview requirements based on the immigration authorities in your current country of residence.
Attend on Time with Required Documents: If an interview is scheduled, ensure you are punctual and carry all the necessary documents. The interview plays a pivotal role in determining the validity of your extension reasons.
Crucial Assessment: During the interview, immigration authorities will evaluate the authenticity of your extension reasons. Be prepared to provide clear and convincing explanations.
Processing Time:
Applications may take a few days up to a month to be processed.
You are permitted to remain in the country during this period.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa Extension Fee:
Extension fees vary based on the extension reasons and whether it's the first or second extension:
First Extension Fee:
No fee for humanitarian or force majeure reasons.
30 euros fee for important personal reasons or late entry.
Second Extension Fee:
Minors pay 30 euros.
Adults pay 60 euros.