Can You Use A Business Schengen Visa For Tourism
If you have been looking to travel to Europe and have not had the chance, this could be your opportunity. The Schengen visa is intended for business and tourists, but many people ignore the second category. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to tour around Europe, visit cities and countries you never thought of visiting before. This article will explain the details about how you can use the Schengen visa as a tourist.
If you have clients or business partners in Europe, you might need to visit them there or even relocate to another country for a few months. In such cases, your travel needs can be met with full Schengen Visa. A Schengen Visa is not your standard tourist visa. It allows you to stay in any EU country and reenter the Schengen area as many times as you want. This visa type is mostly used by people who travel for business.
Can You Use A Business Schengen Visa For Tourism
I get this question a lot. Who wouldn’t? The Schengen visa is the most powerful of all the visas on the planet. With one stamp you can cross borders like a boss and travel freely throughout 26 European countries. But is it good for tourism?
Can I Use A Schengen Tourist Visa For All Travel Purposes?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
The reason is that not all the required documents are the same for each purpose. An example would be for medical purposes. When you apply for a Medical Schengen Visa to receive health care, you will need documents proving your needs for health treatment. Generally, a medical practitioner will need to provide a letter indicating that you require medical attention abroad.
You can use your Schengen Tourist Visa for the 3 common purposes previously mentioned.
What Will Border Authorities Say When I Present My Tourist Visa when Traveling for Business purposes?
In most cases, they won’t say anything. Instead, they want to check that you have a valid visa to enter the Schengen Area. After that, authorities will stamp your visa at border control, and then you’re free to enter the Schengen Area.
In the slightest chance that they ask you for documents, ensure that you can provide your passport, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds.
What to expect during my Schengen Visa appointment?
This is something all people are stressed about, but please do not worry as this is only a short in-person interview where you will have to submit your documents. After that, the consulate or embassy staff member will ask you a few questions regarding your trip; and collect your biometric information (if you’ve not submitted it already).
If you are stressed about the appointment, attach a travel schedule that describes what tourist activities you are planning to do. For example, once I traveled to Italy for business purposes. Even so, I still went on a tour to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
When Visiting A Friend, Will Authorities Check My Accommodation Within The Schengen Area?
This is not something to worry about as it is only needed during your application process. Proof of accommodation is only required when applying for a Schengen Visa. Once you receive your visa, you’re free to change any previous accommodation you might have booked. Meaning you’re free to visit your friends or relatives in the Schengen Area without being concerned about authorities following you around.
Can I Extend My Schengen Visa?
In some cases, you might want to stay a bit longer in the Schengen Area. For example, maybe an extra meeting is scheduled, or your friend wants you to attend a cultural event outside your entry and exit dates. Generally, you’re only allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for the duration indicated on your Schengen visa.
So back to the question, ” Can I Extend My Schengen Visa?”
Although the short answer is yes, I do not recommend this route. You can only extend your Schengen Visa for specific reasons, making it quite tricky.
Can I Apply For My Schengen Visa At One Embassy And Travel To A Different Schengen Country?
Yes, you certainly can. As someone that has done it before, I can assure you that it is possible. In fact, here are a few reasons why you would want to apply for a Schengen Visa at a different Schengen Embassy:
- Faster Visa Processing Times
- Higher Approval Rates At Certain Embassies
- More Available Appointment Slots
- No Embassies Available In Certain Countries
To Summarize
As you can see, it’s more beneficial to apply for a Tourist Visa even if you’re traveling for business purposes or visiting a friend. The application process for each type of visa is the same except for one difference, the required documents. When traveling for purposes other than tourism, you need to submit additional documents, which I find tedious.
Nonetheless, this remains my personal opinion. In the end, this remains your choice. I just wanted to point out that it’s possible to apply for a tourist visa when visiting for other purposes such as business and visiting friends or family members.
