Schengen
What is the Schengen zone?
The Schengen zone describes an area including 26 European countries where everyone can freely travel, crossing borders of the member countries in any place without having to pass through border checks.
Is the Schengen zone and European Union the same?
Although most of the Schengen zone members are also members of the European Union (EU), a few EU countries are not members of the Schengen zone. Moreover, there are a few Schengen zone members who are not members of the EU. For differences between EU, Schengen and the rest of Europe see the map below:
What do I need for my journey to Schengen zone?
Before you start planning your journey, you need to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are traveling to for more detailed information about the travel requirements involved in your trip. This way you can make sure you do not miss anything and will be well prepared. The embassy or consulate office will provide you with detailed and updated information about visa requirements, procedures and requirements regarding your specific situation. These are the documents they typically require:
  • Your passport must be valid a few months after the end of your visa (usually from 3 to 6 months). For the exact conditions, please always contact the embassy or consulate office.
  • All insurance products in our portfolio meet EU requirements.
  • All insurance products in our portfolio can be bought and paid online.
  • All your product documentation is sent via email immediately after the payment.
  • You may need to provide documents confirming the reason of your trip and the means of transport (ex. your flight confirmation or train ticket)
  • Another confirmation document could be an invitation to visit from your family or friends or a booking confirmation from your travel agent.
  • You may be asked to prove financial resources for your trip costs and your spending during the trip.
  • Here are a few examples of documents which can be used:
    • proof of admission to study at university a spa voucher
    • a document proving family ties
    • a lease agreement
    • a bank statement
Recommendation: each Schengen zone country can apply additional conditions for the travel insurance associated with their visas. Therefore, always contact the embassy or consular office of the country you enter on your journey to the Schengen zone for their specific conditions and requirements.