Schengen Visas
Today, citizens from most countries of the world are allowed to enter European countries without arranging a visa in advance. However, there are several countries whose citizens are required to receive an entry permit ahead of time – this permit is called a Schengen visa. Among the countries requiring a Schengen visa for European travel are Vietnam, China, Algeria, Armenia, and Egypt, among others.
A Schengen visa allows entry to all European countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement. This convention was signed by 26 countries in Europe, and its main purpose is to monitor the entry of citizens from economically and politically unstable countries, with the aim of reducing the entry of illegal migrant workers, as well as preventing security incidents.
The Schengen visa is valid for a visit of up to 90 days (within a period of 180 days) in all European countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement, and allows transit between them. As long as another visit to Europe is planned, it is possible to request a multiple-entry visa, which will allow the visitor within a period of 180 days to travel to another country in Europe that is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement. To stay in a country for a longer period of time, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit from that country.
It is worth noting that as of January 2023, anyone entering Europe will require an ETIAS visa which is designed to monitor and screen visitors arriving in Europe, including citizens of Israel and the USA (please see this article about the ETIAS visa).
There are 5 EU member states that do not require a Schengen visa: Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia. Also, as Britain is no longer part of the European Union, it also does not require a Schengen visa.
There are several types of Schengen visas depending on the purpose of the trip, among them: tourism, business, traveling between countries, visiting family or friends, students, receiving medical treatment, and more.
In order to receive a Schengen visa, the visitor will be required to produce supporting documents according to the type of visa requested, to submit an orderly application to the representative office of the country he is interested in visiting, and even to appear for an interview at the embassy. Usually, the application process takes about two weeks, but we recommend that you prepare ahead of time and not wait until the time period of the scheduled flight.
Interested in a Schengen visa to Europe? Contact us as soon as possible, and we will assist in applying for the visa professionally and quickly.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Sharon Eyal - Sharon Eyal- CEO, Haifa Chemicals South
We have been working with the law firm of Iftach Hanan & Co. for some time in the field of applying for foreign expert work licenses in Israel. As a leading company in our field, we carry out many projects that require the purchase of advanced machinery and upgrading the production system in our factories on a regular basis, while utilizing the services of foreign experts.
From the moment we turned to Adv. Iftach Hanan, we realized that we were already in a different place- a sense of service, professionalism, availability, and providing an efficient and quick response to any problem, issuing work permits on tight schedules, and doing everything possible for the sake of the project. Real professionals, great job!
Erez Ohayon - Indirect property procurement, Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems - Cyclone Ltd., is engaged in the production and design of aerospace parts for the military and civilian market for the best aircraft manufacturers in the United States, and most of its activities are for defense exports.
I would like to thank you and the firm's staff for their fruitful cooperation, and for your thorough, efficient and professional service.
Your guidance in the process of applying for visas has proven itself, particularly against the background of COVID-19 and in light of the complexities involved both with the suppliers abroad and with the authorities in Israel. I enjoy working with you, especially because of the courtesy and sense of partnership for which I am grateful.
Yossi Eli - VP of Management and Resources, HCT
For about two years, our company has been using the services of the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm for the purpose of applying for long-term and short-term foreign expert work permits.
In light of the complexity that currently exists with the authorities abroad and in Israel regarding the issuing of work permits and the immigration of foreign experts, Iftach Hanan's services have proven themselves more than once to be professional, courteous and fast.
Therefore, I would like to thank Iftach and his dedicated employees for the availability, personal attention, and accompanying services pertaining to the above.
Keren Lougassi - Projects Operations, Coral
We at Coral Energy provide services to a large number of Israeli and international companies.
In recent years, we have been working together with the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm, which specializes in applying for work permits and work visas for foreign experts who wish to work in Israel.
Adv. Iftach Hanan and the staff in his firm are well versed in immigration law to Israel and in the field of commercial immigration in particular. Their services include responsiveness at any hour of the day, efficient and fast work, and quick and efficient problem-solving.
Throughout our time working together, Iftach and his team have proven their integrity and reliability, professionalism, willingness to work non-routine hours, and impressive results.
We strongly recommend that you contact the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm when dealing with immigration issues and applying for work permits and work visas for foreign experts and workers.
