Still planning on ticking traveling to Europe off your bucket list? Then this is for you.

No doubt Europe is one of the most exotic destinations in the world to live, work and study. The factors that make Europe such an attractive place to travel are the immersive history and culture, the food and aesthetics, and of course the political arrangement of the European Union (EU).

The EU is the world's most reputable regional political body established to promote peace, trade and foster cooperation among European countries. Often described as Sui generis (without precedent or comparison), the EU has set the standard of what a regional political organization should be. Prominent among the EU features is the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a free travel area for 27 countries of Europe. 23 of which are members of the EU. The Schengen area means all members of this area do not require a Visa to travel, it serves as a symbol of unity and fosters economic prosperity among member states.

VISAS AND IMMIGRATIONS
The Schengen Visa is a temporary travel document that can be obtained from any Schengen nation and is accepted for entry into any Schengen country. It is a peculiar kind of visa that is only valid for 90 days out of a total of 180 days. You must apply for a Schengen visa from the nation you plan to visit. For instance, Assuming I wish to visit a country within the Schengen region, I must first go to a member nation that is permitted to grant Schengen visas, follow the necessary procedures, and then apply for a Schengen visa. 

Certain non-EU nations are granted visa exemptions in accordance with the EU's policy of a visa-free regime for non-EU nations. This allows non-EU nationals to enter the Schengen area for brief visits (less than 90 days) using only a biometric passport and without a visa. There is a mutually beneficial connection, and citizens of the EU are able to visit these nations temporarily without a visa.

As a regulatory check on the Visa-free regime policy, the EU, through the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (EU-LISA), established the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to conduct scrutiny on Visa exempt travelers and deny them travel authorization if necessary.  

UPDATES

The EU has announced its plans to digitize the issuance of the Schengen Visa as a measure to simplify the process for travelers. Applicants will digitally submit all documents and information that shows the intended country of entry and the countries they will primarily stay. For First-time applicants, in-person appointments are still necessary. The usual visa stickers in passports will now be replaced with cryptographic signed barcodes. 

The ETIAS has not yet started operations for nations covered by the visa-free system, although it is expected to do so by 2025. Once ETIAS is fully operating, countries exempt from visa requirements must also apply through an online application and pay a nominal cost of €7. People who are over 70 and under the age of 18 are not charged as long as the required documentation is valid. 
 

In conclusion, Europe provides several opportunities to work, live, and study. One of the most potent symbols of the strength of international cooperation is the political structure of the European Union. For more than 400 million people, the Schengen Area encourages unrestricted travel, trade, and cultural exchange. The policies governing visa requirements are centered on security concerns and making sure that applying for a visa is convenient.