Aerospace

Europe American travelers: Travel Guide, An Overview of the Schengen Agreement

Planning a trip to Europe? Let’s break down what you need to know about the Schengen Agreement, which covers 27 European countries, in a more narrative and simplified way for Europe American travelers

According to the US guidelines as updated in Jan 2023

Passport Essentials

Before embarking on your European adventure, ensure your passport is good for at least six more months. Don’t forget that children’s passports are only valid for five years, unlike adult passports that last for ten. Even if you’re not anticipating passport checks at borders, keep it close while traveling in the Schengen area because rules can change suddenly.

It’s crucial to understand that if your passport doesn’t meet Schengen requirements, you might encounter problems. These could include being denied boarding by your airline at the starting point or during transfers. You could also face rejection upon arrival in the Schengen area, even if you intended a short stay.

Remember, Europe American travelers when you first enter the Schengen area, an immigration officer will examine your passport. Without their stamp, you may run into issues with local authorities or immigration officials during your stay or when you leave.

Visa Rules

If you spend three months within any six-month period in the Schengen area, you’ll need to wait an additional three months from your last departure date before returning without a visa. If you plan to stay longer or don’t meet these conditions, reach out to the embassy of the country where you’ll spend most of your time to apply for a visa.

Keep in mind that Schengen countries can reintroduce border controls with little notice. So, always keep your U.S. passport with you when entering or leaving the Schengen area or traveling between Schengen countries. For more travel information, check out our FAQ section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Schengen Borders Agreement? It is an agreement that permits people of certain countries, including the United States, to visit 26 European countries within the Schengen area for up to three months for tourism or business.
How long can I stay without a visa? With a valid US passport, you can stay for up to 90 days for tourism or business within a 180-day period. Don’t overstay! You must wait 90 days before returning. To remain longer, obtain a visa from the nation where you will spend the majority of your time.
What do I need to enter the Schengen area? You’ll need a US passport (with all applicable visas) that is valid for at least 90 days beyond your scheduled departure date. Check that your passport fits the requirements of each country you’ll be visiting, that you have proof of your trip’s purpose, that you have adequate money, and that you follow any additional entrance rules.
What should I keep in mind when traveling to Schengen countries? Check that your passport has adequate time before it expires. When entering and leaving the Schengen area, have it stamped? Carry your passport at all times because internal borders can reopen unexpectedly.
Does the Schengen Borders Agreement apply to students, interns, or workers? Check with the embassy of the country to which you are travelling to learn about visa requirements for your specific activity. If you require a visa, wait until you get it before entering the Schengen area.
What if border officials deny entry? We can provide you with contact information for the foreign embassies of the countries you plan to visit. We can also offer guidance on hiring an English-speaking attorney abroad. Keep in mind that we can’t influence foreign government decisions or get involved in their legal processes.

Countries in the Schengen Borders Agreement

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Now, you’re all set for a hassle-free exploration of Europe. Have a safe and memorable journey!

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.