The countries of the Schengen Area share a common visa policy for transit and stays of no more than 90 days in any 180 days period. The EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) sets out the procedures and conditions for issuing visas for the purpose of stays not exceeding 90 days. The European Commission has published a handbook to lay down the practical application of this EU Visa Code. In this handbook one can find guidelines, best practices and recommendations for the performance of tasks of Member States’ consular staff and staff of other authorities responsible for examining and taking decisions on visa applications, as well as tasks of staff of the authorities responsible for modifying issued visas.