Schengen Visa Types – Categories, Validity, Duration & Extension of Stay, and Requirements

Schengen Visa Types – Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Type A & Type C – Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Visas, Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visas – Categories, Validity, Duration of Stay, Extension of Stay, Requirements

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Type A & Type C – Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Visas, Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visas – Categories, Validity, Duration of Stay, Extension of Stay, Requirements of Schengen Visa Types

Schengen Visa Images/Photos: 6. A photo of a sample of Schengen Visa. Photo credit: Schengen Visa. 

Schengen Visa Types | EU Visa and Migration

In this Schengen Visa Types to EU Visa and Migration, Travel and Migration blog post, titled: ”Schengen Visa Types – Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Type A & Type C – Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Visas, Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visas – Categories, Validity, Duration of Stay, Extension of Stay, Requirements”, you will find:

Schengen Visa Types – Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Type A & Type C – Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Visas, Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visas – Categories, Validity, Duration of Stay, Extension of Stay, Requirements

Schengen Meaning – What is Schengen?

Schengen Visa Meaning – What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen Visa Types – Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visas

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – What is Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)?

Uniform Schengen Visas Countries – What are Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) Countries

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) Categories – What are Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) Categories? – Types A & C Categories.

• Type A Schengen Visa – What is Type A Schengen Visa?
• Type C Schengen Visa – What is Type C Schengen Visa Categories? – Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Categories
• Single-entry Visa – What is Single-entry Visa?
• Double-entry Visa – What is Double-entry Visa?

      .   Multiple-entry Visa – What is Multiple-entry Visa?

1. 1-year Multiple-entry Visa – What is 1-year Multiple-entry Visa
2. 3-year Multiple-entry visa – What is 1-year Multiple-entry Visa
3. 5-year Multiple-entry visa – What is 1-year Multiple-entry Visa

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) – What is Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)?

National (Type D) Visas – What are National (Type D) Visas?, and Multi-entry National Visa Eligibility

Schengen Visa Types Validity

Schengen Visa Validity

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) Validity

• Type A Schengen Visa Validity
• Type C Schengen Visa Validity
•     – Single-entry Schengen Visa Validity
•     – Double-entry Schengen Visa Validity
•     – Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

                  1. 1-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

                  2. 3-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

                  3. 5-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

Schengen Limited Territorial Visa Validity

Schengen National Visas or Type D Schengen Visa Validity

Schengen Visa Duration of Stay

• Schengen Visa Types and Categories Duration of Stay

Schengen Visa Extension of Stay

Schengen Visa Types Requirements and Travel Documents

• Other Schengen Visa Types Requirements and Travel Documents
• Additional Schengen Visa Types Requirements and Travel Documents for National Visas (Type D Visas)

Watch Video: Schengen Visa Types

Quick Links: Schengen Visa Types

Conclusion: Schengen Visa Types

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Schengen Visa Types – Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Type A & Type C – Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Visas, Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visas – Categories, Validity, Duration of Stay, Extension of Stay, Requirements

Schengen Meaning – What is Schengen?

Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most European countries. It’s the largest free travel area in the world.

Schengen Visa Meaning – What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen visas are important permits that allow individuals to enjoy free movement within the Schengen Zone, which includes European Union Schengen members and EFTA Schengen members. These visas come in different types and have specific restrictions based on the purpose of travel and other relevant circumstances.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area, per stay up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe. It enables its holder to enter, freely travel within, and leave the Schengen zone from any of the Schengen member countries. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.

A Schengen visa obtained by any of the Schengen area member countries allows free movement to its holder within the whole Schengen Zone regarding the European Union Schengen members as well as the EFTA Schengen members, up to its validity and period limitations.

According to the type of visa issued by the certain embassy/consulate of any Schengen country, there are different restrictions that apply to the particular visa in accordance with the nature of travelling and other relevant circumstances.

Schengen Visa Types and Categories

Schengen Visa Types: Schengen Visa Images/Photos: 1. An image of Schengen Visa Types. Image credit: YouTube.

In this Schengen visa types blog, we shall consider three visa types and their categories, which is different from another classification known as Short-term Schengen visa types for the purpose of travel considered in the next blog. The three Schengen visa types and categories discussed here are:

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

National Visa (Type D)

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – What is Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)?

Schengen Visa Types – Uniform Schengen Visa: Schengen Visa Images/Photos: 2. A photo image of Types A, C and D Uniform Schengen Visa. Photo image credit: AXA Schengen.

The Uniform Schengen Visa stands for a permit of one of the Schengen area member countries to transit or reside in the desired territory for a certain period of time up to the maximum of 90 days every six-month period starting from the date of entry.

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) Countries – What are Uniform Schengen Visas Countries (USV)?

Holders of a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) – a Schengen transit visa permit or residence permit or visa for Schengen area member countries can travel to any of the 27 Schengen: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) Categories – What are Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) Categories?

There are two categories of Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) Type – Type A & Type C Schengen Visas.

According to the purpose of travelling the Uniform Schengen Visa applies to all of the two categories, Types “A” and “C”.

Type A Schengen Visa – What is Type A Schengen Visa?

Type “A” category stands for the Airport Transit Visa which allows its holder to travel through the international zone of the Schengen country Airport without entering the Schengen Area. An airport transit visa is mandatory for citizens travelling from one non-Schengen state to another non-Schengen state through a change of flights in a Schengen country airport.

Type C Schengen Visa – What is Type C Schengen Visa?

Type “C” category stands for a Short-term visa which allows its holder to reside in a Schengen Area for a certain period of time depending on the visa validity.

Type C Schengen Visa Categories

This particular category, according to the holder’s purpose of the travel can be obtained in a form of:

Single-entry visa,

Double-entry visa and

Multiple-entry visa.

Single-entry Visa

A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter the Schengen area only once, within the given period of time, as mentioned in the visa sticker affixed to their passport. Once the visa holder exits the Schengen territory, he or she can no longer go back, even if they have not spent there the number of days as permitted by the embassy that issued them the visa.

Some people confuse the single-entry visa, thinking that it is about the number of countries the visa holder is permitted to visit and that it allows them to enter one single country. In fact, the territory you are permitted to visit is given close to the “Valid for” tag on your visa sticker, whereas the time you are permitted to stay is given close to the “Number of entries” tag.

Double-entry Visa

In general, a double-entry visa applies the same way as the single-entry visa explained above. The sole difference between a single-entry and a double-entry visa is that the second gives you the chance to go once more back to the Schengen territory once you have left it.

You should be very careful not to exceed the number of days you are permitted to stay in the Schengen zone, as well as the period within which you can spend these days in the EU. Once again, do not mix the “double-entry” tag with the number of countries you are permitted to enter and remain within the given time.

With this visa, when you leave the Schengen Area for the second time, you no longer have the right to go back, even if you have not spent all of the days you were permitted to remain there. However, if you have obtained a double-entry visa more than once, and you are a frequent traveller to the Schengen zone, you are more likely to be granted a multiple-entry visa, as explained below.

Multiple-entry Visa

A multiple-entry visa allows its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as many times as he or she wants, as soon as they do not violate the 90/180 rule.

Single-entry Schengen Visa vs Multiple-entry Schengen Visa – What is the Difference between a Single-entry and a Multiple-entry Schengen Visa?

A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter a Schengen Area only once for a certain period of time. Once you leave the Schengen Area you entered the visa validity expires, even if the time period allowed to stay in the Schengen Area is not over yet, while a Multiple-entry visa allows its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as pleased.

Multiple-entry Visa Categories

Based on how frequently you travel to the Schengen zone, you may apply and obtain one of the following multiple-entry visa types:

1-year Multiple-entry Visa

3-year Multiple-entry Visa

5-year Multiple-entry Visa

1-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa

You can obtain this visa provided that you have obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years. When you apply for this visa, you will need to show proof of your previous visas and the trips you made to the Schengen Zone.

The 1-year MEV visa gives you the right to enter the Schengen Zone as many times as you want, as long as you do not remain more than 90 days within this period.

3-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa

The 3-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is granted to applicants who have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for one year within the previous two years.

This visa gives the right to its holder to enter the Schengen Area as many times as they wish within a period of three years. However, even in this case, the visa holder is limited to remaining in the EU for no longer than 90 days within a 180-day period.

5-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa

5-year multiple entry Schengen visa is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years.

This visa permits you to enter 27 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.

1-year, 3-year and 5-year Multiple-entry visas are the categories of Multiple-entry Visa, sub-categories of Type C Visa and sub-sub-categories of Uniform Schengen Visa Type. Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Visas are the categories of Type C Visa and sub-categories of Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) Type. Types A and C are the categories of the Uniform Schengen Visa Type.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

Schengen Visa Types – Limited Territorial Validity Visa: Schengen Visa Images/Photos: 3. A photo image of Schengen LTV Visa. Photo credit: Best Citizenships. 

This type of visa obtained allows you to travel only in the Schengen State that has issued the visa or in some other cases, in the certain Schengen States specifically mentioned when applying for the visa. Apart from these Schengen countries, this specific visa is invalid to any other Schengen country not specified prior. The holder of this type of visa cannot enter or transit through any other Schengen country that is not the first and final destination target. This type of visa is issued in very peculiar cases such as a humanitarian reasons or under international obligation as an exception to the common USV system.

This type of visa may apply to individuals who don’t possess a valid travel document yet have to travel to a Schengen area in an emergency of any kind.

National (Type D) Visas

The national visa of the Type “D” category is granted to certain individuals who are to be studying, working or permanently residing in one of the Schengen countries. The national visa can be of a single entry, granted to people who are in need of residing in the Schengen country for a certain period of time and for a sole purpose after which they shall return to their country. On the other hand, a multi-entry national visa is also granted for certain individuals, allowing their holder to travel in and out of this Schengen country as he/she pleases and also travel throughout the whole Schengen area without additional visa requirements.

Multi-entry National Visa Eligibility

In order to obtain a multi-entry national visa, one must meet certain criteria:

• An international student program will grant a visa for a period of not more than one year.
• An international student that is about to start a full course of studies in one of the Schengen countries. Again the visa is issued for a period of one year with the possibility of extending it.
• A pedagogical work at a higher institution or research centre in any of the Schengen countries, regarding the person and its close family members.
• A professional who is travelling in any of the Schengen countries due to its expertise be it a sportsman, an artist or any other professional of its kind with the purpose of sharing its expertise.
• Emergency cases a medical condition that prevents the individual leave the Schengen Area at the designated time frame.

Schengen Visa Types Validity

Schengen Visa Validity: Schengen Visa Images/Photos: A photo of a Schengen visa type revealing the validity (valid date). Photo credit: Schengen Visa.

Schengen Visa Validity

Schengen Visa Validity is the period of time from which to which you can use your visa to enter and stay in the Schengen area/zone. Visa Validity – on the other hand, is the period of time from which to which you can use your visa to enter and stay in the Schengen Area.

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) Validity

The Uniform Schengen Visas validity is a maximum 90 days validity every six-month period (180 day) starting from the date of entry (90/180 Rule) – a period of three months within 180 days, which is, 90 days limit per each 180-day period)

Type A Schengen Visa Validity

Type A Schengen visa validity is a period of three months within 180 days.(that is, 90 days limit per each 180-day period)

Type C Schengen Visa Validity:

Type C Schengen visa validity is a period of three months within 180 days or .(that is, 90 days limit per each 180-day period)

Single-entry Schengen Visa Validity: Not fixed

The validity of your single-entry visa is not fixed but depends on the number of days you stated you are going to be in the Schengen zone on your Schengen visa application form and the actual decision of the consulate that issues you the Schengen visa.

Double-entry Schengen Visa Validity: Not fixed

The validity of your double-entry visa is not fixed but depends on the embassy. The embassy appoints the number of days you are permitted to stay in any of the Schengen countries, as well as the first date you are permitted to enter Schengen and the last day that you are permitted to remain.

Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

Multiple-entry Schengen Visa validity is a maximum of 90 days in every six-month period starting from the date of entry. a period of 90 days (three months) within 180 days.(that is, 90 days limit per each 180-day period)

1-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

The 1-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa validity is a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period of time valid for 1 year.

3-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

The 3-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa validity is a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period of time valid for3 years.

5-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa Validity

The 5-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa validity is a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period of time valid for a maximum of 5 years.

Schengen Limited Territorial Visa Validity

The validity of Schengen Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas is determined based on the specific circumstances and purpose of travel.

Schengen National Visas or Type D Schengen Visa Validity

The validity of Schengen National Visas or Type D Schengen Visa varies depending on the individual’s circumstances and the regulations of the issuing country.

Schengen Visa Duration of Stay

Schengen Visa Duration of Stay is the maximum of days you are permitted to remain in the Schengen. The first day you enter Schengen is counted as “Day 1 whereas, the “Last Day” is counted as the day you leave Schengen.

Schengen Visa Types and Categories Duration of Stay

The duration of stay of the following Schengen visas and categories – Uniform Schengen Visas (USV), Type A Schengen, Type C Schengen Visa, Single-entry Schengen Visa, Double-entry Schengen Visa, Multiple-entry Visa, 1-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa, 3-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa and 5-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa, Schengen Limited Territorial Validity Visa, Schengen National Visas (Type D) Schengen Visa, are all tied to their validities.

Schengen Visa Extension of Stay

Schengen visa extension of stay is the extension of the number of days for Schengen short-stay visa for the applicant to stay longer than earlier approved.

Short-stay Schengen visa extensions are permitted by the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EC) No. 810/2009 of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Journal of Laws of the EU of 2009 L243/1). However, you will have a very low chance to get one, if you do not have a strong reason as the basis of your application.

According to the Schengen visa policy, acceptable reasons to extend a Schengen short-stay visa are only the following:

• Late Entry
• Humanitarian Reasons
• Force Majeure
• Important Personal Reasons

Schengen Visa Types Requirements and Travel Documents

Schengen Visa Requirements: Schengen Images/Photos: 5. A photo of Schengen visa type requirements. Photo credit: Schengen Visa.

To gain entry into the area using Schengen visa with any visa type, you will have to present several documents at the Schengen port of entry as part of the Schengen visa types requirements if you are a national from the list of eligible countries for Schengen countries (that is, if you are a national of one of the third countries needing a Schengen visa), regardless if you are a visa-exempt or not.

The Schengen visa documents you need to provide when entering the Schengen area are as follows:

• Valid Passport. Issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
• Schengen Visa. .

Other Schengen Visa Types Requirements and Travel Documents

EU/Schengen border officials may also ask for other required documents such as sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, how long you intend to stay, round-trip airline ticket, the purpose of your entry, travel insurance, invitation letter, etc.

Additional Schengen Visa Types Requirements and Travel Documents for National Visas (Type D Visas)

The national visa or Type “D” visa category is granted to certain individuals who are to be studying (Schengen student visa), working (Schengen working visa) or permanently residing in one of the Schengen countries.

Other Schengen visa types requirements are those of students and working visa.

Schengen Student Visa Requirements

The additional required visa documents to obtain a Schengen Student visa are:

• Two application forms instead of one.
• Letter of acceptance at an EU University/College/School.
• Proof of financial means. Documents that show one is able to reside and financially maintain him/herself during their stay in the Schengen area.

Schengen Working Visa Requirements

The additional required visa documents to obtain a Schengen Working visa are:

• Two visa application forms
• Employment contract. A contract between the applicant and the future employer residing in the Schengen territory.

Watch Video: Schengen Visa Types

Quick Links: Schengen Visa Types

Schengen Visa Types

Single-entry Visa

Double-entry Visa

Multiple-entry Visa

How to Extend a Schengen Visa?

How to apply for an extension of the Schengen visa

Conclusion: Schengen Visa Types

In general, in conclusion of Schengen visa types, the validity of Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Type A & Type C Schengen Visas, Multiple-entry Visas – 1-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa, 3-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa and 5-year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa have a maximum period of 90 days (three months) within 180 days (six months), but the validity of Single-entry and Double-entry Type C Schengen Visas and Schengen Limited territorial Validity Visa, Schengen National Visas or Type D Schengen Visa are not fixed and depend on the duration and purpose of travel and visit.

This blog content on ‘Schengen Visa Types – Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Type A & Type C – Single-entry, Double-entry and Multiple-entry Visas, Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visas – Categories, Validity, Duration of Stay, Extension of Stay, Requirements’ is categorized under Schengen Visa Types in EU Visa and Migration

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