The Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during the validity period of the visa. A Schengen visa with multiple entries is particularly useful for travelers who plan to visit several countries within the Schengen Area during their trip. It allows them to move freely between these countries without applying for a separate visa each time. This type of visa is typically issued for longer periods ranging from six months to five years depending on the purpose of the visit and the traveler's circumstances.
However, it's worth noting that a Schengen visa with multiple entries does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area, as border officials have the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not meet the entry requirements. Therefore, it's important for travelers to carefully plan their trip and ensure they have all the necessary documentation to support their application for a Schengen visa.
To know more about Schengen Visa, continue reading!
UNIFORM SCHENGEN VISAS (USV) AND ITS TYPES
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) is a type of visa issued to non-EU nationals who intend to travel to the Schengen Area for short-term stays, such as for tourism, business, or family visits. These visas allow holders to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days.
There are two types of Uniform Schengen Visas:
Single-entry visa: This type of visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area only once for the duration of their approved stay. Once they leave the Schengen Area, they cannot re-enter using the same visa.
Double-entry visa: This type of visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area twice during the visa's validity period. This type of visa is useful for travelers who plan to leave the Schengen Area for a short period and then return. Once the holder has used both entries, the visa becomes invalid.
Multiple-entry visa: This type of visa allows the holder to enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times within the validity period of their visa. The validity of this visa can range from six months to five years, depending on the purpose of the visit and the traveler's circumstances.
MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA
The 90/180 restriction does not apply to holders of multiple-entry visas. Thus they are free to travel in and out of the Schengen Area as often as they choose.
You may apply for and get one of the following multiple-entry visas to the Schengen area, depending on how often you want to visit.
1-year multiple-entry visa
3-year multiple-entry visa
5-year multiple-entry visa
Multiple entry Schengen visa valid for one year
You may apply for this visa if you have successfully received and used three visas during the past two years. Proof of prior visas and travels to the Schengen Zone will be required when applying for this visa.
With an MEV visa valid for a year, you may enter and leave the Schengen Area as often as you want, but for at most 90 days total.
Schengen visa valid for 3 years, multiple entries
Those who have received and legitimately utilized a one-year MEV during the last two years are eligible to apply for the three-year MEV.
The bearer of this visa may visit the Schengen Area as often as they want for three years. Even with this visa, however, a visitor may spend up to 90 days in the EU in any 180 days.
Schengen visa valid for 5 years, multiple entries
Anyone who has received and legitimately utilized a multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years during the last three years is eligible to apply for a 5-year MEV.
With this visa, you may visit any of the 27 European nations as much as you want for five years, as long as you stay within the 90/180-day limit.
HOW AND WHERE TO GET A MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA
If you're planning to visit multiple countries in the Schengen area, you may need to apply for a Schengen multiple-entry visa. Here's how you can apply:
Visit VisaHQ to apply for a Schengen visa for the specific country you plan to visit.
Select your country of citizenship and your travel destination within the Schengen area.
Fill out the visa application form for that country and gather all the required documents, such as your passport, travel itinerary, and proof of insurance.
Submit your application and supporting documents to a reputable office where you can submit your visa application such as the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting or a Visa Application Center like VisaHQ.
Set up a delivery appointment once your application is processed and ready for pick up.
Attend the interview at the embassy or consulate where you will respond to inquiries about your purpose for visiting the country.