Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

If you have spent any time researching Schengen visas, you probably know by now that there are several different categories and types of visas allowing a degree of access to the Schengen area including multiple entry Schengen visa. If you are one of the would-be Schengen visa applicants who is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Schengen visa terminology – don’t be discouraged! The process can at times seem overly complex. The purpose of today’s blog is therefore to reduce some of the confusion surrounding one of the Schengen visa types: a multiple entry Schengen visa. Read on for critical information about the Schengen multiple entry visa, the Schengen visa fee for multiple entry, and to learn the definitive answer to the question “what is multiple entry Schengen visa?”.

What is a Multiple Entry Visa?

The quick answer to the question “what is a multiple entry visa,” is that it’s a type of Schengen visa that allows you to enter the Schengen area as many times as you want during your visa validity period. However, in order to really understand what “is multiple entry Schengen visa,” it’s important to first understand the various categories and types of Schengen visas in general. 

Schengen Visa Categories

• There are two main categories of Schengen visas: Uniform Schengen Visas (USVs) and Limited Territorial Visas (LTVs). 
• Uniform Schengen Visas allow you to access the whole Schengen area; all 26 Member States. 
• Limited Territorial Visas, in contrast, restrict your access to an individual state or states. For example, an LTV for France would only allow you to enter France, rather than any of the other 25 Member States
• Multiple entry Schengen visas are ONLY obtainable for Uniform Schengen Visas.

Schengen Visa Types

• There are, broadly, two main types of Schengen visas: Airport Transit (Type A) and Short Stay (Type C). 
• (Type A) Airport Transit visas are used exclusively by those who need to pass through airports located in the Schengen area. 
• Short Stay visas (Type C) allow you to enter and remain in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. 
• Multiple entry Schengen visas are obtainable exclusively for Short Stay (Type C) visas. 

Schengen Visa Purposes

• Another type of Schengen visa refers to the visa holder’s purpose for travelling. There are therefore several different purpose types you can select as your reason for travelling. 
• Schengen visa purpose types include Business Schengen visas, Medical Schengen visas, Cultural Schengen visas, and Visiting Family and Friends visas (click here for a full list of Schengen visa types). 
• Multiple entry Schengen visas are obtainable for all types of purposes. 

In Summary:

• You can get a Schengen multiple entry visa ONLY for Uniform Schengen Visas. 
• Multiple entry Schengen visas are available ONLY for Short Stay (Type C) visas 
• You can get a multiple entry Schengen visa for all types of Schengen purposes (Business, medical, etc). 

Entries to the Schengen Area 

• Once you’ve selected your Schengen visa type and purpose, you can decide how many entries you need to the Schengen area. 
• There are three Schengen visa entry types:
  • Single Entry Schengen visa 
    • Allows you just one entry to the Schengen area. 
    • Once you enter the Schengen area on a single-entry visa, you cannot leave the area again unless you want your visa to be invalidated and you are ok with not being able to return.
    • Therefore, if you enter the Schengen area on a single-entry visa only to exit the area sometime during your visa validity period, you will not be allowed back into the area-even if you still have time left on your visa. 
    • In this way, you are only allowed one, “single” entry to the Schengen area on a single-entry Schengen visa. 
    • For example, say you had a single-entry Schengen visa to France. If you entered France and spent 30 days there, and then left the area to fly back home, you would not be able to reenter the Schengen area-even though you still theoretically would have 60 days left on your visa. 
  • Double Entry Schengen Visa 
    • Allows you two entries to the Schengen area. 
    • Once you enter the Schengen area on a double-entry visa, you CAN leave the area and re-enter it again during your visa validity period. 
    • However, if you enter the Schengen area, leave the Schengen area, enter it again, and leave it for a second time, you will at that point not be allowed back into the Schengen area (for what would theoretically be your third entry), even if you still have more time left on you visa validity period. 
    • For example, if you had a double-entry Schengen visa to France, you could enter France, spend 30 days there, leave France to fly home, and be allowed back into the country for your second entry. However, if having entered France twice, you exited the Schengen area for a third time, you would not be allowed back into to France (or to any country in the Schengen area) even if you still had time left on your visa. 
  • Multiple Entry Schengen visa
    • Unlimited entries to the Schengen area.
    • See below for detailed information on multiple entry Schengen visas.

Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

• A multiple entry Schengen visa is therefore one of three types of Schengen entry visas. 
• A multiple entry Schengen visas is a type of visa allowing you to enter and exit the Schengen area an unlimited number of times during your visa validity period. 
• By allowing unlimited entries, a multiple Schengen visa is therefore in contrast to the single-entry Schengen visa as well as the double entry Schengen visa, both of which restrict the number of times you can enter and leave the area. 
• A multiple entry Schengen visa would therefore allow you to enter the Schengen area, leave the Schengen area, and re-enter it again as many times as you want during your visa validity period. In this way, a multiple entry Schengen visa is the most flexible and coveted Schengen visa. 
• For example, if you had a multiple entry Schengen visa for France, you could enter France and leave the Schengen area as many times as you wanted during your visa validity period. 
• Please don’t be confused: a multiple entry Schengen visa refers specifically to the number of times you can enter and return to the Schengen area. It does NOT have anything to do with the territory you are able to enter. A multiple entry Schengen visa is therefore not a Schengen visa for multiple countries (a Schengen visa for multiple countries would be a uniform visa, which gives you access to multiple (all) countries in the Schengen area). 
• Remember, if you have a multiple entry visa, you must be certain to obtain travel health insurance for, at minimum, the first period in which you will be present in the Schengen area

Schengen Visa Fee for Multiple Entry

• Schengen visas of all different categories, kinds, and types all cost the same. 
• For example, a Schengen double-entry visa costs the same as a multiple entry visa; visas that allow fewer entries are the same price as those allowing more entries. 
• The basic price for a multiple Schengen visa is therefore €80 (click here for more information on Schengen visa costs).

Answers to basic questions about multiple entry visas:

• How long is a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for? 
  • 90 days within a 180-day period. Remember that all Short Term (type C) visas are valid for access to the Schengen for the same duration (90 days). 

• How much does a multiple-entry Schengen visa cost?

  • €80. Remember that all Schengen visas cost the same amount of money. Even though a multiple-entry visa allows you more flexibility, it is no more expensive than single or double entry visas. 

• Is a multiple-entry visa hard to get?

  • Somewhat. However, because it allows you to travel in and out of the Schengen area, someone who applies for a multiple-entry visa could theoretically be more scrutinized during the application process in comparison to someone who applies for a single entry. 

• Who needs a multiple entry visa?

  • You will need a multiple entry Schengen visa if you plan on travelling in and out of the Schengen area more than two times throughout your visa validity period. 
  • Multiple entry visas are a good fit for people who are flying back and forth for businesses purposes between their home country and the Schengen area, or for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about the number of times they can enter and leave the Schengen area. 
  • In summary, a multiple-entry Schengen visa provides peace of mind for travelers who want unlimited access to going in and out of the Schengen area. 

• Who is eligible for a multiple entry visa?

  • Anyone who needs a Schengen visa in order to enter the Schengen area, fulfills the Schengen visa requirements, has a valid passport, and is in good standing with the law is eligible to apply for a multiple entry visa to the Schengen area.