Before planning your next trip to the European nations, understand the types of Schengen visa available for you and how each one works. Choosing the correct visa type can help you walk out your trip itinerary effortlessly, whether you are planning a single holiday, attending business meetings, or travelling frequently for work. Additionally, knowing the different visa types can help smooth your visa application experience. In this guide, we have broken down each category, with simple definitions, real-world examples, and clarity on single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry rules, so your journey becomes hassle-free.
What Is a Schengen Visa and Who Needs One
Before applying for a Schengen visa, you must know what the Schengen visa actually means, which countries require you to apply for such a visa, and other such details.
The Schengen zone primarily covers 29 European countries that allow border-free travel. A visa for these countries will help you to move freely across these nations without repeated immigration checks. Now, most non-EU nationals, including the UAE and Indian passport holders, require a Schengen visa to enter this zone.
Only your purpose of travel can help determine the visa category, duration of stay, and number of allowed entries.
Main Types of Schengen Visa - A Complete Overview
As mentioned, a sound knowledge of the common types of Schengen visa will help you select the correct category depending on your reason for travelling.
The following section walks you through each visa type, with simple examples and helpful notes.
Type A Visa – Airport Transit Visa
The Type A Schengen Visa allows travellers to transit through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen area. It does not permit crossing passport control or leaving the airport.
Who can apply
- Travellers from countries that require an airport transit visa.
- Passengers who need to switch between flights at a Schengen airport on their way to a non-Schengen destination.
Why travellers choose it
- This visa is needed for brief airport layovers.
- Additionally, a smooth transit is possible through major European hubs without full entry clearance.
Best for
Travellers transiting through airports such as Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, or Munich without leaving the international transit area.
Type B Visa – Transit Visa (Now Merged with Type C)
The Type B visa previously allowed short land transit through Schengen countries. This category has now been discontinued and merged into the Type C short-stay visa.
Who can apply
- Travelers need to pass through Schengen countries by road or rail to reach a non-Schengen destination.
Why travellers choose it
- Necessary for overland travel routes crossing Schengen territory
Best for
Travellers transiting through Schengen countries by car or train, who now apply for a Type C short-stay visa instead.
Type C Visa – Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Most Common)
The Schengen Visa Type C is deemed the most commonly issued visa. This particular visa enables a tourist to stretch their stay up to 90 days, but they have to return to their native place within 180 days. It is applicable for numerous short-term visits.
Who can apply
- Tourists
- Business professionals
- Individuals visiting family or friends
- Patients seeking medical treatment
- Attendees of conferences, exhibitions, or short-term courses
Why travellers choose it
- Flexible usage for multiple travel purposes
- Valid across all Schengen member states
Best for
Short-term travel such as holidays, business meetings, family visits, medical appointments, and professional events.
Single-, Double-, and Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas
A Schengen visa also defines how many times you can enter the Schengen area during its validity.
Single-Entry Schengen Visa
Allows one-time entry into the Schengen zone. Once you exit, the visa becomes invalid, even if days remain.
Who can apply
- First-time applicants
- Travellers with a fixed itinerary
Why travellers choose it
- Because it has a simple approval process.
Best for
This visa is ideal for tourists planning a short solo or family trip, and/or family visits with no plans to exit and re-enter.
Double-Entry Schengen Visa
This visa permits two entries into the Schengen area within the visa validity period.
Who can apply
- Travellers with planned exit and re-entry
Why travellers choose it
- Flexibility for itineraries involving non-Schengen countries
Best for
Travellers visiting nearby non-Schengen destinations such as the UK or Albania during the same trip.
Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
This visa allows unlimited entries into the Schengen area, provided the traveller follows the 90/180-day rule.
Who can apply
- Frequent travellers with strong travel history
Why travellers choose it
- This visa will eliminate any possibility of re-applying for a visa in the future.
Best for
Business travellers, family visitors, and individuals requiring frequent travel across Europe can avail this visa.
5. The 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
A long-term visa that allows unlimited travel across Schengen countries for up to five years, while still respecting the 90/180-day stay limit.
Why travellers prefer it
- This visa offers long-term convenience with fewer applications
- It is deemed a cost-effective solution for frequent travellers
- This visa is ideal for professionals and regular visitors
Who is eligible
You are more likely to receive a 5-year multiple-entry visa if you:
- Have a strong and compliant travel history
- Provide complete financial and employment documentation
- Have no past visa violations
- Demonstrate genuine travel intent and timely returns
How to Choose the Right Type of Schengen Visa
Several factors determine the proper visa that you need for your European tour. That can be your travel frequency, purpose, documentation, and so on.
Here’s a quick breakdown of these factors:
Decide based on your travel purpose.
- For tourism or short business trips, a type C Schengen visa is ideal.
- For medical visits or academic purposes, apply for a type C visa. However, your documents must clearly mention the reason for your visit.
Decide based on the number of entries.
This can depend on the frequency of your visits, for example:
- Single-entry visa, which is best for a fixed, one-time travel plan.
- Double-entry visa, which is suitable for multi-country itineraries involving non-Schengen stops.
- A multiple-entry visa, which is ideal if you expect multiple EU visits in a year.
Conclusion
A proper visa application begins with understanding the type of Schengen visa best suited for your travel purpose. The visa type also directly helps tourists in getting the right kind of support for their travel plans. Your reason to travel to Europe can be numerous, like a short tourist stay, a business trip, or even long-term flexibility with a multi-year visa. The Schengen system, therefore, provides several options for every traveller to choose from and apply accordingly.
Only the proper category selection can help you to prepare complete documents before a visa application. This can prevent unnecessary delays, application rejection, and ensure a stress-free travel experience.
FAQs
1. What are the main types of Schengen visa?
Type A (airport transit) and Type C (short-stay up to 90 days) are the most common categories.
2. What is a Schengen visa Type C used for?
It is used for tourism, business, family visits, medical travel, and short academic events.
3. Can I travel multiple times with a Schengen visa?
Yes, if your visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa.
4. Who can get a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?
Travellers with a strong travel history, financial stability, and consistent compliance with visa rules.
5. Is a single-entry visa enough for tourism?
Yes, if your trip does not involve leaving the Schengen zone and returning.