When applying for a Schengen Visa, understanding the different entry types—Single, Double, or Multiple Entry Schengen Visa—is crucial for planning your travel.
You must select the type of entry you need based on your travel plans. These entry types determine how many times you can enter and exit the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity.
1. Single-Entry Schengen Visa
- Definition: Allows you to enter the Schengen Area only once. After leaving, you cannot re-enter, even if your visa is still valid.
- Use Case: Best for travelers with one trip planned, such as a week-long vacation in France.
- Example:
- You fly to Germany, spend two weeks exploring, and then return home. Once you exit the Schengen Area, your visa becomes invalid.
2. Double-Entry Schengen Visa
- Definition: Allows you to enter the Schengen Area twice. After your second exit, the visa is no longer valid, even if the validity period hasn’t expired.
- Best For: Travelers visiting the Schengen Area with plans to leave and return once.
- Example:
- You visit Spain, then travel to Morocco (a non-Schengen country), and return to Spain to continue your trip before flying home.
3. Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
- Definition: Allows unlimited entries into the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity period, provided you do not exceed 90 days of stay within any 180-day period.
- Best For: Frequent travelers visiting multiple times within the visa’s validity period.
- Example:
- You visit Italy in March, leave for the UK, return to Germany in April, and then travel to Greece in June. A multiple-entry visa ensures seamless travel for all these trips.
How to Choose the Right Visa Type
- Single Entry: Ideal for a one-time vacation or business trip.
- Double Entry: Suitable for trips requiring one re-entry, such as visiting nearby non-Schengen countries.
- Multiple Entry: Perfect for frequent or long-term travelers, such as business professionals or tourists with multiple plans.
Note: By understanding these types, you can select the entry option that best fits your travel itinerary and avoid unnecessary complications.
Countries That Require a Schengen Visa
If you are a citizen of any of the following countries, you need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Europe:
| Country | Continent |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Asia |
| Algeria | Africa |
| Angola | Africa |
| Armenia | Asia |
| Azerbaijan | Asia |
| Bahrain | Asia |
| Bangladesh | Asia |
| Belarus | Europe |
| Belize | North America |
| Benin | Africa |
| Bhutan | Asia |
| Bolivia | South America |
| Botswana | Africa |
| Burkina Faso | Africa |
| Burundi | Africa |
| Cambodia | Asia |
| Cameroon | Africa |
| Cape Verde | Africa |
| Central African Republic | Africa |
| Chad | Africa |
| China | Asia |
| Comoros | Africa |
| Congo (Brazzaville) | Africa |
| Congo (Kinshasa) | Africa |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Africa |
| Cuba | North America |
| Djibouti | Africa |
| Dominican Republic | North America |
| Ecuador | South America |
| Egypt | Africa |
| Equatorial Guinea | Africa |
| Eritrea | Africa |
| Ethiopia | Africa |
| Fiji | Oceania |
| Gabon | Africa |
| Gambia | Africa |
| Ghana | Africa |
| Guinea | Africa |
| Guinea-Bissau | Africa |
| Guyana | South America |
| Haiti | North America |
| India | Asia |
| Indonesia | Asia |
| Iran | Asia |
| Iraq | Asia |
| Jamaica | North America |
| Jordan | Asia |
| Kazakhstan | Asia |
| Kenya | Africa |
| Kuwait | Asia |
| Kyrgyzstan | Asia |
| Laos | Asia |
| Lebanon | Asia |
| Lesotho | Africa |
| Liberia | Africa |
| Libya | Africa |
| Madagascar | Africa |
| Malawi | Africa |
| Maldives | Asia |
| Mali | Africa |
| Mauritania | Africa |
| Mongolia | Asia |
| Morocco | Africa |
| Mozambique | Africa |
| Myanmar | Asia |
| Namibia | Africa |
| Nepal | Asia |
| Niger | Africa |
| Nigeria | Africa |
| North Korea | Asia |
| Oman | Asia |
| Pakistan | Asia |
| Papua New Guinea | Oceania |
| Philippines | Asia |
| Qatar | Asia |
| Russia | Europe |
| Rwanda | Africa |
| Saudi Arabia | Asia |
| Senegal | Africa |
| Sierra Leone | Africa |
| Somalia | Africa |
| South Africa | Africa |
| South Sudan | Africa |
| Sri Lanka | Asia |
| Sudan | Africa |
| Suriname | South America |
| Syria | Asia |
| Tajikistan | Asia |
| Tanzania | Africa |
| Thailand | Asia |
| Togo | Africa |
| Tunisia | Africa |
| Turkey | Europe/Asia |
| Turkmenistan | Asia |
| Uganda | Africa |
| Uzbekistan | Asia |
| Vietnam | Asia |
| Yemen | Asia |
| Zambia | Africa |
| Zimbabwe | Africa |
For a complete and updated list, visit the EU visa policy website.
FAQs
What is a Single Entry Schengen Visa?
A Single Entry Schengen Visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area only once. Once you leave, you cannot re-enter, even if the visa is still valid.
What is a Double Entry Schengen Visa?
A Double Entry Schengen Visa permits you to enter the Schengen Area twice during its validity. After your second exit, the visa becomes invalid.
What is a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?
A Multiple Entry Schengen Visa allows unlimited entries into the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity period, as long as you respect the 90/180-day rule.
Can I upgrade my Single Entry Visa to a Multiple Entry Visa?
No, you cannot upgrade a Single Entry Visa. You must reapply and specify Multiple Entry if needed.
What is the validity period for a Multiple Entry Visa?
It can vary from six months to five years, depending on the issuing country and your travel history.
Is the visa type related to the 90/180-day rule?
Yes, all entry types (Single, Double, or Multiple) are subject to the rule: you cannot stay more than 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
Can I travel to non-Schengen countries with a Schengen Visa?
No, the visa is valid only for Schengen member states. However, some countries allow entry if you hold a valid Schengen Visa (e.g., Albania, Montenegro).
What happens if I overstay on a Single or Multiple Entry Visa?
Overstaying can lead to penalties, deportation, and bans from re-entering the Schengen Area in the future.
How can I check if my visa is Single, Double, or Multiple Entry?
The entry type is specified on the visa sticker under the label “Number of Entries.” It will state “1” for Single, “2” for Double, and “MULT” for Multiple Entry.
