One of the most significant advantages of the Schengen Visa is that it allows travelers to visit 29 countries in the Schengen Area with a single visa.
In this guide we will learn how a single Schengen visa works, what is require and how to apply.
How a Single Schengen Visa Works?
When you apply for a Schengen Visa, the visa is issued by the country that is:
- Your main destination (where you’ll spend the most time), or
- Your first point of entry (if you’re spending equal time in multiple countries).
Once you receive the visa, you can use it to travel to any or all of the Schengen member countries during your allowed stay, up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Example Scenarios
Example 1: Visiting France, Germany, and Italy
- You apply for your Schengen Visa at the French embassy because France is your main destination (you’ll spend 7 days there, compared to 3 days in Germany and 5 days in Italy).
- Once you enter France, you can travel freely to Germany and Italy without additional visas or border checks.
Example 2: Multiple Countries, Equal Time
- You’re planning a trip to Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, spending 5 days in each.
- You apply for your visa at the embassy of your first point of entry—Switzerland.
- After arriving in Switzerland, you can travel freely to Austria and Hungary without any additional requirements.
Example 3: Business and Tourism
- You have a business meeting in Netherlands for 3 days and then plan to visit Spain for 10 days of vacation.
- Since you’ll spend more time in Spain, you apply at the Spanish embassy. Once approved, your Schengen Visa allows you to visit both countries seamlessly.
Key Benefits of the Single Schengen Visa System
- Simplified Travel: No need to apply for separate visas for each country.
- Flexibility: Travel plans can include multiple countries without worrying about border formalities.
- Seamless Experience: Internal border controls between Schengen countries are abolished, creating a unified travel area.
Important Rules to Remember
- Main Destination Rule: Apply for the visa from the country where you’ll spend the most time.
- First Point of Entry Rule: If your time is equally divided, apply at the embassy of the country where you’ll enter first.
- Travel Limits: The total stay must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Border-Free Travel: While there are no internal border checks, you may still be asked to show identification, such as a passport, during your journey.
