What Is A Multiple Entry Schengen Visa? How Can We Get It?

A multiple-entry Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows its holder to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times within the visa’s validity period. The Schengen area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders, allowing people to move freely between them.

A multiple-entry Schengen visa is particularly useful for travelers who plan to visit several Schengen countries within a single trip or for those who need to make frequent trips to the Schengen area over a longer period of time. With this type of visa, the holder can enter and exit the Schengen area as many times as they need, as long as their visa remains valid and they comply with the entry requirements of each Schengen country they visit.

The validity period of a multiple-entry Schengen visa varies depending on the issuing authority and the purpose of the visa. It can range from a few months to several years, and the duration of each stay within the Schengen area may also be limited, depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the holder.

Types of Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

There are several types of multiple-entry Schengen visas, each with its own specific requirements and conditions. Some of the most common types include:

Tourist visa: This type of visa is intended for travelers visiting the Schengen area for tourism or other non-business purposes. It may be issued for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

Business visa: travelers visiting the Schengen area for business purposes will need a business visa to stay in the area, such as attending conferences or meetings. It may also be issued for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

Student visa: students who will be studying in the Schengen area for a period of more than 90 days will need a multiple-entry Schengen visa. The officer may issue it for the duration of the student’s academic program, up to a maximum of one year.

Work visa: If you will be working in the Schengen area for a period of more than 90 days, you’ll need a multiple-entry work visa. It may be issued for the duration of the work contract, up to a maximum of one year.

Residence visa: travelers who will be residing in the Schengen area for a period of more than 90 days, such as family members of EU citizens or individuals who have received long-term residency permits. The visa officers may issue you a Multiple Schengen Entry Visa for the duration of the intended stay, up to a maximum of five years.

It’s important to note that the conditions and requirements for each type of multiple-entry Schengen visa may vary depending on the issuing country, and applicants should consult the relevant consulate or embassy for specific information.

How Can You Apply For A Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?

To apply for a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa, you would need to follow these steps:

Determine the purpose of your travel: Before applying for a Multiple Entry Schengen visa, it is important to determine the purpose of your trip. You may be traveling for tourism, business, or visiting family or friends.

Check if you need a visa: Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. You can check the Schengen Visa Multiple-Entry requirements on the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Find the embassy or consulate: Once you have determined that you need a visa, find the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you plan to spend most of your time. If you plan to spend equal time in multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will first arrive.

Collect the required documents: The documents that you’ll need for a Schengen visa application may vary depending on the embassy or consulate. However, in general, you will need a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, proof of accommodation or hotel bookings, travel insurance, flight reservation for visa application, and evidence of financial means to cover your stay.

Schedule an appointment: Most Schengen embassies and consulates require you to schedule an appointment before submitting your visa application. You can usually do this online or by phone.

Attend the visa interview: You will need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate where you will submit your application. The interview will usually be brief and may cover your travel plans, the purpose of your trip, and your financial situation.

Pay the visa fee: There is a fee for a Schengen visa application, which may vary depending on the embassy or consulate. You will need to pay the fee when you submit your application.

Wait for the visa to be processed: The processing time for a Schengen visa can vary, but it usually takes between 10 and 15 working days. If you are applying for a multiple-entry visa, it may take longer.

Once you receive your Schengen visa, you will be able to enter and exit the Schengen area as many times as you like during the validity period of your visa.