Schengen Visa Enquiry

First Schengen Destination (which country will you visit first)?

Are you applying as an individual or for a group?

Visa type

The Type C Schengen Visa, commonly known as the “short-stay” or “tourist” visa, is the most widely used visa for Europe. It’s easy to see why as it allows travelers to visit and stay in one or all Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If you’re planning to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, you’ll need to get a Type D visa, also known as the “long-stay” or “national” visa. This visa typically allows you to stay in the specific Schengen country for up to one year, though the exact duration can vary depending on the country and the purpose of your stay, like work, study, or family reunification. Some countries may allow extensions or renewals, but you’d need to check with the specific country’s authorities for their rules.

How will you use your visa?

Number of trips to the Schengen area?

What kind of passport do you hold?

Do you hold a United Kingdom Visa?

Enter your details

Your Circumstances

Request a Callback

Name
Phone
The form has been submitted successfully!
There has been some error while submitting the form. Please verify all form fields again.

Schengen Visa – Everything You Need to Know

The Schengen Visa lets you visit many European countries with just one visa. It is perfect for holidays, business trips, visiting family, or short study courses.

This page will explain:

  • What the Schengen Visa is
  • Which countries are in the Schengen Area
  • Types of Schengen Visas
  • How long you can stay
  • How many times you can enter
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows travel between 26 countries in Europe that have no internal borders. Once you enter one of these countries, you can travel to the others without showing your passport at each border.

Which Countries Are in the Schengen Area?

Here are the Schengen countries you can visit with a Schengen Visa:

🇦🇹 Austria
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇫🇮 Finland

🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇬🇷 Greece
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇮🇹 Italy
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein

🇱🇹 Lithuania
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇲🇹 Malta
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇳🇴 Norway
🇵🇱 Poland
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇷🇴 Romania

🇸🇰 Slovakia
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇪🇸 Spain
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇨🇭 Switzerland

⚠️ Important Note:
Romania and Bulgaria joined fully in January 2025.
Ireland and Cyprus are NOT part of the Schengen Area.
You will need a separate visa if you plan to visit these countries.

Types of Schengen Visas

Depending on why you are travelling, you can apply for one of the following:

🏖 Tourist Visa

For holidays, sightseeing, or exploring different countries.

💼 Business Visa

For attending meetings, conferences, or work events (not for employment).

👪 Family or Friends Visit Visa

If you are visiting people who live in a Schengen country.

✈️ Transit Visa

For changing planes in a Schengen airport on your way to another country.

🏥 Medical Visa

For receiving short-term medical treatment in Europe.

📚 Short-Term Study Visa

For courses, training, or exams lasting less than 90 days.

How Long Can You Stay? (Visa Length)

The standard Schengen Visa lets you stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means:

  • You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days (3 months)
  • After that, you must leave and cannot return for another 90 days

This is often called the “90/180 rule”. It applies even if you visit multiple countries.

Example:
If you arrive on 1 January and stay 60 days, you must leave by 1 March.
You can only return after 31 March if you stayed exactly 60 days.

You may be granted a visa for less than 90 days depending on your travel plans.

Single, Double, or Multiple Entry Visas

Your Schengen Visa may allow:

✅ Single Entry

You can enter the Schengen Area once only. If you leave, your visa ends, even if 90 days is not over.

✅✅ Double Entry

You can enter twice. After your second exit, the visa becomes invalid.

🔁 Multiple Entry

You can enter and leave as many times as you want within the visa validity period, but still only stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Make sure you check your visa sticker for the number of entries allowed.

Schengen Visa – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long can I stay in Europe with a Schengen Visa?
You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

2. Can I visit more than one country with this visa?
Yes! You can visit any of the 26 Schengen countries.

3. What is the difference between single, double, and multiple entry visas?
Single = 1 visit.
Double = 2 visits.
Multiple = unlimited visits (within the allowed timeframe).

4. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it must cover at least €30,000 for emergencies and be valid in all Schengen countries.

5. Can I work in Europe with this visa?
No. The Schengen Visa is for visiting only, not for working.

6. Can I study in Europe with this visa?
Only for short courses (less than 90 days). For longer study, you need a national student visa.

7. Is the UK part of the Schengen Area?
No. The UK has its own visa system.

8. What happens if I overstay my visa?
You could be fined, banned from returning, or even deported. Always follow the rules.

9. Can I visit Romania or Ireland with a Schengen Visa?
No. These countries are not in the Schengen Zone. You need a separate visa.

10. Can children apply for a Schengen Visa?
Yes. Children must have their own visa, with help from a parent or guardian.

Need help understanding your visa options?
Contact our team for friendly support and expert guidance on Schengen travel.