What are the Schengen Visa Types?

Schengen members allow free movement to their citizens and visa holders in Schengen area. Citizens of Schengen area do not need a visa to travel in Schengen zone. Schengen area consist on 26 Europe Countries expect Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Cyprus, Belgium and the United Kingdom, these countries are not part of the Schengen area but in a short time, they will become a part of Schengen area else the United Kingdom. This article will highlight the Schengen visa types and all categories further with criteria and limitations.

According to the Visa Code (EU Regulation no. 810/2009)

There are three main Schengen visa types, which based on the purpose of visit.

UNIFORM SCHENGEN VISA (USV):

This Schengen visa type (USV) allows its holders to travel or for residence in the Schengen zone for a limited time period, maximum of 90 days every 6-month period starting from the time of arrival to Schengen area

According to the purpose of traveling USV available in three categories.

SCHENGEN VISA TYPE – CATEGORY A:

Category A based on Airport Transit Visa, it is important for travelers. Whotraveling from one non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country, has connecting flights within the Schengen state airport.

This Schengen visa category permits its holders to travel through the international zone without entering the Schengen country area.

SCHENGEN VISA TYPE – CATEGORY B:

This category allows its holders to travel within the maximum 5 days through more than one Schengen country by plane, car or by other means of transportation on the way to a non-Schengen country.

SCHENGEN VISA TYPE – CATEGORY C:

This is short-term visa category which permits its holders to travel in Schengen area for the limited time depending on the legality of visa.

Schengen visa category C consist on business visa, family visa and tourist visa.

FORMS OF CATEGORY C:

Category C has three forms.

SINGLE ENTRY SCHENGEN VISA:

These visa holders are allowed to enter once in Schengen country for limited time period. Once single-entry visa holders exit the Schengen country their visa expires even this visa is not over yet.

DOUBLE ENTRY SCHENGEN VISA:

These visa holders are permitted to enter twice in Schengen country for certain time period. The benefit of this visa is, when double entry visa holder once leaves the Schengen country, he can reenter in Schengen country, double entry visa shall expire when visa holder enters in Schengen area the second time.

MULTIPLE ENTRY SCHENGEN VISA:

This visa permits its holders to enter the Schengen area multiple times for maximum time period of 90 days within the half of year.