First of all, it is essential to choose
the type of Schengen Visa based on your purpose of travel. Make a note that
there are different limitations that apply to a particular Visa type. Let me
break down the types of Schengen Visas available
for your travel from India to Europe.
1. Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)
This Visa obtained from one of the
Schengen countries can be used to travel any Schengen area for a maximum of 90
days within 6 months of visa issue. This visa can be obtained in the form of a
single entry, double-entry or multiple-entry as per the purpose of travel.
Single-entry allows the visa holder to enter the Schengen area only once, while
the double-entry visa holder can enter the Schengen area twice within 6 months
of issue. Multiple-entry visa allows the visa holder to enter and exit the
Schengen area multiple times as long as he adheres to the 90/180 rule. The multiple-entry
visa can be applied for 1-year, 3-year or 5-year period with the necessary
documentation. But even with longer visa durations, you have to
follow the 90/ 180 rule (i.e.) one cannot stay for more than 90 days within 180
days of the visa period.
Note: the number of entries is how many
times you can enter the Schengen area as a whole and does not denote the number
of countries you are allowed to enter.
2. Limited territorial validity visas
(LTV)
This visa allows the holder to visit only
the country which has issued the visa or countries which are specifically
mentioned in the visa. The visa holder cannot enter the countries in the
Schengen area that are not mentioned prior in the visa. This type of visa bars
the holder from entering any Schengen state and is a special type of visa
issued for peculiar cases.
3. National Visas
This visa is given to students or
professionals willing to study or work residing in one of the Schengen
countries. This visa is
issued in the form of both single-entry and multiple-entry. With
multiple-entry National visa, one can enter and exit the particular Schengen
country as he/she pleases and also can travel within the Schengen area freely.
But this visa is only given to people meeting certain criteria and purpose of
travel.
Quick tip:
Though the number of entries and time permitted are stamped in the visa, it’s
the best to have a clear calculation of how many days you spend in the Schengen
area. Because a violation of 90/180 rule leads to deportation and fine,
depending on the country you are in.
Based on the purpose of travel, types of
visas are divided as follows, make sure you mention clearly the type of visa
you need in the application form,
1. Transit
visa: this visa is for people who need to
travel through the Schengen country airport without entering the country.
2. Tourism
visa: this visa is for people who travel to
the Schengen countries for exploring the place and culture, and spending a
holiday there.
3. Visa
for Visiting Family or Friends: this visa is for
people who are travelling to Schengen countries to visit their family or
friends who legally reside there. You will need a letter of invitation and some
additional documents for this type of visa.
4. Business
visa: this visa is for people who travel for
business purposes. It has a benefit as even during peak seasons business visas
get quicker visa appointments.
5. Visa
for Culture and Sports activities or Film crews:
This visa is for people who travel to participate in any form of cultural or
sports events in the Schengen countries. People belonging to a film crew who
has planned a shoot in the Schengen countries can also avail this type of visa.
6. Visa
for Official Visits: This visa is for people
who are travelling on fulfilling an official duty from his country.
7. Study
visa: This visa is for students who are
willing to take up educational courses in Schengen countries.
8. Visa
for Medical Reasons: This visa is for people
visiting any of the Schengen visa countries for medical treatment.
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