Single and multiple entry Schengen visas allow its bearer to visit through 29 member countries visa-free regime. As the name suggests, a single entry visa allows you to enter Schengen countries only once and then exit. On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa allows its bearer to enter and exit Schengen countries multiple times. It depends on the respective embassy or consulate where the visa is applied to issue either a single or multiple entry visa.
The Schengen visa is s short-term visa that allows up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Holding a Schengen visa of one country is also valid in all member countries during the allowed period. Many doubt the difference between single and multiple-entry visas. It is important to understand this concept before you plan to travel to the Schengen countries in advance.
What is a Single-entry Schengen visa?
As the name suggests, this visa holder is allowed to enter the Schengen area once only and it is also written on the visa sticker of his passport. If the visa holder leaves the Schengen area, he or she cannot return, even if they have not been issued a visa there as per the permission of the embassy. You are allowed to visit close to the “legal” tag on your visa sticker, while your stay is close to the “number of entries” tag.
You can visit through a single entry visa to the whole Schengen member zone. It means with this visa you can travel to all 29 Schengen countries multiple times. One thing to remember is not exiting the Schengen zone. If you exit it, you cannot enter again and you will have to apply for a new Schengen visa.
The single-entry Schengen visa does not mean only one entry into one Schengen state. The Schengen zone (29 countries) allows multiple entries and exits even with a Single-Entry Schengen visa. Remain in the Schengen zone make as many visits as you want in the member countries before exiting the zone and your visa conditions are OK with it.
What is a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
A multiple-entry Schengen visa is somewhat different compared with a single-entry Schengen visa. A multiple-entry visa allows its holder to move outside the Schengen area as many times as desired and then come back to the zone. The important thing in a multiple-entry visa is the 90/180 rule. This visa allows its holder to move out of the Schengen area as many times as he wants unless he breaks the law.
1-year multiple-entry Schengen visa
Multiple 1-year entry visas give you the right to enter the Schengen zone as many times as you like, but one thing to keep in mind is that this right will last as long as you do not stay more than 90 days. When you apply for this visa, you must provide proof that you have made your previous visas and trips to the Schengen zone. If you have legally obtained three visas in the last two years and have used this visa by the law, you can easily obtain this visa.
3-year multiple-entry Schengen visa
The 3-year multiple-entry Schengen visa allows the visa holder to enter the Schengen area as many times as possible within three years, provided the visa holder is not allowed to stay in the EU for more than 90 days in 180 days. Only those who have obtained and used it legal previous multiple entry visa for one year in the last two years are eligible for this visa.
5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa
The visa is for those who have legally obtained and used the last multiple-entry visa for at least two years in the last three years and are eligible for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa unless you violate the 90/180-day rule. This visa allows you to enter 29 European countries in five years, at your discretion.
Who is granted a multiple-entry visa?
A multiple-entry visa does not function on the desire of the applicant instead it is the decision of the embassy or consulate where you apply the visa for. On general rules, an embassy decides based on:
- proofs of established travel history such as the applicant has used previously issued two Schengen visas lawfully in the last 3 years;
- and if the passport validity allows it.
Please not that the requirements can vary as per the embassy or consulate you are applying visa in. Sometimes, if you apply for a single entry visa, the embassy can grant you multiple visas and visa versa.
Frequently asked questions about single and multiple-entry Schengen visas
Can I travel between Schengen countries with a single entry visa
Absolutely! You can travel with a single entry visa to all 29 member states. The main thing to remember is not exiting the Schengen zone other you will have to apply for a new visa.
What is a single-entry Schengen visa type C
The Schengen visa with single entry is always of type C and it allows the holder to enter the member country for up to 90 days within 180 days. Please make sure to check the entry and exit dates written on the visa as it could only be given for a certain period as well. For more details on Schengen visa types, check the details here.
Can I travel with a single-entry Schengen visa to multiple countries?
Yes, it is indeed possible. Your visa allows you to travel to all 29 member states of the Schengen zone.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a single-entry visa?
Yes, you can enter and exit remaining in the Schengen zone as many times as you want in all 29 Schengen countries.
What is the single-entry Schengen visa duration?
The Schengen visa is s short-term visa that allows up to 90 days within a 180-day period. In some cases, if you directly apply for business or other specific reasons, it could also be only allowed for the mentioned period in the visa application form. In this case, you must exit the Schengen zone before the expiry date mentioned on the visa sticker.
What are the multiple-entry Schengen visa requirements?
There are no set aside multiple entry Schengen visa requirements. It is not a desire-based visa. But in general, proofs of established travel history such as the applicant has used previously issued two Schengen visas lawfully in the last 3 years and a valid passport with longer validity can help in getting a multiple entry visa. It could be of 1, 2, or 5 years validity. For some countries, it can be of direct 2-year validity such as newly announced one for Indian nationals.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa for the first time?
No, it is not possible. Your first Schengen visa is always with a single entry that allows you to enter the Schengen countries. Inside Schnegn countries, you can make multiple entries and exist. But the main requirement is that you remain in the Schengen zone – once you exit a Schengen zone, you cannot re-enter even if your visa is valid as you have already used the single entry.