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Types of Schengen Visa Explained
Recently, Europe has become a standard hub for work opportunities and better exposure in the industry. However, people travelling from across borders need a visa to reach there.
A Schengen visa allows you to travel and live across the Schengen area, including 29 European countries. However, if you plan to apply for such a visa, you should know about the different types of Schengen visas.
Are you confused about the type of visa that is suitable for you? Then, read till the end of this article to learn more about it.
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Getting a Schengen visa is a complicated process. Before anything else, you must find out the type of visa that will apply to you before starting the application process. The different types of Schengen visas are listed below.
|
Types of Schengen Visas |
Description |
|
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) |
Such a visa allows a permit for one of the Schengen Area Member Countries to reside in any desired territory for up to six months in The Schengen area. The purpose of the trip will decide the type of visa under this section. |
|
Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV) |
This visa enables the owners to travel only around the countries that have issued them the visa. They cannot visit or travel to any other Schengen country. |
|
National Visas |
Individuals planning to study, work or take up permanent residence in the Schengen area can apply for this visa. It can be both single and multiple-entry. |
Now, these different visa types can be further subdivided into other parts. Check these out before applying for a visa.
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Category A
Eligibility : This visa is applicable for citizens who need to change transport in a Schengen region. To get an Airport Transit Schengen Visa or Category A visa, candidates must meet the following conditions.
- Candidates must be non-Schengen citizens.
- Those possessing a valid Schengen visa do not need this visa.
- They must be citizens of the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Congo (DRC)
- Ghana
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
Documents : The following documents are mandatory for getting this visa.
- Fully completed and printed application form
- Valid passport
- Journey details (such as return flight tickets and visa issued by the host country)
- Travel insurance policy
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Recent photographs
Application fees : Candidates have to pay the visa fee of €60 for a transit visa while applying for it.
Validity : A transit visa for Schengen is only valid for 24 hours. Therefore, it will not be functional after this time.
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Category B
Eligibility : This is the category of ‘Transit Visa’. This type of visa grants permission to the travellers and Seamen to commute through Schengen countries to other countries outside the Schengen region. The eligibility criteria for Schengen visa type B are as follows.
- Candidates must be citizens of third world countries.
- Those who are disembarking for multiple reasons, such as sickness, family emergency, or expiration of a contract, can apply for this visa.
Documents : The following documents are mandatory for getting this visa.
- Fully completed and signed application form
- Passport and copies of passport data
- Original and copy of Seaman’s book
- Letter from the inviting shipping company
- Travel and medical insurance
- Flight reservation
- Proof of visa payment
- Recent photographs
Application fees : Applicants will be able to complete this transit visa application officially after paying €60 as the application fee.
Validity : A transit visa is only valid for five days from approval.
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Category C
Types : Schengen visa type C allows travellers to reside in any Schengen state for a fixed period as per the visa validity. There are three types of this visa.
Single entry visa: Only one entry is any one of the countries in the Schengen area.
Double Entry Visa: This visa enables a traveller to enter the Schengen region twice. They cannot re-enter the region after the second exit.
Multiple Entry Visa: With this visa, travellers can enter this area multiple times without any restrictions
Eligibility : Candidates can apply for this visa under the following conditions.
- Applicants who need to visit one or more European countries for business purposes, holidays or visiting friends can apply for this visa.
- They must show financial stability to afford their stay.
- Other document requirements must be met.
Documents : Candidates need to submit the following documents to get this visa.
- Valid passport
- Entirely filled and signed application form
- Travel insurance
- Round trip reservation
- Proof of accommodation and financial stability
- Receipt for application fee payment
Application fees : Adult applicants must pay €80 as an application fee. On the other hand, children can pay €45 as an application fee for this visa.
Validity : The single entry visa is valid for 90 days, while the double-entry visa allows individuals to move across the country for 180 days maximum. In addition, individuals can choose a multiple entry visa for one year, three years or five years.
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) – Category D
Eligibility : The Schengen visa type D or National Visa is only granted to individuals to come to Schengen for studying, working or permanently residing here. Candidates must meet the following criteria to get this visa.
- Applicants must possess an international student program or are about to start an educational course in one of the Schengen countries.
- Those starting a higher institution or research centre in any Schengen country are also eligible.
- Those travelling to Schengen for their expertise in sportsman, an artist or any other professional are eligible.
- Those unable to leave the Schengen region for medical emergencies can apply for this visa.
Documents : Canidates need the following documents based on the purpose of application.
- Valid passport
- Documents for the international student program
- Proof of starting a research centre
- Proof of medical emergency
Application fees : Adult applicants must pay €80 for application fees. On the other hand, children can pay €40.
Validity : Such visas are valid for about 6 months-5 years. There is no limitation of 90 days.
Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV)
Eligibility : Candidates under the following conditions can apply for this visa.
- Candidates travelling to Schengen for an emergency can apply for this visa.
- Those who do not possess valid travel documents can apply for this visa.
Documents : Candidates might have to present the following documents for this type of visa.
- Valid passport
- Entirely filled and signed application form
- Travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation and financial stability
- Receipt for application fee payment
Application fees : Adult applicants must pay €80 as an application fee. On the other hand, children can pay €45 as an application fee for this visa.
Validity : It is valid between 90 and 180 days.
What Are the Key Features of a Schengen Visa?
Getting a Schengen visa can be beneficial for most individuals. Some of its key features are as follows.
- With a Schengen visa, individuals can travel freely across 29 European countries.
- They will not face any restrictions during their stay.
- Furthermore, they will be able to explore the opportunities in these regions and work without any interruptions.
- They can also move goods and trades across borders in the Schengen area without restrictions.
Therefore, as it can be seen, there can be various types of Schengen visas. Therefore, individuals must check these before starting a new visa application. It will give them a better understanding of the kinds of opportunities they might have with these before selecting the appropriate one based on their purpose.