Introduction
Traveling to Europe is a dream come true for many people around the world. Europe is a beautiful continent that attracts millions of visitors every year. If you are planning to visit Europe, you will need a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa is a document that allows you to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries. However, before applying for a Schengen visa, it is important to understand its duration validity. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on Schengen visa duration validity and its various types.
What is Schengen Visa Duration Validity?
The Schengen visa duration validity is the period during which you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area. The duration validity of a Schengen visa varies depending on the type of visa you apply for and the purpose of your visit. It is important to note that the duration validity of a Schengen visa is different from the visa validity.
The visa validity is the period during which you can use the visa to enter the Schengen area. It is usually calculated from the date of issue and ends on the expiry date. The duration validity, on the other hand, is the maximum number of days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area within the visa validity period.
Types of Schengen Visa Duration Validity
There are three types of Schengen visa duration validity:
Single Entry Schengen Visa
A single entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen area once and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days. This means that once you leave the Schengen area, you cannot enter again using the same visa. If you need to enter the Schengen area again, you will need to apply for a new visa.
Double Entry Schengen Visa
A double entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen area twice and stay for a maximum of 90 days each time within a period of 180 days. This means that you can enter the Schengen area, leave, and enter again using the same visa. However, once you have used up your two entries, you cannot enter the Schengen area again using the same visa.
Multiple Entry Schengen Visa
A multiple entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen area multiple times within the visa validity period. You can stay for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days each time you enter the Schengen area. This means that you can enter and leave the Schengen area as many times as you like within the visa validity period.
Factors Affecting Schengen Visa Duration Validity
There are several factors that can affect the Schengen visa duration validity:
Purpose of Visit
The purpose of your visit to the Schengen area can affect the duration validity of your Schengen visa. If you are visiting the Schengen area for tourism, the duration validity will be based on the type of visa you apply for. However, if you are visiting the Schengen area for business, the duration validity can be extended up to 180 days.
Duration of Stay
The duration of your stay in the Schengen area can also affect the duration validity of your Schengen visa. If you are planning to stay for a longer period, you will need to apply for a visa with a longer duration validity. However, if you are planning to stay for a shorter period, a visa with a shorter duration validity will be sufficient.
Travel History
Your travel history can also affect the duration validity of your Schengen visa. If you have a good travel history and have followed the visa rules in the past, you are more likely to get a visa with a longer duration validity. However, if you have a history of overstaying or violating visa rules, you are more likely to get a visa with a shorter duration validity.
Conclusion
The Schengen visa duration validity is an important aspect that every traveler must consider before applying for the visa. The duration validity of a Schengen visa varies depending on the type of visa you apply for and the purpose of your visit. It is important to note that the duration validity is different from the visa validity. To ensure that you get the right visa with the right duration validity, it is important to consult with the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit.
