Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
Those who intend to travel to and from of the Schengen Area on multiple occasions will need a multiple-entry Schengen Visa. The basic version allows you to stay in the area for 90 days over a 180-day period, with as many trips in and out as you need.
Multiple-entry Schengen Visas are available for one, three, and five years, covering all trips within that time frame. Depending on the availability of appointments, Schengen visa processing might take up to twelve weeks.
You should apply as soon as possible for a multiple-entry Schengen Visa in order to get it in time for your trip. If you do not possess valid visa documentation, you will be refused boarding.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a short-term European visa. This type of Visa enables the holder to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area. The visa, itself is issued by one of the Schengen nations. You can visit any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day period.
The Schengen Visa is the most common visa in Europe. It entitles the holder to enter, travel freely within, and exit the Schengen area from any Schengen member country. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
Rules For Getting Multiple Year Entry Visa
The Schengen Visa code has been amended, among other things, to clarify new, clearly defined regulations surrounding who is eligible for multiple-entry visas. The code stipulates, that multiple-entry visas will be valid for one, three, or five years, depending on the visa and travel history of the applicant.
You can be granted:
- a one-year validity term, if the applicant has received and legitimately utilised three visas in the preceding two years;
- a validity term of two years, if the applicant has received and legitimately used a prior multiple-entry visa valid for one year during the preceding two years;
- a validity term of five years, provided the applicant has received and legitimately utilised a prior multiple-entry visa valid for two years during the preceding three years,” states the amended Visa Code.
Documents Required For Multi-Entry Visas
You should bring the following:
Application form printed and signed
Proof of accomodation in all countries
Flight itinerary for all visits
Proof of sufficient finance
Travel medical insurance
Schengen Visa Validity
A multiple-entry visa permits the holder to enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as they like, as long as the 90/180 guideline is followed.
You can apply for and acquire one of the following multiple-entry visa types based on how frequently you travel to the Schengen zone:
- 1 year multiple-entry visa
- 3 year multiple-entry visa
- 5 year multiple-entry visa
1 year multiple entry Schengen visa
You are eligible for this visa if you have obtained and utilised three visas legally in the past two years. When applying for this visa, you must provide proof of your previous visas as well as journeys to the Schengen Zone.
The 1-year MEV visa allows you to visit the Schengen Zone as many times as you wish, as long as you dont stay for more than 90 days during that time.
Multiple-Entry Duration
3 year multiple entry Schengen visa
Applicants who have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for one year within the previous two years are eligible for the 3-year MEV.
This visa allows the holder to visit the Schengen Area as many times as they want within a three-year period. Even in this instance, the visa holder is only allowed to stay in the EU for 90 days out of a total of 180 days.
5 year multiple entry Schengen visa
People who have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years are eligible for a 5-year MEV.
This visa allows you to visit 26 European countries as many times as you want within five years, as long as you dont over the 90/180 day limit.
How long is a Multi-Entry Schengen visa valid for?
This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally you first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay. Future applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.
For detailed information on specific parts of the EU visa process, you can refer to the links to the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Schengen Countries
A Visa is required for any third national wishing to enter any Schengen country. It could be a short-stay Schengen C-visa for stays of up to 90 days or a national D-visa / residence permit for longer stays in your destination country.
Which countries is a Schengen multiple-entry visa valid for?
There are 27 Schengen members states in Europe. You can see the full list of countries in the Schengen zone in the table on this page.
People Also Asked...
You can expect an update on your application within 3 days of submission. You can choose express processing at checkout for a response within 24 hours.
Once you attend your appointment, your visa can take up to 15 working days to be processed by the Embassy.
This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally your first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay as a single-entry visa. Future applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.
A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area any number of times within a 180-day period. This means that you can enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as you want within the 180-day period.
You need a multiple-entry Schengen visa if you are planning to enter the Schengen Area more than twice during a 180-day period. If you are only planning to enter the Schengen Area once or twice, you will need a single-entry or double-entry Schengen visa.
If your multiple-entry Schengen visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial. You may be able to reapply for a visa if you can address the issues that led to your application being denied.