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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