The Schengen category C visa enables the traveler to explore the Schengen Area on a short-term and temporary basis, not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. This type of visa can be acquired in various forms:
- Single-entry visa:
- Allows a single entry into the destination country, permitting a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Double-entry visa:
- Permits entry into the destination country twice, with a validity of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area.
- Multiple-entry visa:
- Granted for several consecutive visits to the Schengen area, with the total duration of stays not surpassing the days indicated on the visa sticker (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). This visa is valid for a maximum of five (5) years.
The Schengen category A visa serves as an airport transit visa, allowing passage through the international transit area during a stopover or flight change. However, it does not authorize leaving the international transit area. Nationals of specific countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka, require an airport transit visa.
The Schengen category D visa allows travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Finland issues D visas to certain applicant categories. More information can be found on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service. If your residence permit is valid but your Finnish residence permit card is lost, stolen, or expired, you can apply for a D visa to return to Finland. Further details are available in the Loss of Residence Permit Card section.
Visas with limited territorial validity (VLTV) enable travel in specific Schengen States mentioned in the visa but do not permit travel in any other Schengen State. These visas may be issued in exceptional cases, such as for humanitarian reasons or due to national interest or international obligations.
Refer to Article 3(5) of the EU Visa Code for information on categories of persons exempt from the airport transit visa requirement.
When completing the Schengen Visa application, applicants must specify the purpose of their visit to the Schengen territory. Here are the various purposes and explanations for each:
Airport Transit
This purpose is for those traveling through the international zone of a Schengen Country Airport without entering the Schengen Country. Specific nationals must possess this visa, and additional countries may be included based on the member state’s discretion.
Transit
Similar to airport transit, mainly used by foreign seafarers making short stops at member state seaports.
Tourism
For individuals planning to sightsee, experience culture, architecture, and more in the Schengen Zone.
Visiting Family or Friends
Applicable for those visiting family or friends legally residing in the Schengen area, with special requirements like a letter of invitation.
Business
Designed for frequent travelers to Schengen countries for business purposes, providing advantages such as quicker appointments during peak visa application seasons.
Journalists & Reporters
A business visa for press members visiting the Schengen Area for journalistic purposes.
Official Visit
For those traveling on official duty, even in large delegations with identical travel dates and purposes.
Medical Reasons
For individuals seeking medical treatment in Schengen member states for a period of up to three months within 180 days.
Study Purposes
For pupils and students attending educational institutions in the Schengen Area for a period shorter than three months.
Cultural, Sports and Film Crews
A visa for individuals outside the Schengen area attending cultural, sports, religious events, or as part of a film crew.
Other
For purposes not fitting the categories above, with a short sentence specifying the reason, such as a religious visit.
Understanding Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
Apart from a multiple-entry visa allowing a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, the validity of a single or double-entry visa depends on the embassy. The embassy determines the permitted stay in Schengen countries and the entry and exit dates.
Duration of Stay
The maximum days allowed in the Schengen Area, counting from the first entry as “Day 1” to the last day upon leaving.
Visa Validity
The period during which the visa can be used to enter and stay in the Schengen Area.
Multiple-Entry Visa Types
A multiple-entry visa allows unrestricted entry and exit from the Schengen Area, following the 90/180 rule. Types include:
- 1-year multiple-entry visa
- 3-year multiple-entry visa
- 5-year multiple-entry visa
Difference Between Single-entry and Multiple-entry Schengen Visa
A single-entry visa permits a one-time entry, while a multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries and exits.
Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV)
This visa allows travel only in the issuing Schengen State or specific mentioned states during application, excluding others. Issued for humanitarian reasons or under international obligations.
National Visas (D Category)
Granted for study, work, or permanent residence in Schengen countries, with options for single or multi-entry, depending on the purpose. Criteria must be met, such as participation in international student programs, starting full courses of study, engaging in pedagogical work, or emergency medical conditions.