1 year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa

The Uniform Schengen Visa is a document that enables citizens of one of the Schengen Area Member Countries to travel through or live in the country in question for up to 90 days every 6 months, beginning on the date of arrival.

Travel to the following nations is permitted for those with a Uniform Schengen Visa: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, France, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Sweden.

The Uniform Schengen Visa is applicable to each of the two categories, "A" and "C",; depending on the intended purpose of the trip.

A Category The airport transit visa falls under the "A" category and permits its bearer to transit through the airport's international terminal without entering the Schengen Area. For individuals changing planes in a Schengen country airport from one non-Schengen nation to another non-Schengen nation, an airport transit visa is required.

C Category A short-term visa, or C category, enables its bearer to live in a Schengen Area for a specific amount of time based on the visa's duration. This particular categorisation may be attained in the following ways, depending on the traveller's objectives:

• Single-entry Schengen Visa;

• Double-entry Schengen Visa;

• Multiple-entry Schengen Visa.

These are the 3 different kinds of Schengen Visas that you need to apply for according to your travel purpose to any one of the Schengen countries –

Single-entry Schengen Visa

A single-entry visa enables the bearer to travel just once during the allotted time frame specified on the sticker that is attached to their passport. Once the visa bearer leaves the Schengen region, they cannot return, regardless of whether they spent the maximum number of days the visa issuing authority had allowed them.

Most individuals misunderstand the single-entry visa, believing that it only permits the bearer to enter one nation rather than allowing them to go to other destinations. The area you are allowed to go to is actually indicated close to the "Valid for" tag on your visa sticker, while the amount of time you can stay is indicated close to the "Number of entries" label.

Double-entry Schengen Visa

The distinction here between single-entry and double-entry visas is that the latter allows you to return to the Schengen area after you have already left it.

With this visa, even if you have not spent all of the days you were allowed to be there, you lose the ability to return after leaving the Schengen Area for the second time. However, if you frequently visit the Schengen region and have previously earned a double-entry visa, you are much more likely to be given a multiple-entry visa, as described below.

Multiple-entry Schengen Visa

If the 90/180 rule is followed, the holder of a multiple-entry visa may enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as desired. You may apply for and acquire one of the following types of visas based on how often you visit the Schengen area:

• 1-year multiple-entry Schengen visa

• 3-year multiple-entry Schengen visa

• 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa

If you have acquired and legally used three visas in the past two years, you are eligible to apply for this visa. You must provide evidence of your prior visas and visits to the Schengen Zone when you request this visa.

With a 1-year MEV visa, you are permitted unlimited entry into the Schengen Area as long as you don't stay for more than 90 days during that timeframe.

Another area where most people become confused is the 90/180 rule. Contrary to popular belief, your visa's validity date does not mark the beginning of the 180-day window.

The 180-day window is actually perpetual. Thus, to visit the Schengen region at any time, you only need to count back the last 180 days and check to see if you have spent over 90 days in the Schengen during that time.

You can use the Schengen Visa calculator online to see how long you can stay in a Schengen region.

For adults, a Schengen visa 1-year multiple entry fee from India typically ranges from ₹6,500, while it is around ₹3,250 for children. The cost is subject to change as per the change in the value of Euro. However, there are no visa fees for minors under the age of six. Additionally, anyone travelling to Europe for work, study, to attend cultural events, or who are under 25 and travelling with a charitable organisation are exempt from paying the visa fee.

Also, in order to apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to abide by the multiple schengen visa requirements. The most important of these requirements are submitting mandatory documents. The list is as follows –

• A duly filled Schengen visa application form

• Two most recent passport photos

• An Indian passport that isn't more than ten years old and is still valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen region

• A duplicate of the passport's information page (A4 size copy)

• A letter of resignation from your employer (if employed)

• A No-objection diploma from a college or university (if student).

• India Schengen overseas travel insurance with a €30,000 maximum for medical coverage

• A personalised letter enclosing the complete travel itinerary

• Tickets for flights, trains, etc.

• Evidence of lodging for the duration of the trip to the Schengen area

• If applicable, a copy of your marriage licence, your children's birth certificates, your spouse's death certificate, and your ration card

• Financial status proof

So, if you have a trip to the Schengen nations on the horizon, be sure to get travel insurance prior to applying for a Schengen visa. With Tata AIG’s travel plans, you can keep your trip protected financially. Get in touch with our representatives today to know more about our policy buying processes.

Information last updated Sep 23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.