Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?

What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a travel document that grants you permission to travel to countries in the Schengen area. When visiting the Schengen area, there are various Schengen visa types you may need to apply for:

• Single Visit Visa
• Double Entry Visa
• Multiple Entry Visa
• Airport Transit Visa

If you are traveling to one or many countries on a single trip and not intending to travel again, you will need a single-entry visa. 

If you are traveling to one or multiple countries in the Schengen area and want to visit the Schengen zone multiple times, a multiple-entry visa is required. A multi-entry Schengen visa is ideal for frequent travelers to the Schengen region as it means they don’t need to apply for a single visit visa every time they travel.

There is a limit of 90 days per trip in any 180-day period (no matter the number of entries requested for the Schengen visa), known as the 90/180 rule – a key requirement of Schengen visa validity.

The Schengen area covers Schengen member states:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark (excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands)
• Estonia
• Finland
• France (excluding French Overseas Territories)
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands (excluding Dutch Caribbean)
• Norway (excluding Overseas Territories)
• Poland
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

The Schengen area is a special group of countries in its own right. Not all countries in Europe are Schengen countries, and not all Schengen countries are in the EU.

Who Needs a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa?

Before you ask how to get a multiple-entry Schengen visa, first check if you need one.

If you wish to travel to Europe, return home, and then visit again, the Schengen multiple-entry visa is ideal.

While the Schengen visa rules are standardized across all Schengen member states, some procedural details—such as documentation requirements or application processes—may vary slightly. If you’re unsure whether you need a visa for a short stay, you should check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit first. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, not the specific Schengen country you’re visiting.

Nationals of many countries outside the EU and the Schengen Area are required to apply for a Schengen visa to visit countries within the zone. However, some non-EU and non-Schengen country citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, depending on their nationality. Always check the specific visa requirements based on your passport.

Validity Periods of Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas

When applying for a Schengen visa for multiple entry, you can request the length of time you want the visa to be valid, which is known as the Schengen visa duration. However, approval of your requested duration is not guaranteed; the final decision depends on the consulate and is usually based on factors like your travel history, purpose of visit, and supporting documents.

1-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

A 1-year multi-entry visa covers you for 12 months, and you can enter the Schengen area as many times as you like as long as you abide by the 90/180 rule.

3-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

For frequent visitors to the Schengen area who anticipate travel over several years, the 3-year visa allows you to enter multiple times over the 3-year period. You will also need to abide by the 90/180 rule with this visa.

5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

The longest Schengen multiple-entry visa available is the 5-year visa. Like the 1-year and 3-year visas, you will still need to abide by the 90/180 rule.

How Long is a Schengen Visa Valid for?

Your Schengen visa will be valid for the duration you get it approved for, and cannot be extended without a new application.

The embassy or consulate in the country you apply for a visa decides whether to grant it for the length of time you choose based on the documents you provide, your travel plans, and your travel history.

They are more likely to approve long-duration multiple-entry visas for frequent travelers with valid reasons for applying.

Benefits of a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

The multiple-entry visa is ideal for professionals traveling for business and tourists looking to visit Europe multiple times without applying for a new visa each time. For example, if you plan to travel to Europe several times in a year, such as for seasonal holidays, family visits, or recurring business trips, a multiple-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area as needed within the visa’s validity period.

This has many benefits for travelers:

Flexibility

A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area as needed during the visa’s validity period. Whether you’re planning a short visit or multiple longer trips.

Convenience

You don’t need to reapply for a new visa each time you travel.

Cost Effective

It’s cheaper to apply for a multiple-entry visa than a new single-entry visa for each trip you take.

Remember that not all European countries are Schengen countries, however, some non-Schengen countries have open borders allowing easy transit with the Schengen multi-entry visa. Countries like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have open or semi-open borders with Schengen area countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you must be from a qualifying country and intend to visit the Schengen area multiple times.

For applications, you must apply to the country you will spend the longest duration in. For example, if you want to stay for 3 weeks in France and 1 week in Germany, you will need to apply to France for your visa.

If you are traveling to Schengen countries for equal durations, you must apply to the first country you will visit.

Here are some important things to know:

• Your travel history matters. If you have overstayed a Schengen visa in the past, you may be declined.
• They will consider why you want to travel. If you are visiting for tourism, they might be unwilling to grant a long visa duration. 
• You may need to show proof of finances and travel insurance to demonstrate responsible travel.
• First-time applicants are less likely to get visas valid for multiple years or entries – these are often reserved for frequent travelers with a strong history of responsible visa use.

Required Documents

You must have the following documents:

Valid Passport

A valid passport with at least 3 months left to run after your departure date from the Schengen area. Remember, if you are applying for a 5-year visa, you will need a passport valid for at least 5 years and 3 months.

Application Form

You must complete the Schengen visa application form for the correct country.

Photo

Include a recent photo that can be used to match your passport photo.

Insurance Documents

Medical/health insurance, covering at least €30,000 in case of a serious medical emergency or death.

Travel Documents

Supporting documents such as booking information for any trips booked, and financial documents to show you can support yourself for your trips. If you are requesting a long-validity visa, they may request documents proving regular travel needs.

Application Process

You must apply 15 days before your intended travel and no longer than 6 months before your intended travel. Bear in mind, it can take up to 45 days for a Schengen visa to be granted, so you should not leave your application to the last minute.

Some travelers have experienced difficulty when they applied 15 days before travel, and the process took longer!

In special circumstances, relatives of EU or EEA countries may be able to obtain a visa on an expedited basis.

1. Check Eligibility

Make sure your citizenship is eligible for the Schengen visa and that your purposes for travel meet the requirements.

2. Gather Documents

Make sure your passport will be valid for your intended stay, and gather documents including health insurance, a recent photo, your bank statement and other financial documents, and your travel itinerary.

3. Complete the Forms

Complete the visa application forms for the main country you intend to visit, or the country you intend to visit first. Print this off once complete.

4. Book an Appointment

You need to make an appointment at a consulate or a Visa Application Center to submit your form and provide biometric data (your fingerprint).

5. Pay Fees

You will need to pay your multiple-entry Schengen visa fee.

Tips to Increase Chances of Getting a Multiple-Entry Visa

Make sure you are completing the application correctly, and all the information you provide matches your passport information. 

Schengen countries have strict rules about existing criminal records, and you should check eligibility if you have been convicted of any crime in the past. Schengen countries also cooperate and share data relating to criminal convictions, so do not try to fool one country that has more relaxed criteria!

Be prepared to answer all questions relating to your trip, and make sure your medical insurance has at least €30,000 of coverage.

Common Reasons for Rejection

One of the most common reasons for a Schengen visa rejection is submitting an incomplete or incorrectly filled-out application. In such cases, you may be asked to correct and reapply or file an appeal.

Other frequent reasons include not demonstrating strong ties to your home country, such as stable employment, property, or family, which can raise concerns that you may not leave the Schengen zone.

If you are denied entry due to security concerns, a criminal record, or intentionally providing false or misleading information, you may not be eligible to appeal the decision.

FAQs