What is the Schengen Visa C?

104 nations need to apply for a visa if they want to enter Europe, or more specifically, the Schengen Area, for a short period. Among the various types of Schengen visas, the Schengen Visa C for short stays and travel up to a maximum of 90 days is the most commonly applied for. We will explain everything you need to know about the Schengen Visa C and the visa application process.

Overview of the Schengen Visa C for Short Stays

The Schengen Visa C is a short-term visa for 3 months and cannot be extended after it expires. It is the most widely used visa and belongs to the category of uniform Schengen visas (USV). Unlike the national D visa, the application process for a Schengen Visa C is less bureaucratic and is usually issued within 15 days.

With a Schengen Visa C, you can move freely within the 27 countries of the Schengen Area. This includes the 23 EU member states, with the exception of Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania. In addition, the four countries Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area. In very special cases, the Schengen Visa C can also be issued as a visa with limited territorial validity (LTV). In these exceptional cases, you are allowed to travel to only a specific Schengen country or only the Schengen countries explicitly mentioned.

What Categories of Schengen Visa C Are There?

When applying for a Visa C, you can choose between a single, double, or multiple entry into the Schengen Area. The entry type will be indicated on your visa label under "Number of Entries." Regardless of the number of entries, your stay may not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Schengen Visa C Single Entry: With a single entry, you are only allowed to enter the Schengen Area once. If you leave the Schengen Zone, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa is still valid!
• Schengen Visa C Double Entry: A double-entry visa allows two entries into the Schengen Area during the validity of the visa, without the need for a new visa application. However, after the second departure from the Schengen Area, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa is still valid!
• Schengen Visa C Multiple Entry: The Schengen multiple-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times. The multiple-entry visa can be issued with a validity of one, three, or up to five years.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa C?

Nationals of non-Schengen countries or third countries that have not signed a visa liberalization agreement need a Schengen visa for their stay in Europe. For more information, see the list of visa-required countries.

The Schengen Visa Type C is suitable for business trips, visiting family, friends, and acquaintances, as well as for tourism. You do not need a C visa if you have a residence permit or a national D visa for long-term stays.

Where Can I Apply for a Schengen Visa?

With the C visa, you can travel to multiple Schengen countries, but you should always apply for the visa at the embassy of the country that is your main destination. If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, the country where you spend most of your time is considered the main destination. If no country can be considered your main destination, then the country where you enter first will be considered your main destination.

How Do I Apply for a Schengen Visa C?

The application for a Schengen Visa C must be done in person as you need to provide your fingerprints. For this, you should make an appointment with the relevant consular office (or visa center) of the country where you will spend most of your time during the trip. In the meantime, you can prepare your Schengen visa application. At your personal appointment, bring the completed application form and all required documents with you.

A checklist for applying for a C visa:

• Valid passport that is valid for at least 3 more months beyond your stay
• Fully completed visa application form
• Two recent biometric photos
• Proof of entry and exit from the Schengen Area
• Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter from the host
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay or possibly a declaration of commitment
• A travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, accidents, or repatriation in case of death

How Can AXA Help?

You can purchase your health and travel insurance with AXA-Schengen online from €22 per week. A certificate confirming your insurance will be issued immediately, so you don't have to wait with your visa application. AXA travel insurances are accepted at all embassies and consulates of Schengen countries.

How Much Does the Schengen Visa C Cost?

A Schengen Visa costs:

• €80 for adults and children over 12 years old
• €40 for children aged 6 to 12 years old
• €35 for nationals from Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan

Exempt from the visa fee are children under 6 years old, students, participants in postgraduate programs, representatives of non-profit organizations up to the age of 25, and researchers from third countries. The processing time for the visa procedure is up to 15 working days. However, during peak travel seasons, waiting times may be longer.

How Long is a Schengen Visa C Valid?

In general, the validity of your visa for single or multiple entries depends on the embassy. Typically, the visa is valid for one year. You can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The validity of the Schengen visa begins with the day of your first entry into the Schengen Area.

Important to know: The C visa is not extendable. You cannot apply for a residence permit afterward. After the visa expires, you must leave the Schengen Area.

How is the Stay in the Schengen Area Calculated?

To calculate your stay in the Schengen Area, the authorities look at the 180-day period preceding the day of control. If you have not spent 90 days in the Schengen Area in the last 180 days, your stay is legal. With a C visa, your stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days, and the entry and exit days count as full days.

You Might Also Be Interested in These Articles

• What is the Schengen Visa D?
• What is the Schengen Multivisa?

Who Needs a Schengen Visa for 90 Days?

Currently, 104 third countries need to apply for a Schengen visa for short stays in the Schengen Area. Nationals from countries that have signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen countries can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.

Can a Schengen Visa C Be Extended?

A Schengen visa is not extendable. Only in exceptional cases – due to force majeure or humanitarian reasons – can you extend the C visa locally.

Can I Work with a C Visa?

The C visa does not include work authorization – you cannot take up employment with a Schengen Visa C. If you plan to work, you must apply for a work visa in the form of a national visa (D visa).