
How to read your Schengen Visa: Explanation of each label in the sticker
- Valid for/Valable pour (French)/Valido per (Italian)/Gültig für (German)/Válido para (Spanish), etc.. These phrases are...
- From/Du (French)/Dal (Italian)/Vom (German)/Del (Spanish), etc.. This date shows the first day you are permitted to...
- Until/ Au (French)/Al (Italian)/Bis (German), Al (Spanish)...
Full Answer
How do I know if my Schengen visa is valid?
Your Schengen visa will be issued with one of the following words in the “Valid for” field: If you have one of these words on your visa, it means that the visa is valid in all Schengen States and the other European and non-European countries that permit entry with a Schengen visa.
What does C mean on a Schengen visa?
Label «C» – stands for the Schengen visa type C – or short-stay visa, that does not permit the holder to stay more than 3 months in the Schengen Area. Label «D» – stands for the visa type D – or long-term visa, which permits the holder to stay more than 3 months.
How do I read my visa?
You need to know how to read your visa carefully, as it will allow you to keep track of important information such as the countries you are able to enter, your dates of validity, and the visa types. This is found in the top right corner of your visa sticker.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
In general, visa applications are being processed and answered quickly – within a period of 15 working days. A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that permits a person to enter any Schengen Area country for a period of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

How do I read a Schengen visa?
The label «MULT» –means that the holder is authorized to enter the Schengen Area as often as they wish, during the period for which the visa is valid. The label «1» means that the holder is authorized to enter the Schengen Area once. The label «2» – means that the holder is authorized to enter twice.
What is the visa number on Schengen visa?
The visa number is composed of the 3-letter country code (country of issuance), followed by a 9-digit number.
What does C mean in Schengen visa?
Short-term visa“C” category stands for a Short-term visa which allows its holder to reside in a Schengen Area for a certain period of time depending on the visa validity. This particular category, according to the holder's purpose of the travel can be obtained in a form of: Single-entry visa, Double-entry visa and.
What does R is mean in Schengen visa?
RemarksWhen a visa has been issued by representation, the letter “R” must be entered under the heading “Remarks”, followed by the country code of the country on whose behalf the visa is issued. E.g., if the German embassy in Washington DC issued a visa on behalf of Iceland, the remarks should say “R IS”.
How do I know my visa number?
The visa number, also called a visa foil number, is a red number that is generally printed on the bottom right side of newer visa documents. In most cases, the U.S. visa number contains eight numeric characters. In some cases, the number contains one letter followed by seven numeric characters.
Where is the visa number?
They remain the the bearer's passport after entry. Visa number: the visa number is the eight digit number in red located in the lower right-hand corner.
What are the 4 types of Schengen visa?
Types of Schengen VisaUNIFORM SCHENGEN VISA (USV) The Uniform Schengen Visa, issued by Schengen Area member countries, permits a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180 day period. ... Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) Holders of the LTV may only enter the Schengen member country that has issued the visa. ... NATIONAL VISA.
What does D visa mean?
Article. A D-Visa for employment enables you to travel to Germany and apply for a residence permit with the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”) or pursue an economic activity during the validity of the visa.
What is Type B Schengen visa?
Category 'B' - This category denotes 'Transit Visa'. This type of visa grants travellers permission to commute through any Schengen country to a country that is not a Schengen member state. However, the period of transit cannot exceed 5 days.
What does stati Schengen mean?
Your Schengen visa will be issued with one of the following words in the “Valid for” field: ETATS SCHENGEN – Issued by the Belgian, French, Luxembourg or Switzerland Authorities. STATY SCHENGENU – Czech Republic issued. SCHENGEN STATES – Danish or Greek issued. SCHENGENER STAATEN – Austria, Germany or Liechtenstein ...
How long is a Schengen visa valid for?
90 daysShort stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.
What does stati Schengen mean?
Your Schengen visa will be issued with one of the following words in the “Valid for” field: ETATS SCHENGEN – Issued by the Belgian, French, Luxembourg or Switzerland Authorities. STATY SCHENGENU – Czech Republic issued. SCHENGEN STATES – Danish or Greek issued. SCHENGENER STAATEN – Austria, Germany or Liechtenstein ...
What does Schengenstaten mean?
Re: What does 'Schengenstaten' means in Netherland issued visa. 4 years ago. Schengenstaten = Schengen states i.e any Schengen member country.
What is a Schengen visa sticker?
If you are approved for a Schengen visa, you will receive a Schengen visa sticker. Technically described as the “format” for a Schengen visa , this document is essentially your Schengen visa.
What happens if you double enter Schengen?
If you do, your visa becomes invalid, and you will be unable to return to the Schengen area until you get a new one. A double entry allows you two entries to the Schengen area; upon entering the area, you are allowed to leave it and return to it one time throughout the duration of your validity period.
What does the sticker on a Schengen visa mean?
If you have a Uniform Schengen Visa, your visa is valid for entry to the entire Schengen area, and your visa sticker will therefore read: Schengen states.
Why is a visa sticker called a visa sticker?
Your Schengen visa is called a “visa sticker” because it is stuck to (pasted) onto one of the free pages of your passport/travel document. This visa sticker is the “document” allowing you to enter the Schengen area.
What is a uniform Schengen visa?
Uniform Schengen Visas allow you access to the entire Schengen Area.
What happens if you stay in the Schengen area longer than the number of days?
If your time in the Schengen area is longer than the number of days between “DURATION OF STAY…DAYS”, you will have violated the terms of your visa. You must leave the Schengen area by the date preceding “UNTIL”, even if you have stayed in the Schengen area for less than the number of days under “DURATION OF STAY…DAYS.
How long can you stay in the Schengen area?
For Schengen visas, the duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days. Please note, the period of time between “FROM…UNTIL” often exceeds the number of days following the “DURATION OF STAY”. This is intended to allow you to better plan your dates of arrival and departure to/from the Schengen area/territory.
How do I read a Schengen Visa sticker?
If you have been granted a Schengen Visa, you will obtain a visa sticker to be put into your passport. The visa sticker information is provided in three languages: English, French, and German.
What does "etats Schengen" mean?
If the words next to this are « ETATS SCHENGEN » or «SCHENGEN STATES», then it means that the visa is valid in all Schengen countries, and you can travel throughout the Schengen Area.
What does "mult" mean on a visa?
The label «MULT» –means that the holder is authorized to enter the Schengen Area as often as they wish, during the period for which the visa is valid. The label «1» means that the holder is authorized to enter the Schengen Area once. The label «2» – means that the holder is authorized to enter twice.
What happens if you are deported from the Schengen Area?
You could face deportation and sanctions- including a ban from the Schengen Area or a fine. It will also mean future applications take longer to process.
What is a visa sticker?
A visa sticker always contains information on the countries you are permitted to enter. The phrases «VALID FOR», « VALABLE POUR » and « GULTIG FUR » are set before the name of the countries your visa allows you to visit.
What is a C visa?
Label «C» – stands for the C type visa, or the standard short-stay visa, allowing you to stay up to three months in the Schengen Area.
What are the labels for the first day you can enter the Schengen Area?
You will also see the labels «FROM», «DU» and «VOM» followed by the first day you are permitted to enter the Schengen Area, and the labels «UNTIL», «AU», and «BIS», stipulating the date by which you must leave the Schengen Area.
What does "ETATS SCHENGEN" mean?
Whereas, if your Schengen visa sticker contains the following label «ETATS SCHENGEN (-country acronym)» – then this means the visa is valid for all Schengen countries, expect for that country i.e. expect Germany if the label is «ETATS SCHENGEN (-D)». You will be unable to enter depending on the country code after the minus sign.
What is a C visa?
Label «C» – stands for the Schengen visa type C – or short-stay visa, that does not permit the holder to stay more than 3 months in the Schengen Area.
What does the label "type de visa" mean?
The labels “TYPE OF VISA”, “TYPE DE VISA” and “VISA TYP” stand to tell the type of Schengen visa you have obtained which may be : Label «A» – stands for the Schengen visa type A- Airport visa, that does not permit the holder to pass the “ international airport zone”. Label «C» – stands for the Schengen visa type C – or short-stay visa, ...
What does "Schengen states" mean?
If next to those words is written «ETATS SCHENGEN» or «SCHENGEN STATES», then it means that the visa is valid in all Schengen states, and the visa holder can visit each of them, once inside the territory.
What countries can you enter with a Schengen visa?
«LVA, M, N, NL, P, PL» then this means you are permitted to enter only Latvia, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal and Poland.
What is a Schengen sticker?
A Schengen visa sticker always contains information on the countries that its holder is permitted to visit. Below, find explained the meaning of each of the labels in ones’ visa.
What languages are on a Schengen visa?
Many people have difficulties reading the Schengen visa sticker in their passports, though a Schengen visa contains simple information in three languages: English, French and German.
How long does it take to get a visa for Schengen?
Single, double or multiple entries into the Schengen zone are subject to the visa requirements for a period not exceeding three months (90 days) within six months from the date of your first entry into the Schengen area . MULT stands for multiple entries.
What does "Schengenstater" mean?
SCHENGENSTATER (Sweden Issued) If you have one of these words on your visa, it means that the visa is valid in all Schengen States and the other European and non-European countries that permit entry with a Schengen visa. Country Code – A letter or set of letters which stands for each member of the Schengen States.
What is a Schengen country code?
Country Code – A letter, or set of letters, that stands for each member of the Schengen States. This would mean that you are only allowed to visit the specific Schengen country indicated on the visa. See the full list of Schengen country codes below.
How many countries are in the Schengen zone?
As you know the Schengen Zone comprises 26 countries so you have to note the countries you are allowed to enter. Your Schengen visa will be issued with one of the following words in the “Valid for” field:
How long can you stay in the Schengen zone?
Remember, whether you have a single entry or a multiple entry Schengen visa, you are only permitted to enter the Schengen zone for a period of up to 90 days at a time. If you have a multiple entry visa, you have the ability to stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days in any 180 days period.
How many times can you enter a Schengen country?
You can enter any of the Schengen member states as many times as you wish, for as long that you do not exceed the 3 months limit within a six months period. 1 stands for a single entry. You are permitted to enter once and continuously stay in the Schengen Area within the allowed duration. 2 stands for double entry.
When is the Schengen period valid?
Valid from is the first day you can enter the Schengen Area. Valid until is the last day you can stay in the Schengen Area. The validity will be typically longer than your date of intended stay to provide you flexibility for your travel plans.
What is a C visa?
C – Short-stay visa. Regular Schengen visa that allows the holder to stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area.
How many times can a visa holder enter the Schengen area?
1 – The visa holder is permitted to enter the Schengen area only once.
How long is a Schengen visa valid?
To provide you the flexibility to plan your entry into the Schengen area, the visa validity duration is typically longer than the number of days you are allowed to stay .
How many pages does a visa sticker take?
When Schengen visa is approved, a visa sticker will be stuck to one of the pages of your passport. It takes an entire page of the passport.
When you receive your passport containing the Schengen visa, should you review it carefully?
When you receive your passport containing the Schengen visa, you should review it carefully to make sure everything is correct.
Is a Schengen visa valid for all countries?
If the value is one of the following, the visa is valid for all the Schengen countries.
Can you visit all Schengen countries?
If the label says something like ETATS SCHENGEN (-country acronym), you can visit all Schengen countries except the country listed. E.g., ETATS SCHENGEN (-CH), you can visit all Schengen countries except Switzerland. If the label indicates the name of the country, you can only visit the named country.
What does the label C stand for?
Label «C» – stands for the Schengen visa type C – or short-stay visa , that does not permit the holder to stay more than 3 months in the Schengen Area. Label «D» – stands for the visa type D – or long-term visa, which permits the holder to stay more than 3 months.
What does the label "name of the country" mean?
Label «name of the country» – means that the visa is valid only for the respective territory, and its holder is not permitted to move to the other countries of the Schengen Area if they do not have another visa.
What languages are on a Schengen visa?
Many people have difficulties reading the Schengen visa sticker in their passports, though a Schengen visa contains simple information in three languages: English, French, and German.
Do you need a blank page for a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa sticker is affixed to the passport, which is the main reason why applicants are required to have at least one blank page in their passports when applying for a Schengen visa. You will have to present it at the Schengen port of entry, at whichever Schengen country you enter first.
