Schengen Visa - Europe Short Stay Visa Types

Schengen visas are for stays in the Schengen Area, which is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their common borders. There are two main categories of Schengen Visa for short stays: Uniform Schengen Visas (visa categories A, B, and C) and National Visas (visa category D).

Uniform Schengen Visas (A, B, C)

These visas are valid for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period within the Schengen Area. They are issued by any Schengen member country and are valid for all Schengen member countries.

• **Airport Transit Visa (Category A):** This visa allows you to transit through the international transit area of a Schengen area airport without entering the Schengen zone.
• **Transit Visa (Category B):** This visa allows you to travel through the Schengen Area to a non-Schengen country. You are allowed to stay for a maximum of 5 days and cannot leave the transit area of the airport unless you have a separate visa.
• **Short-Stay Visa (Category C):** This is the most common type of Schengen Visa. It allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. There are different types of C visas, depending on the purpose of your visit:
  • Tourist Visa: This is the most common type of C visa. It is for people who are visiting the Schengen Area for tourism purposes.
  • Business Visa: This visa is for people who are visiting the Schengen Area for business purposes.
  • Visit Visa: This visa is for people who are visiting the Schengen Area for private purposes.
  • Medical Visa: This visa is for people who are visiting the Schengen Area for medical treatment.
  • Study Visa: This visa is for people who are visiting the Schengen Area to study for a short period of time (usually less than 90 days).

National Visas (Category D)

These visas are for stays longer than 90 days in a Schengen member country. They are issued by the embassy or consulate of the specific Schengen member country you want to visit. There are different types of D visas, depending on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, or family reunification.