What Type of Schengen Visa Do I Need?

If you’re a United States (U.S.) resident or Green Card holder planning a trip to Europe, and your nationality doesn’t qualify for visa-free entry, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen Visa. There are several Schengen visa types, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here’s an overview of the main visa categories and how they apply to you.

Main Types of Schengen Visas

1. Type A Schengen Visa: Airport Transit Visa

This visa allows travelers from non-Schengen countries to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen country airport without actually entering the country. It’s required if you’re connecting through a Schengen country to a destination outside the Schengen area. You won’t be allowed to exit the airport during your layover.

2. Type C Schengen Visa: Short-Stay Visa

The most common visa for tourists and short-term visitors. It allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you're visiting for tourism, family visits, or short business trips, this is the visa you’ll likely need.

Type C Schengen visas come in three varieties:

• Single-entry visa: Allows one entry into the Schengen area. Once you leave, your visa expires.
• Double-entry visa: Permits you to enter the Schengen area twice. After the second exit, the visa expires.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows you to enter and exit the Schengen area as many times as you need during the visa’s validity period, but you can’t stay for more than 90 days in any 180-day window.

3. Type D Schengen Visa: Long-Stay Visa

Also known as the National Visa, this visa is for individuals planning to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days. It’s typically used by people who plan to study, work, or reside long-term in a Schengen country. It allows travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but the main purpose is for stays exceeding 90 days in the issuing country.

Extended Stay Options: Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas

If you’re a frequent traveler to Europe, you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa, valid for one, three, or five years. These visas allow you to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times, but you’re still bound by the 90/180 rule—meaning you can stay a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.

• One-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: Available if you’ve had three previous visas within the past two years.
• Three-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: Available if you’ve held a one-year multiple-entry visa in the last two years.
• Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: Available if you’ve held a two-year visa within the last three years.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

In special or emergency cases, you may be issued a Limited Territorial Validity Visa, which limits your travel to one or more specific Schengen countries. Unlike other visas, it doesn’t allow you to freely travel between Schengen countries. This is rare and usually granted for urgent humanitarian reasons.

How Can AXA Help with Your Schengen Visa?

As part of your Schengen visa application, you’ll need travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 (about $33,000) in medical expenses, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, and medical evacuation et repatriation remains. AXA offers Schengen travel insurance starting from $22 per week, meeting all the required coverage levels for a Schengen visa.

• Up to $100,000 coverage for medical expenses
• $500 for dental expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• 24/7 support and assistance while traveling in the Schengen area

Our insurance policies are accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates, and you’ll receive your insurance certificate immediately after purchase—ready to include with your visa application.