A double-entry visa is a type of Schengen visa that allows the visa holder to enter the Schengen Area twice within a specific period of time. A double-entry visa is indicated with a visa sticker by ‘02’. This means that you can enter, leave and re-enter the Schengen area one more time before the visa expires. For example, if someone has a double entry visa for a period of 90 days, they can enter the Schengen Area for the first time, stay for a certain period of time, leave, and then return one more time for another stay of up to 90 days before the visa expires.
Why Is the Schengen Double Entry Visa Issued?
The Schengen double entry visa is issued to travelers allowing them to enter and exit the Schengen area more than once for different reasons. A Schengen double entry visa is issued for:
- People who need to travel to the Schengen area for business purposes may find the double entry visa helpful if they need to exit the area and enter one more time. For example, they may need to attend a conference in two different countries before returning home.
- If you receive a double-entry visa for tourism, you may (for example) visit France, return home and then travel back to the Schengen Area at some other date within the validity of your visa.
- During their program, students may need to go to their home country to see their family and return again for studies.
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What Is the Validity Period of a Schengen Double Entry Visa?
Generally, a Schengen double entry visa is valid for up to 90 days within a period of six months from the date of the first entry into the Schengen area.
This means that you can enter and exit the Schengen area twice during the validity period of the visa, for stays of up to 90 days each time, as long as it is within the six-month period. For example, if you enter the Schengen area on January 1st, 2023, your double entry visa will be valid until June 30th, 2023, and you can enter and exit the Schengen area twice within that period, for up to 90 days each time.
Remember: The validity period of a Schengen double entry visa is not the same as the duration of stay. The duration of stay refers to the number of days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area during each entry. The maximum duration of stay is 90 days per entry, regardless of the validity period of the visa.
How Long Can I Stay in the Schengen Area With a Double Entry Schengen Visa?
With a double entry Schengen visa, you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per entry. Sometimes, the visa is issued for less than 90 days. For example, you may be issued a double-entry visa with an allowed duration of stay of up to 10 days, which would mean that the total number of days you can spend in the Schengen Area (on both entries combined) is 10 days – not that you have 10 days per entry.
Calculate the number of days you can spend in the Schengen area with a double entry visa.
It is important to note that the max. 90-day limit applies to the total number of days you spend in the Schengen area during each entry, not the number of days you spend in each Schengen country. This means that if you visit multiple Schengen countries during one entry, the total number of days spent in all countries cannot exceed 90 days.
If you need to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit, depending on the purpose of your stay.
How Much Does a Schengen Double Entry Visa Cost?
Schengen Visa fees are the same for double-entry visas as they are for single-, or multiple-entry visas: €90 for adults,€45 for children between 6-12 years of age, and free for children younger than 6 years of age.
The visa fee is non-refundable, regardless if your visa is approved or not. The visa fee covers the cost of processing of the visa application. Prices for short-stay Schengen visas are standardized for all countries. You will be charged the same price, no matter if you are traveling to Germany, Italy, Sweden, France, or any of the other Schengen states.
The Schengen visa fee is waived for some categories of applicants, such as certain students, researchers, or family members of EU/EEA citizens.
How Far in Advance Should I Apply for a Schengen Double Entry Visa?
It is recommended that you apply for a Schengen double entry visa at least 15 days before your intended travel date to the Schengen area. This means, you must set up your visa appointment even earlier in advance.
It is best to apply as early as possible to allow for any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise during the visa application process. There are cases when the visa application process may take longer than usual, especially during peak travel seasons or due to the volume of visa applications being processed. Some countries may, as well, require additional documentation or information from you, which can also result in delays.
Note: It is important to note that you should not make any non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received your visa, as the visa application process does not guarantee that your application will be approved.
Can I Change My Itinerary Once I Have Been Granted a Schengen Double Entry Visa?
Yes, you can. It is generally acceptable to make minor changes to your trip such as adjusting your travel dates within the validity of the visa. However, if you are changing your main destination or drastically changing your travel dates, you may require a new visa.
What is deemed intolerable is if you applied for your Schengen visa at the German consulate and when you enter the Schengen area, you land in Italy and spend most of your time there. Although you do not have to enter the Schengen Area through the country that issued your visa, you are supposed to spend the majority of your time in that country. This might lead to problems when you leave the Schengen Area or for future visa applications.
Additionally, you should remember that your visa was issued based on the information that you initially provided in your application. That includes a detailed travel itinerary as well.
Can I Apply for a Schengen Double Entry Visa if I Have Been Denied a Schengen Visa Before?
Yes, you can. If your Schengen double entry visa was previously denied, you are free to apply again. It is important to identify the reasons for the previous visa denial and take steps to address them before applying again. Some common reasons for visa denial include incomplete or inaccurate application forms, insufficient supporting documentation, no justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay, and no proof of sufficient means both for the duration of the intended stay and for your return to your home country, concerns about the applicant’s intention to leave the Schengen area after their stay, or if the applicant is considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security or public health.
What Documents Do I Need to Provide When Applying for a Schengen Double Entry Visa?
When applying for a double-entry Schengen visa, some of the documents you are required to submit include:
- Completed Schengen visa application form. You must make sure that the information you have provided in your visa application is correct and complete. Any inaccuracies may result in your application being rejected.
- Passport-size photographs. You must provide two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself.
- Travel itinerary. You must provide a detailed itinerary, including flight reservations and hotel bookings.
- Travel insurance. You must provide travel medical insurance.
- Proof of sufficient financial means. You must be able to prove that you can support yourself while you are in the Schengen area.
- Proof of the purpose of your trip. You must include an invitation letter from a host in the Schengen area, or conference registration confirmation, etc.
Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the specific purpose of your trip and the requirements of the embassy or consulate where you apply.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Schengen Double Entry Visa Application?
It usually takes 15 days for a Schengen visa application to be processed from the date the embassy or consulate receives your completed application and supporting documents. The processing time, however, can take longer depending on your application or extraordinary circumstances. The processing period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 days. In case additional documents are required, the period may be extended up to 60 days.
What Happens if My Schengen Double Entry Visa Application Is Denied?
If your Schengen double entry visa is denied, you may appeal a letter against the refusal decision. Applicants are usually notified about the reasons why their application was refused. However, you can apply again. It is recommended that you keep note of the reasons your application was denied and make amendments where you have to. A previous visa refusal does not mean an automatic refusal of a new application. A new application will be assessed on the basis of all the new information you provide.
Other Types of Schengen Visas
- Business Schengen Visa
- Cultural Schengen Visa
- Transit Schengen Visa
- Visitor Schengen Visa
- Medical Schengen Visa
- Tourist Schengen Visa