When traveling to the Schengen Area, the type of visa you receive depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. There are three main categories of visas: Type A, Type C, and Type D, each labeled accordingly on the visa sticker as "TYPE OF VISA," "TYPE DE VISA," or "VISA TYP."
Type A Visa: Airport Transit
If your travel requires you to pass through the international zone of an airport in a Schengen Member State, you will be issued a Type A visa. This is strictly a transit visa, meaning you are not allowed to enter any country within the Schengen Zone. It is only meant for travelers waiting for a connecting flight and is typically used for brief airport transits.
Type C Visa: Short-Stay
For travelers wishing to enter the Schengen Area for a short visit, a Type C visa is issued. This visa allows you to stay within the Schengen Member States for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Type C visa comes in three variations:
- Single-entry: Allows one-time entry into the Schengen Zone.
- Double-entry: Permits two entries into the zone.
- Multiple-entry: Grants the freedom to enter and exit the Schengen Zone multiple times during the visa's validity period.
You can identify the number of entries allowed by checking the "Number of Entries" field on your visa sticker.
Type D Visa: Long-Stay
If your stay in the Schengen Area will exceed 90 days, a Type D visa is required. This visa is issued for long-term visits, allowing you to remain or travel within the Schengen Member States for more than 90 days, up to a maximum of one year. It is often issued for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification.
In summary, the type of visa you receive—A, C, or D—will depend on whether you are transiting through an airport, staying for a short period, or residing in the Schengen Area for an extended duration. Make sure to review your visa sticker carefully to understand the restrictions and permissions associated with your visa type.