What is a Type C (aka short-stay) Schengen Visa?

If you are planning a short trip to Europe, understanding whether you need a Schengen visa, how long you can stay and how to apply can save you time and avoid costly mistakes.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Type C Schengen visa.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area — aka the Schengen Zone — is a group of 29 European nations that have chosen to abolish passports and other types of border controls at their internal borders, allowing people who have legally entered the area to travel between participating countries without routine internal border checks.

The Schengen Area includes most EU member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area. Cyprus does not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and does not currently issue Schengen visas, while Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area.

But don’t worry, AXA can happily tell you which European countries are not in the Schengen, as well as the differences between the Schengen Area, the EU, the Euro Zone, the EEA, and Europe in general.

What is a Type C short-stay Schengen visa?

Travelers from countries subject to the EU visa requirement generally need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area. And the Type C visa (also known as a short-stay visa) is by far the most common one. It is generally the Schengen visa used for temporary purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, business travel and other permitted short stays. This visa allows the visa holders to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

A Type C visa is generally issued as a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), meaning it is valid throughout the Schengen Area. In certain cases, however, a visa may have limited territorial validity.

Who needs a Type C visa for the Schengen Area?

Whether you need a short-stay Schengen visa depends primarily on your nationality and passport.

Nationals of countries whose citizens are subject to the EU's visa requirement generally need to apply for a short-stay visa before travelling to the Schengen Area. Nationals of visa-exempt countries may generally travel without a Schengen visa for short stays, subject to the applicable entry conditions and maximum stay.

Visa requirements can change depending on nationality and circumstances, so travellers should always check the official EU guidance and the requirements applicable to their passport before travelling.

Who does not need a Type C Schengen visa?

EU citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel within the Schengen Area.

Certain non-EU nationals are also visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This includes nationals of countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, provided they meet the conditions for visa-free travel. If you want to know exactly if your country is a visa-exempt country, AXA can tell you all about it in Who doesn’t need a Schengen Visa?

Do minors need a Type C Schengen visa?

Yes, minors are also required to apply for a Schengen visa (regardless of their age) if they are nationals of a country subject to the Schengen visa requirement.

Additional requirements may apply to minors. Depending on the circumstances and the relevant consulate, the application may need to include parental consent and documents relating to parental authority or legal guardianship. The EU Visa Code specifically provides for a separate application form for minors, signed by a person exercising parental authority or legal guardianship.

So make sure that you double-check with the specific Schengen country’s embassy for further details.

How long can you stay in the Schengen Area with a Type C visa?

A Type C short-stay visa generally allows a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.

The important point is that the 180-day reference period is rolling, rather than a fixed period that resets at the end of a trip or calendar year. For each day of your stay, you need to look back at the previous 180 days and count the days you have spent in the Schengen Area during that period.

For example, if you have already spent 60 days in the Schengen Area during the relevant 180-day period, you may have only 30 days remaining, depending on your travel dates and the other conditions of your visa.

You must also respect the authorised length of stay shown on your visa sticker. Having a visa valid for several years does not mean you can stay continuously for several years.

What is AXA’s Schengen visa calculator and how does it work?

Keeping track of your authorised days can be difficult if you travel to the Schengen Area several times.

To help you apply the 90/180-day rule accurately, AXA developed a Schengen visa calculator. By entering your previous and planned travel dates, you can determine how many days you have already spent in the Schengen Area and how many may remain available.

This can be particularly useful for travellers holding a multiple-entry visa who enter and leave the Schengen Area several times.

Because the 180-day period is rolling, rather than based on a calendar year, calculating your remaining days manually can be difficult.

However, it does not replace the conditions of your visa or the official assessment made by border authorities.

What is the validity period of a Type C Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa validity period indicates the period during which the visa can be used to seek entry.

A Type C visa may be issued for one, two or multiple entries. Its validity can be up to five years, depending on the circumstances and the type of visa issued.

• A single-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area only once during its validity period. After you leave, re-entry is not permitted — regardless of the visa's validity period.
  
• With a double-entry visa, you’re allowed two entries during its validity period (i.e., you can exit and re-enter the Schengen Area once during the visa’s validity period).
  
• And a multiple-entry visa provides the greatest flexibility, allowing multiple entries into the Schengen Area as often as needed, subject to the authorised length of stay and the 90/180-day rule. Multiple-entry visas can have validity periods ranging from six months to five years when the relevant conditions are met. The number of authorised entries is indicated on the Schengen visa sticker.

What is the difference between visa validity and authorised length of stay?

The visa validity period tells you when the visa can be used, while the authorised length of stay tells you how long you are allowed to remain in the Schengen Area.

These two concepts should not be confused.

For example, a multiple-entry visa may be valid for several years, but this does not give the holder the right to remain in the Schengen Area continuously throughout that period. The applicable authorised stay and the 90/180-day rule still apply.

Can the duration of a Type C short-stay visa be extended?

A short-stay Schengen visa can be extended only in exceptional circumstances.

Under the Visa Code, an extension may be considered when force majeure or humanitarian reasons prevent the visa holder from leaving the Schengen Area before the expiry of the visa or authorised stay, subject to the applicable conditions.

An extension is not a standard way of converting a short stay into a long-term stay. If you intend to stay for more than 90 days for purposes such as work, study or residence, you will generally need the appropriate national visa or residence permit.

Learn more about Schengen visa extensions

In which countries is a Type C Schengen visa valid?

A standard Uniform Schengen Visa is generally valid across the 29 countries that issue Schengen visas:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia (aka the Czech Republic)
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Bulgaria and Romania are full Schengen members since 1 January 2025. Cyprus and Ireland do not issue Schengen visas.

Some European microstates, including Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City, are not themselves Schengen member states but have specific arrangements relating to movement and border controls. Their treatment should therefore not be presented as if they were simply additional Schengen countries.

What types of stays is a Type C visa valid for?

A short-stay Schengen visa is intended for temporary travel purposes.

Depending on the visa issued and the supporting documents submitted, this can include:

• tourism;
• visiting family or friends;
• short business trips;
• cultural or sporting events;
• certain short-term study or training activities;
• other permitted temporary purposes.

The exact purpose of travel must be consistent with the information and supporting documents provided in the visa application.

What does a Type C short-stay visa not permit?

A Type C short-stay visa is not a substitute for a national long-stay visa, work permit or residence permit.

It generally cannot be used to:

• take up employment;
• undertake long-term studies;
• establish long-term residence;
• remain in the Schengen Area beyond the authorised stay.

If you intend to stay for longer than 90 days, work or undertake long-term studies, you may need to apply for a national visa or another appropriate authorization, depending on the country and purpose of your stay.

Learn more about long-stay Schengen visas, such as student visas and work visas.

How do I apply for a Type C short-stay Schengen visa?

To apply for a short-stay visa, you generally need to:

1. Determine whether you need a visa based on your nationality.
2. Identify the Schengen country responsible for examining your application.
3. Gather the required supporting documents.
4. Complete and sign the application form.
5. Book an appointment if required.
6. Attend the appointment and provide biometric data when required.
7. Pay the applicable visa fee.
8. Submit the application and wait for the decision.

The application must normally be submitted to the consulate or official visa application centre responsible for your application.

What documents are required for a Type C short-stay Schengen visa?

The exact required documents can vary depending on the applicant's nationality, country of residence, purpose of travel and destination. However, you will generally need documents such as:

• Your passport issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  
• Duly completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
  
• Passport photographs complying with Schengen requirements.
  
• Proof of the purpose of travel such as an itinerary or other relevant supporting documents.
  
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel reservations, a rental agreement or an invitation from a host.
  
• Proof of sufficient financial means demonstrating that you can support yourself during the trip and return to your home country.
  
• Travel health insurance meeting the requirements of the Visa Code, including minimum coverage of €30,000 for relevant medical expenses and repatriation.
  
• Additional documents depending on your circumstances, for example, employment documents, proof of studies or documents relating to parental authority for minors.

The consulate may also request additional documents or invite you for an interview during the examination of your application.

Always check the current document list provided by the relevant consulate or official visa application centre before submitting your application.

How much does a Type C short-stay Schengen visa cost?

The standard Schengen visa cost is €90 for applicants aged 12 and over.

Children aged 6 to under 12 pay a reduced fee of €45, while children under 6 are generally exempt from the visa fee. Certain other categories of applicants and nationals of countries covered by specific visa facilitation agreements may also benefit from reduced fees or exemptions.

Additional service fees may apply when an external visa application centre is used.

Important: Keep in mind that if your visa is denied, the visa fee is non-refundable. Luckily, AXA's travel insurance is (in most cases)!

Where and when should I submit my Type C visa application?

You should normally submit your application to the consulate of the Schengen country that is responsible for your trip, in the country where you are legally resident, or through its official external service provider where applicable.

If you are visiting several Schengen countries, you generally apply to the country that is your main destination, determined by the purpose and length of stay. If you plan to spend an equal amount of time in several Schengen countries and no main destination can be identified, the application is generally submitted to the country whose external border you will cross first.

A short-stay Schengen visa application can generally be submitted up to six months before the start of the intended trip. As a general rule, applications should be submitted no later than 15 calendar days before the intended trip. Applying several weeks in advance is nevertheless recommended so you have enough time to gather your documents, obtain an appointment if necessary and account for possible delays. The visa processing time can indeed go up to 45 calendar days in individual cases.

What should I do if my Type C Schengen visa is refused?

If your application is refused, you should receive a written notification explaining the grounds for the refusal and information about the applicable appeal procedure.

Depending on the circumstances, you can then appeal the decision within the given timeframe or submit a new application with stronger supporting documents.

Do I need travel insurance for a Type C Schengen visa?

For most applicants for a uniform Schengen visa, adequate and valid travel medical insurance is a mandatory application requirement.

The insurance must generally:

• cover the entire intended stay or transit;
• be valid throughout the Schengen Area;
• cover relevant expenses including medical repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death;
• provide minimum coverage of €30,000.

Specific exemptions can apply in certain circumstances, including for some professional categories already covered by adequate insurance and holders of diplomatic passports.

How can AXA help with Type C Schengen visa insurance?

Providing you with the proper Schengen travel insurance, both for your visa and your trip, is AXA’s number one priority!

All four AXA plans - Basic, Essential, Premium and Annual - meet the aforementioned requirements for being granted your Type C visa.

Moreover, if your Schengen visa is denied, AXA will refund you in most cases.

You’ll only be asked to provide an official explanation as to why your visa was refused (from the corresponding Schengen consulate or visa application center, that is).

Compare our Schengen travel insurance plans and get a free AXA quote today.

FAQ

Do I need a Type C visa if I am only transiting (i.e., have a connecting flight) through a Schengen country without staying there?

Not every traveller transiting through a Schengen country needs a Type C visa. If you are travelling through a Schengen airport and remain in the international transit area without passing through border control, you may instead need an airport transit visa (Type A), depending on your nationality and itinerary.

Whether you need one depends on your nationality and the specific airport and itinerary involved. Check with the relevant consulate or the official EU guidance before travelling.

Can the duration of a Type C short-stay visa be extended?

Yes, but only in exceptional circumstances and subject to the conditions of the Visa Code. A short-stay visa is not normally extended simply because a traveller wants to remain in Europe longer.

Do minors need a Type C short-stay Schengen visa?

Minors are subject to the same nationality-based visa requirement as other travellers. If they need a visa, additional documents relating to parental authority or consent may be required.

Does a Type C short-stay Schengen visa allow multiple entries?

It depends on the visa issued. A single-entry visa allows one entry, a double-entry visa allows two, and a multiple-entry visa permits repeated entries during its validity period.

What is the processing time for a Type C Schengen visa?

A short-stay Schengen visa application is normally decided within 15 calendar days from the date of an admissible application. In individual cases, the processing period can be extended to a maximum of 45 calendar days, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed. This is why it is better not to wait until the minimum 15-day deadline before applying.