Among the different types of Schengen visas, the Type-D visa permits longer stays for specific purposes, such as study, work, or family reunification. However, many people are unsure whether they can visit Schengen Countries On A Type-D Schengen Visa.
In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to visit Schengen countries on a Type-D visa and what requirements are necessary for non-work-related travel.
We will also provide essential information to help you understand the Schengen visa policy and plan your trip to Europe.
Can You Visit Schengen Countries On A Type-D Schengen Visa?
Yes, a Type-D Schengen visa is a long-stay visa that allows you to explore various Schengen countries beyond the one where you initially applied. This visa permits you to spend up to 90 days within any Schengen country over a 180-day period.
People usually apply for a Type-D Schengen visa when their primary purpose is tourism or private visits. It can also be handy if you’re planning to conduct research on work-related matters or attending conferences and seminars. But it’s important to note that this visa doesn’t cover business trips.
If you decide to go for a Type-D Schengen visa, you’ll need to show that you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay and a way to get back home. Also, if you intend to stay in any Schengen country for an extended period, you may need to secure a residence permit from that specific country.
It’s essential to remember that while the Type-D Schengen visa offers many benefits, it doesn’t guarantee automatic entry into any Schengen country or dictate the duration of your stay.
All decisions regarding visa applications and entries are still made by border control officers at the point of entry.
Which Non-Schengen Countries Allow Entry For Type-D Schengen Visa Holders?
A valid Schengen visa opens the door to many countries that aren’t part of the European Union or the Schengen area. These countries include:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Kosovo
- Macedonia (FYROM)
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Russia
- Serbia
- Ukraine
- Turkey (except Istanbul)
Keep in mind that these countries don’t offer visa-free entry, so you’ll need to apply for a special permit or visa depending on the country you plan to visit.
The purpose of your visit will also determine the type of visa required. If it’s for business, you’ll need a business visa; for tourism, you’ll need a tourist visa.
To successfully apply for these visas or permits, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and have your documents in order.
What Is The Type D Long-Stay Schengen Visa?
A Type D long-stay Schengen visa is a must for anyone planning to study, work, or reside in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, up to a year. This visa allows you to travel and stay in the broader Schengen area, not just the country where you initially applied.
With a Type D Long Stay Visa, you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and throughout the entire validity of your visa.
You can apply for this visa for various reasons, such as tourism, private visits, professional activities, studying, training, internships, or family-related matters.
It’s crucial to understand that the Type-D long-stay Schengen visa differs from the short-stay Schengen visa, which permits a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days.
So, when applying for a visa, ensure it aligns with your travel purpose and the duration of your stay.
Overview Of Countries Open For Visit Using Type-D Schengen Visa
Here is a table naming different countries you can visit using your Type-D Schengen Visa
| Country | Can you visit for tourism with a Type-D Schengen Visa? |
| Austria | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Belgium | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Czech Republic | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Denmark | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Estonia | No |
| Finland | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| France | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Germany | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Greece | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Hungary | No |
| Iceland | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Italy | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Latvia | No |
| Liechtenstein | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Lithuania | No |
| Luxembourg | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Malta | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Netherlands | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Norway | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Poland | No |
| Portugal | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Slovakia | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Slovenia | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Spain | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Sweden | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
| Switzerland | Yes, for a limited period of time and under certain conditions |
What Are The Different Types Of Uniform Schengen Visas?
The Uniform Schengen Visa is a special visa that allows travelers to freely move within the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen Area. It comes in two main categories: “A” and “C.” Let’s take a closer look at each type.
Category “A” stands for the Airport Transit Visa. This visa is for individuals who need to change flights in a Schengen country airport when traveling from one non-Schengen state to another non-Schengen state.
It lets you move through the international zone of the airport without actually entering the Schengen Area.
Category “C” represents Short-term visas. These visas grant entry and temporary stays in the Schengen Area for specific durations, usually ranging from 3 to 6 months.
People often use this type of visa for business trips or tourism. The visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your trip.
It’s important to understand that each category of the Uniform Schengen Visa comes with its own set of conditions and restrictions, which can vary from one country to another.
For precise information, it’s always wise to visit the official website of the specific country you plan to visit before applying for a Schengen Visa.
This way, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
What Are The Different Types Of Multiple Entry Visas?
If you’re planning to travel to Europe multiple times within a specific timeframe, you might find the multiple-entry Schengen Visas to be a great option. These visas come in three varieties: one-year, three-year, and five-year, each catering to different traveler needs.
One-year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas are the most commonly issued type of multiple-entry visa. To be eligible, travelers should have used three visas within the previous two years while following the 90/180 days rule. This means you can’t stay in Europe for more than 90 days within any 180-day period.
Three-year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas are quite similar to one-year visas but offer a longer period of validity.
To qualify, applicants need to have lawfully used a previous one-year multiple-entry visa within the past two years, still adhering to the 90/180 days rule.
For an extended five-year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa, there are more stringent requirements. To be eligible for this type of visa, you should have used a previous multiple-entry visa with at least two years of validity over the past three years, and, of course, abide by the 90/180 days rule.
Just like with any Schengen Visa, your travel history, financial stability, and evidence of accommodation are crucial factors in securing a five-year multiple-entry visa.
These visas offer convenience and flexibility for frequent travelers, making it easier to explore Europe on multiple occasions.
What Is A Single Entry Schengen Visa?
A single-entry Schengen visa is your ticket to visiting the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, but with one crucial restriction – you can only enter once. This visa is a necessity for travelers aiming to explore any of the 26 European nations within the Schengen Zone.
Your stay under this visa must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period, and there’s no option for extending this limit.
Upon your arrival in one of these countries, you’ll receive a passport stamp specifying the entry date and the allowed duration of your stay.
To secure a single-entry Schengen visa, you must provide valid identification documents, along with proof of your financial means and travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
The cost of obtaining a single-entry Schengen visa may vary based on the country where you apply, but generally falls around €60 or $70 USD.
Keep in mind that the processing time for these visas can be up to two weeks. Therefore, it’s wise to apply at least three weeks before your intended departure date to ensure everything is in order.
Which Countries Are Part Of The Schengen Area?
The Schengen area is a collective zone comprising 26 countries that have waved goodbye to passports and border checks at their mutual borders. This means that folks from these member nations can travel freely within the area without any hassles.
The Schengen States include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
All these countries follow the same short-stay visa rules.
When you travel within the Schengen Area, all you need is your trusty identity card or passport – no more, no less.
This lack of travel restrictions is a game-changer for business folks, tourists, and anyone else who wants to move around within the area.
Without border checks, journeying from one Schengen country to another is as smooth as taking a stroll in your own backyard.
The Schengen Area doesn’t just make life easier for its citizens; it also boosts security in the entire region.
By simplifying travel and making it safer, it has given a shot in the arm to tourism and the economies of many European nations.
The Schengen Agreement has been such a hit that it’s inspired similar open-border ventures in Europe and beyond.
What Is Schengen Visa 90/180 Rule?
Understanding the Schengen visa 90/180 rule is crucial when dealing with a Schengen Visa. This rule states that you can spend a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area, regardless of your entry and exit points.
For instance, if you travel to France for two weeks, Italy for one week, and then Germany for three weeks, your total time within the Schengen Area would already add up to four weeks, exceeding your 90-day limit.
Here’s the catch: every day spent outside the Schengen Area still counts as “one day” under the 90/180 rule. So, even a brief day trip outside the Schengen Area will chip away at your 90-day allowance.
It’s essential to remember that overstaying your Schengen Visa can lead to serious consequences. Depending on the extent of your overstay and where it occurs, you might face deportation or even be banned from reentering the Schengen Area in the future.
Therefore, it’s vital to keep a close eye on the 90/180 rule and make sure you don’t exceed your allocated time within the Zone.
Who Does The 90/180 Rule Apply To?
The 90/180-day rule is essential for non-EU citizens who can enter the Schengen area without a visa or those with a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for more than 90 days. This also applies to nationals of countries that need ETIAS authorization to travel within the Schengen states.
In simpler terms, if you’re not from the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and you intend to stay longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, you must follow the 90/180-day rule to ensure you’re traveling legally. Depending on your nationality, you might also require an ETIAS visa waiver before entry.
The 90/180-day rule is a crucial part of the EU’s Schengen regulations, and complying with it is necessary for legal travel within the Schengen area.
It’s worth noting that any days spent outside the Schengen zone, like visiting a non-Schengen country, won’t count towards the 180-day calculation.
Can You Enter The Schengen Area More Than One Time During That Period?
Yes, you can indeed enter the Schengen area multiple times during the defined period. However, to do this, it’s crucial to carefully calculate your days of stay and ensure they do not surpass a total of 90 days within any 180-day timeframe.
In simpler terms, if you’ve already spent a certain number of days in the Schengen area within a 180-day period before your latest visit, you’ll only be allowed to stay for the additional days needed to complete your total visit. These additional days should not exceed 90 days within that same 180-day period.
It’s vital to remember that this rule applies no matter how many times and which countries you’ve visited during those 180 days.
Therefore, you must keep track of the total days you’ve spent in the Schengen area during that specific period, ensuring that any subsequent visits don’t exceed the 90-day limit.
If your overall stay duration exceeds this limit, you might face legal consequences. S
taying well-informed when visiting a Schengen country and complying with all entry and stay regulations is essential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a Type-D visa allows for longer stays in a Schengen country for specific reasons such as study, work, or family reunification, it is not a substitute for a standard Schengen tourist visa.
Therefore, if you intend to visit a Schengen country for tourism, you must obtain a Schengen tourist visa, which has specific requirements and limitations.
It is also important to note that the Schengen visa policy is subject to change.
It is essential to check with the relevant embassy or consulate before applying for a visa.