Schengen visa is a common tourist visa for traveling in Europe. It allows single entry or multiple entries. First-time travelers are wondering what’s the difference between them and whether they can apply for a two-entry Schengen visa. In this passage, we will find out the answer and discuss how to apply for it.
What Is a Two-entry Schengen Visa?
A two-entry Schengen visa, also called a double-entry Schengen visa, is issued to citizens outside the Schengen Area and allows them to enter the area twice within a specified validity period. It is a short-term visa designed for the purpose of tourism, visiting family or friends, and doing business. It will be invalidated once you leave the Schengen Area for the second time even if there are still remaining periods of stay. Schengen countries also issue single-entry visas that allow holders to enter once and multiple-entry visas that allow holders to travel in and outside the area at unlimited times.
Click here to learn more about Schengen Visa Entry Types.
Can I Get Two-entry Schengen Visa First Time?
Whether you can apply for a two-entry Schengen visa the first time depends on your nationality. US citizens currently do not need a Schengen visa to travel to any Schengen country and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Starting in 2025, Americans should obtain European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) authorization.
As for those from visa-required countries, the two-entry Schengen visa typically applies to individuals who plan to visit more than one Schengen state but do not wish to enter the Schengen Area more than twice during their visa’s validity.
Difference Between Single-Entry, Double-Entry vs Multiple-Entry Visas
The biggest difference among single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas is primarily how often a traveler can enter the country on the same visa. Moreover, they also differ in the following aspects.
| Visa Type | Single-Entry Schengen Visa | Two-Entry Schengen Visa | Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa |
| Number of Entries | One | Two | Unlimited |
| Validity | 180 days | 180 days | 1-5 years |
| Length of Stay | Up to 90 days within a 180-day period | Up to 90 days in total for all entries within a 180-day period | Up to 180 days in tital for all entries within visa validity |
| Re-enter | Not allowed & expires after the first exit | Allowed for re-entering once | Allowed until the visa expires |
| Travel Flexibility | Only apply to a single itinerary | Allow diverse travel plan | Flexibility in traveling |
| Fees | Lower | Same as a single-entry visa | Higher |
| Application Process | Generally easier | Under stricter review, more documents required | Under stricter review, more documents required |
| Travel Frequency | Suitable for fixed itineraries or single trips | Suitable for multi-destination travel | Suitable for multi-destination travel, frequent travelers |
What Type of Schengen Visa Can I Apply for the First Time
If you hold a passport issued by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (DR), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and only want to change flights in Schengen countries, you are supposed to apply for Airport Transit visa (ATV, type A). If you travel for tourism, business, or family visits and will stay for shorter than 90 days, you typically need a short-stay Schengen Visa (type C). First-time applicants who plan to go home directly after leaving Schengen area are suggested to apply for a single-entry visa which is cheaper and easier to be approved.
How to Apply for Single-entry Schengen Visa First Time
Schengen visa should be applied in person at the embassy or consulate of a certain country in your country of residence. Here is a detailed instruction on the Schengen visa application.
Collect Necessary Documents for Schengen Visa Application
Applicants should prepare a series of documents to demonstrate their identity travel plan, including:
- A duly accomplished visa application form (available at the consulate or visa center or its website).
- A passport valid for at least 3 months upon the estimated date of leaving the Schengen area.
- Two recent Schengen visa photos.
- Schengen travel insurance (coverage of at least €30,000 and covering all the Schengen countries)
- Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).
- A travel itinerary indicating when and where you are traveling.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support your trip, such as bank statements, pay slips, etc.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel booking, invitation letter of your host, etc.
- Payment receipt of visa fees.
- A cover letter stating what you are traveling for and your travel plan.
- Your residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable)
Confirm to Visit a Consulate of the Country
Any Schengen country can issue a Schengen visa, but which country you should apply from depends on which country you go to and where you first visit.
- If you visit only one country, apply at the embassy or consulate of that country.
- If you visit more than one country, apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will stay the longest.
- If you visit more than one country and stay for an equal time in each of them, apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that you first visit.
Book an Appointment
Most countries require a prior appointment before submitting a visa application and biometric data at the consulate or visa center. The appointment booking process might vary from country to country.
- Schedule an appointment with a specific embassy or consulate directly
Some countries allow applicants to book online, by phone, or by email. It is suggested to visit the official website of the consular office in your country of residence and check the latest information.
- Schedule an appointment with the visa center
Some countries appoint visa centers to accept visa applications on their behalf, such as VFS Global, TLS, BLS, etc. You are supposed to visit its online portal and inquire about how to book an appointment.
Attend Appointment & Submit Schengen Visa Application
Bring all the required documents and an appointment confirmation letter to the selected visa office as scheduled. It is advised to dress decently and arrive about 15 minutes earlier. You need to submit the documents at the counter and submit biometrics (fingerprints and photographs). There might be a small interview aiming at verifying your intentions to visit and your identity. Just answer all questions honestly and concisely.
Collect the Visa
It usually takes 15 days to deal with your application. Once it is approved, the authority will put a visa sticker on your passport and inform you to pick it up at the same consulate or visa center. It is necessary to check the information related to the visa, for example, type and expiry date, and make sure everything is correct.
When Should I Apply for a Schengen Visa?
It is recommended to apply as early as possible, preferably at least 15 days before traveling, so you can receive the visa in time and will not delay your trip. However, to reduce the backlog and extend the processing time, the visa office does not accept applications more than 6 months earlier than the intended date of departure.
How to Apply for a Two-entry Schengen Visa?
The process for double-entry Schengen visa applications is the same as single-entry ones. You must also fill out the application form, prepare all required documents, make an appointment with the visa office, and submit the application in person. It is necessary to note that you should choose two entries for the number of entries.
Which Countries Need a Visa to Visit Schengen Zone?
Citizens of many countries and territories outside of Europe require a visa to visit the Schengen Area. Most of them are located in Asia and Africa. Here is a specific list.
| Afghanistan | Armenia | Angola | Azerbaijan |
| Bangladesh | Burkina Faso | Bahrain | Burundi |
| Benin | Bolivia | Bhutan | Botswana |
| Belarus | Central African Republic | DR Congo | Belize |
| Congo | Côte d’Ivoire | Cameroon | China |
| Cuba | Cape Verde | Djibouti | Dominican Republic |
| Algeria | Ecuador | Egypt | Eritrea |
| Eswatini | Ethiopia | Fiji | Gabon |
| Ghana | The Gambia | Guinea | Equatorial Guinea |
| Guinea-Bissau | Guyana | Haiti | Indonesia |
| India | Iraq | Iran | Jamaica |
| Jordan | Kenya | Kyrgyzstan | Cambodia |
| Comoros | North Korea | Kuwait | Kazakhstan |
| Laos | Lebanon | Sri Lanka | Liberia |
| Lesotho | Libya | Morocco | Madagascar |
| Mali | Myanmar | Mongolia | Mauritania |
| Maldives | Malawi | Mozambique | Namibia |
| Niger | Nigeria | Nepal | Oman |
| Philippines | Papua New Guinea | Pakistan | Qatar |
| Russia | Rwanda | Saudi Arabia | Sudan |
| Sierra Leone | Senegal | Somalia | Suriname |
| South Sudan | São Tomé and Príncipe | Syria | Chad |
| Togo | Thailand | Tajikistan | Turkmenistan |
| Tunisia | Turkey | Tanzania | Uganda |
| Uzbekistan | Vietnam | Yemen | South Africa |
| Zambia | Zimbabwe |
FAQ
Can you get a multiple-entry Schengen visa the first time?
Yes. Certain people might be issued a basic multiple-entry Schengen visa, such as frequent tourists, business persons, athletes, or researchers. Otherwise, you should have ever obtained a Schengen visa before to apply for a 3-year or 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.
Can I visit 2 Schengen countries with a single entry visa?
Yes. You can visit more than one Schengen country as long as you do not leave the Schengen Area during your trip. The single-entry visa will be invalidated after leaving the Schengen Area.
Can I change my itinerary after getting a Schengen visa?
Yes. The itinerary can be changed after obtaining a Schengen visa, but if you travel to countries that are not listed when applying for the visa, you are supposed to check the specific entry requirements to make sure you are eligible to visit there.
Can I enter Italy with a German Schengen visa?
Yes, as Schengen visas allow holders to travel freely between all the member states, including Germany and Italy as long as the visa is still valid and the purpose of traveling satisfies the visa requirements.
How to get a Schengen visa photo free?
You can take a photo at home and use a passport photo maker to edit it. AiPassportPhotos promises to generate a 100% qualified visa photo for free.
Summary
More than 100 countries’ and territories’ nationals need to apply for a visa to travel to Schengen areas. The single-entry Schengen visa is common for first-time travelers while frequent travelers are suggested to apply for a double-entry Schengen visa. No matter which one you choose, it is necessary to make full preparations and apply about 15 days to 6 months in advance.