When planning your journey to Europe, it is critical to understand your visa choices. Travelers frequently encounter two types of visas: Schengen visas and national visas. Both allow admission into European countries, although they differ in terms of depth, validity, and purpose. In this post, we’ll look at the key differences between a Schengen visa vs national visa, to help you choose which is best for your travel needs.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows you to visit all 27 countries in the Schengen Area. These countries have removed border restrictions, allowing people to freely cross borders once they enter any of the Schengen states. The Schengen visa permits people to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days during a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
The Schengen Area encompasses the majority of European Union (EU) countries, as well as a few non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. However, it excludes countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a few others that have opted out of the accord.
Key Features of a Schengen Visa:
Travel Freedom Across Multiple Countries: A Schengen visa allows entry to all Schengen Area countries with a single visa.
Short-Stay Visa: The maximum stay is 90 days in any 180-day period.
Tourism, Business, or Family Visits: The visa is generally issued for purposes like tourism, business meetings, or visiting family members.
Application Process: Travelers must apply for the visa at the consulate of the country where they plan to spend the most time or the first point of entry in the Schengen Area.
Multiple Entries: Some Schengen visas allow multiple entries within the validity period, though this is subject to the specific conditions of the visa.
What is a National Visa?
A national visa is one issued by a single country, usually for a longer stay or a specific purpose not covered by a Schengen visa. National visas are provided for stays that exceed the Schengen visa’s 90-day restriction or for specified purposes such as job, education, or family reunion. National visas allow only travel within the country that issued the visa, as opposed to Schengen visas, which allow admission to several countries.
For example, if you apply for a national visa from Germany to study, you can only stay in Germany (and potentially other countries with bilateral agreements), and you must obtain a separate visa to visit any other Schengen countries.
Key Features of a National Visa:
Country-Specific: A national visa is only valid in the country that issued it.
Longer Stays: National visas normally allow stays of more than 90 days, ranging from several months to years depending on the visa type and purpose.
They are provided for specific purposes, such as employment, education, family reunion, or permanent residence.
Limited Travel: A national visa does not permit entry to other Schengen countries.
Application Process: National visa applications are submitted to the consulate or embassy of the issuing country.
Key Differences Between Schengen Visa VS National Visa
The primary distinctions between a Schengen visa and a national visa are the type of travel allowed, the length of stay, and the geographical scope of the visa. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Schengen Visa Vs National Visa
Schengen Visa
- Long-term stays for work, study, or family reunification
- More than 90 days, often up to a year or more
- Valid for all Schengen Area countries
National Visa
- Purpose Short-term tourism, business, or family visits
- Validity Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Valid only for the country that issued the visa
When to Choose a Schengen Visa?
If you are planning a short trip to Europe and want to visit multiple countries, a Schengen visa is the ideal option. For example, if you want to explore France, Italy, and Spain within a single trip, a Schengen visa will allow you to move freely between these countries.
The Schengen visa is also a great choice for tourists, business professionals attending meetings, or individuals visiting family members in multiple Schengen countries. Just remember that the 90-day limit within a 180-day period means your stay will be relatively short, and you will need to plan your travels accordingly.
When to Choose a National Visa?
A national visa is the right choice if you are planning to stay in one country for an extended period or if you have a specific purpose, such as studying, working, or joining family members. For example, if you are offered a job in Germany or have been accepted to a university in the Netherlands, you will need to apply for a national visa for that particular country.
