Can I apply for 2 years Schengen Visas first Time?

Can I apply for 2 years Schengen Visas first Time? - Hand of crop anonymous tattooed person spraying white paint from can on colorful wall while standing on street of city

I am from Nigeria. I have a question I want to ask, As a first timer, can I apply for 2 years Schengen visa up front for multiple entries?



Best Answer

You don't get to specify a duration of validity on the standard form. The only dates you submit are those of your first trip to the Schengen area. What you can do is check the box asking for a multiple-entry visa and provide evidence of your need to travel to the Schengen area regularly. If you have a very specific and very convincing reason to want a two-year visa (as opposed to the generic flexibility afforded by a multiple-entry visa), you could write a letter to explain that and attach it to your application but there isn't really a way to apply for a two-year visa. Depending on your personal situation, it would be unlikely to get that on a first application and the dates of validity of your visa are still entirely up to the consulate.

If granted, a multiple-entry visa would go beyond the dates of your first trip and typically be valid for at least 6 months. The recommandations of the Handbook are not always followed but the EU Commission recommends issuing a one-year visa first, to be increased to two and then three years on renewal. UK residents sometimes get five-year visas on the first application, even without asking for it, but that doesn't help you if you reside in Nigeria.




Pictures about "Can I apply for 2 years Schengen Visas first Time?"

Can I apply for 2 years Schengen Visas first Time? - Unrecognizable woman painting graffiti on wall
Can I apply for 2 years Schengen Visas first Time? - Side view of crop unrecognizable female artist with tattoos spraying paint on colorful wall with black patterns on street in city
Can I apply for 2 years Schengen Visas first Time? - Anonymous artist painting graffiti on street



Can I get multiple entry Schengen Visa for the first time?

Schengen visas may allow for a single-entry or multiple entries. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "01". With a visa allowing for two or multiple entries you may enter twice or several times during the validity of the visa.

Can I get a 2 year Schengen Visa?

The basic version allows you to spend 90 days at a time within the area over a period of 180 days, up to as many trips in and out as you require. Multiple-entry Schengen Visas are also available lasting one, three, and five years - covering you for any trips within that period.

How many months in advance can I apply for Schengen Visa?

Applying six months in advance of a trip is now possible While so far Schengen visa applicants could file an application ad early as three months in advance of their trip to the borderless Schengen area, now this rule has changed. The updated code makes it possible for travelers to apply six months before their trip.

How many times a year one can apply for Schengen Visa?

A multiple-entry Schengen visa permits its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as many times as he or she wants, as soon as they do not violate the 90/180 rule.



3 Tips to get a Schengen Visa with longer validity II How I got a 3 year long term Schengen Visa?




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Felicity Tai, Felicity Tai, Felicity Tai, Felicity Tai