Can I use my Schengen business visa for a holiday?
I have six-month multiple-entry business Schengen visa, issued by the French Embassy.
I am planing to go to France for business (or work) in June and then come back home, a non-European country.
In July, I want to go to Spain and Italy for holidays.
- Can I use this visa for a holiday only (no business during the trip)?
- Do I need to enter Europe first through France?
Best Answer
Unlike the United States, there's no split between "business" and "holiday" visas. For example, check this document listing -- among many other things -- the categories of visas:
- Short stay visa: a “Schengen” visa one or multiple entries, allowing the holder to stay in the Schengen Territory up to 90 days per 6 months
- Long stay visa: Visas for stays exceeding 90 days are national visas, and are issued by member states in accordance with national legislation.
- Airport transit visas: required by the nationals of certain countries. (Not for R.S.A. citizens).
As for going to Spain on a visa issued by France, there won't be any problems especially if you visited France already. I will try to find an official source for this, until then check this answer.
Pictures about "Can I use my Schengen business visa for a holiday?"
How to Apply for a Schengen Business Visa
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Anete Lusina, Andrea Piacquadio, Ylanite Koppens, Andrea Piacquadio