Can I use my Schengen visa for different purpose other than I applied for?

Can I use my Schengen visa for different purpose other than I applied for? - Hand of crop anonymous tattooed person spraying white paint from can on colorful wall while standing on street of city

I just signed off from a ship and I live in a non-EU state. I have a valid Schengen type C multiple-entry visa valid until March 2022. I applied this visa through VFS Global for seaman purpose, because my ship is sailing in EU Countries and my company is a Dutch company. (obviously this is not transit visa which only can be used for sign on/sign off to the ship). I want to visit my friend in Poland. Is it possible to use this visa or I should apply for different purpose? I went deeply researched this forum. Visa remarks is 2904080136 BNL2.



Best Answer

There are many special rules for seamen (e.g. around stamping and entering without a visa) and a lot of dubious information on the web so it's difficult to know for sure. In principle, a multiple-entry type C visa can however be used for any purpose. That's in the nature of such a visa, detailed at length in the Schengen visa code and associated handbook published by the EU commission.

There are no provisions in the key Schengen regulations for a separate category of transit or seafarer visa and no way to easily distinguish your visa from any other Schengen visa (“BNL2” is a technical code and does not signal any restriction nor is it specific to seamen, see What does BNL2 Schengen Visa mean? I have one from Netherlands. Can I travel to Spain now? and Meaning of “BNL1” and “BNL2” on Schengen visa sticker?). Consulates also refuse to entertain Schengen visa application when you already hold a valid Schengen visa. All this leads me to believe a visit to Poland should be allowed but I have no first or second-hand experience with this exact scenario.

One step you could take to preempt issues at the border would be to email the relevant Polish consulate or even the ministry for foreign affairs (if you can find an email address…) It's not always helpful and legally irrelevant but if they do give you an answer suggesting it's OK, you will have some proof you were doing your best to follow the rules and are not trying to be deceptive in any way (that's why you will want to do this by email, not by phone). There is however a small risk they would tell you you cannot do it, ask you to apply for a national visa or give you some confusing advice.




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Can I use my Schengen Visa for a completely different purpose and entry point?

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 have 2 Schengen visas at the same time?

In theory, it is not possible for a person to hold two valid short stay visas covering the same period. I have a valid Schengen visa but it does not cover my next intended stay, what can I do? In this case, it is possible to file a visa application for another Schengen visa to cover the next intended stay entirely.

Can you change your Schengen Visa?

If you wish to extend your visa and stay longer in the Schengen Zone, then start getting ready for your application which differs from a regular Schengen visa application. The very first thing you have to do is decide under which reason you wish to apply for a Schengen visa renewal.

Can you change itinerary after getting Schengen Visa?

"can i change my itinerary within the schengen area ?" You should follow the itinerary you gave when you applied for the visa. You cannot change your itinerary so completely that the information you gave in the visa application is no longer true.



REASONS WHY SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATIONS GET REJECTED (Highly requested)




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

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