Multiple Entry vs Single Entry Schengen Visa: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

Planning a trip to Europe? One of the most important decisions you’ll face while applying for a Schengen Visa is whether to choose a single entry or a multiple entry visa.

Many travelers are confused about which option suits them best. Don’t worry — this guide will break down the differences, costs, benefits, and which visa is right for you in 2025.

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🌍 What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa allows travelers from non-EU countries to enter the Schengen Area — a group of 29 European countries (like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands) with no internal border controls.

With just one visa, you can travel across multiple countries in Europe.

👉 You can check the official list of Schengen countries here: European Union Official Website.

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🛂 Types of Schengen Visa Based on Entry

When applying for a Schengen Visa, you must choose how many times you can enter and exit the Schengen Area. There are three main types:

1. Single Entry Schengen Visa

2. Double Entry Schengen Visa

3. Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

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✈️ 1. Single Entry Schengen Visa

A Single Entry Visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area only once. Once you leave, you cannot re-enter, even if your visa is still valid.

Example:

• You fly from India to France (entry #1).

• Then, you travel within Schengen countries (France → Germany → Italy).

• If you leave Europe to visit the UK or Turkey, you cannot re-enter the Schengen Zone with the same visa.

✅ Best for: First-time travelers, short vacations, tourists visiting only Schengen countries.

❌ Limitations: Cannot re-enter after leaving.

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✈️ 2. Double Entry Schengen Visa

A Double Entry Visa allows you to enter the Schengen Zone twice within the visa validity period.

Example:

• You travel from India → Germany (entry #1).

• Leave to visit Morocco, then come back to Spain (entry #2).

• After leaving the second time, your visa becomes invalid.

✅ Best for: Travelers planning short trips outside Europe (UK, Balkans, Turkey, etc.) and returning once.

❌ Limitations: Only 2 entries allowed.

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✈️ 3. Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

A Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) lets you enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as you want, as long as the visa is valid and you respect the 90/180-day rule.

Example:

• You travel from India → France.

• Leave to visit London (UK), come back to Germany.

• Later, fly to Dubai, return to Spain.

• Multiple entries are possible until visa expiry.

✅ Best for: Frequent travelers, business people, and those who plan to visit non-Schengen countries during their trip.

❌ Limitations: Must follow 90 days stay within any 180-day period rule.

You can also read: Entry/Exit System (EES) Implementation 2025 | Schengen Travel Guide

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📊 Key Differences: Single vs Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

Feature	Single Entry	Multiple Entry
Number of Entries	1	Unlimited (within validity)
Validity	Usually 30–90 days	6 months, 1 year, 3 years, up to 5 years
Best For	First-time travelers, short trips	Business, frequent travelers, long-term visitors
Cost	Same (€90 for adults)	Same (€90 for adults)
Flexibility	Low	Very high

👉 Both visas have the same fee (€90 adults, €45 children), but the approval depends on your travel history.

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🏆 Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Single Entry If:

  • It’s your first Europe trip

  • You’ll only stay inside Schengen countries

  • You don’t plan side trips to UK, Turkey, or Morocco

• Choose Multiple Entry If:

  • You travel frequently for business

  • You plan side trips to non-Schengen countries

  • You already have a history of Schengen/US/UK visas

  • You’re applying for a long-term visa (1–5 years)

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💡 Pro Tip: 90/180-Day Rule for Multiple Entry

Even with a multiple entry visa, you cannot stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period in Schengen.

Example:

• Stay in Schengen for 90 days

• Then, you must stay outside Schengen for the next 90 days before re-entering

This rule applies strictly, and overstaying can lead to visa bans.

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📌 Cost Comparison

The visa fee is the same whether you apply for single or multiple entry:

• Adults: €90

• Children (6–12 years): €45

• Under 6 years: Free

The difference lies in approval chances — multiple entry is usually given to travelers with strong financials and travel history.

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📑 Documents Required

For both single and multiple entry, the documents are similar:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Visa application form

• Travel insurance (coverage of €30,000)

• Flight reservation (round-trip)

• Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation

• Financial proof (bank statements, salary slips, ITR)

• Cover letter explaining purpose of visit

💡 If you’re applying for multiple entry, mention it in your cover letter with a clear reason (business travel, frequent Europe trips, etc.).

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✅ Tips to Get a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa

1. Show Travel History – Previous visits to Schengen, UK, US, or Canada help.

2. Strong Finances – Consistent bank balance, income, and ties to home country.

3. Valid Reason – Business meetings, conferences, family visits, or regular travel.

4. Ask for It – Clearly request “multiple entry visa” in your cover letter.

5. Apply via France/Germany/Netherlands – These embassies are more likely to issue multiple entry visas.

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📈 Which Visa is Better for Students & Business Travelers?

• Students – Usually get single or double entry, unless participating in exchange programs.

• Business Travelers – Often get multiple entry visas (1–5 years) if invited by a company.

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FAQ – Multiple vs Single Entry Schengen Visa

1. Is a multiple entry visa more expensive than a single entry visa?

No. Both have the same fee — €90 for adults and €45 for children.

2. Can first-time travelers get a multiple entry Schengen Visa?

It’s rare. First-time travelers usually get a single entry visa. Multiple entry is more common for frequent travelers.

3. How long is a multiple entry Schengen Visa valid?

It can be valid for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, depending on your travel history and embassy approval.

4. Can I convert a single entry visa into multiple entry?

No. You must reapply and request multiple entry with proper justification.

5. Which countries issue multiple entry visas more easily?

France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are considered more flexible for issuing multiple entry visas.