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Schengen Visa Types 2026 — Complete Guide

Type A, Type C, Type D — which Schengen visa do you need?

🔤 What is this? A complete guide to all Schengen visa types with an interactive checker to find which visa you need. Source: EU Visa Code — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009.
TYPE A
✈️ Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
Allows transit through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering Schengen territory. Required for certain nationalities connecting through Schengen airports even if not leaving the airport.
Stay allowedNo — airport only
Valid forSingle transit
Who needs it12 specific nationalities (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan etc.)
Morocco/AlgeriaNOT required for most Schengen airports
TYPE C
🛂 Short-Stay Visa — The Standard Schengen Visa
The standard Schengen visa — allows entry to all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Used for tourism, business, family visits, cultural events and medical treatment. This is what most people mean when they say "Schengen visa".
Max stay90 days / 180-day period
Valid inAll 29 Schengen countries
EntriesSingle, double or multiple
Fee€90 adults / €45 children 6-11
Can work?❌ No
Apply up to6 months before travel
TYPE D
🏠 Long-Stay National Visa
Issued by one specific Schengen country for stays exceeding 90 days. Used for study, work, family reunification or retirement. Type D is a national visa — not a Schengen-wide visa. During validity, holders may also travel to other Schengen countries for short visits.
Stay allowed90+ days (1 year typical)
Valid inIssuing country primarily
90/180 ruleDoes not apply
PurposesStudy, work, family, retirement

🔤 Which Visa Do I Need?

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📊 Schengen Visa Types — Quick Comparison

FeatureType AType CType D
PurposeAirport transitTourism, business, familyStudy, work, family reunification
Max stayTransit only90 days / 180-day period90+ days (up to 1 year)
Valid inAirport international zoneAll 29 Schengen countriesIssuing country (+ short Schengen visits)
90/180 ruleN/A✅ Applies❌ Does not apply
Work allowed❌ No❌ No✅ If work visa
Fee€90€90 (adults)Varies by country
Apply viaConsulate/TLS/VFSConsulate/TLS/VFSConsulate directly
📖 Sources: Based on EU Visa Code — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Articles 1-4 (visa types) and Annex VI. Airport transit visa requirements per EU Airport Transit Visa List. Updated September 2026.

❓ Schengen Visa Types — Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of Schengen visas?

Three main types: Type A (Airport Transit Visa) — transit through Schengen airports without entering; Type C (Short-Stay Visa) — the standard Schengen visa for up to 90 days tourism, business, family; Type D (Long-Stay National Visa) — for stays over 90 days for study, work or family reunification.

What is a Type C Schengen visa?

The standard short-stay visa allowing entry to all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Can be single, double or multiple entry. Purposes: tourism, business, family visits. Fee: €90 adults. Does not allow working in Schengen countries.

What is the difference between Type C and Type D?

Type C is for short stays under 90 days, valid across all 29 Schengen countries. Type D is a national long-stay visa for one specific country for stays over 90 days (study, work, family reunification). The 90/180 day rule does not apply during Type D validity.

Do Moroccans need an airport transit visa?

No. Morocco is NOT on the EU list of nationalities that require an airport transit visa for all Schengen airports. The 12 nationalities that always require an ATV are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka. Note: Spain has an additional list for Spanish airports only. Always verify with your airline before travel.

What is a multiple-entry Schengen visa?

A Type C visa allowing multiple entries and exits during the validity period, subject to the 90/180 day rule. Valid for 1, 2 or 5 years. First-time applicants usually receive single-entry. Good travel history leads to multiple-entry on subsequent applications.

Source: EU Visa Code — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009

Information current as of September 2026. Always verify current requirements with your specific consulate. MonVisaSchengen is not affiliated with any embassy, consulate or EU institution.

Sources & Methodology