Short-stay visas (Type C)
Schengen Schengen Visa (Short-Stay, Type C)
The uniform short-stay visa valid across the whole Schengen Area, for visitors wanting to travel throughout the member states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
A Type C visa lets you stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period from your first entry. You can apply for single, double or multiple entry.
On this page
- Official name
- Uniform Schengen Visa (Type C)
- Route type
- Short-stay
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, available as single, double or multiple entry.
Who can apply
- Tourists and people visiting family or friends
- Business travellers
- People attending cultural, sports or religious events
- People on short study or a journalistic assignment
Requirements
- You are a third-country national who needs a visa to enter the Schengen area
- Your visit is 90 days or fewer in any 180-day period
- You can show the purpose of your trip, your accommodation and your funds
- You hold travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 across all Schengen countries
What you can do
- Tourism — Holidays and sightseeing across the Schengen area.
- Business — Attend meetings, conferences and business events.
- Visiting family or friends — Stay with family or friends in the Schengen area.
- Culture, sport & religion — Attend cultural, sporting or religious events.
- Short study — Short courses within the 90-day limit.
Documents you may need
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond your trip)
- Residence permit if applying outside your country of nationality
- Passport photo (35mm x 45mm, taken within 3 months)
- Return travel reservation
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 in all Schengen countries
- Proof of financial means (last 3 months' bank statements)
Processing time
Standard processing is 15 working days from submission, though it can extend to about 30 days in peak season and, in rare cases, up to 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
It lets you travel across the Schengen nations for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; your visa may be valid for a set period that can be shorter than 90 days.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-12. Information only — not legal advice.