Schengen Visa Types Explained for 2026: Which Visa Should You Apply For?
Every year, Europe attracts millions of travelers from all over the world. This makes it one of the most visited destinations globally. If you plan on traveling to the Schengen Area in Europe in 2026, you will need to learn about the different types of Schengen visas and decide which one works best for you. This guide describes the different types for you most simply.
What is the schengen area?
The Schengen Area includes 29 European countries that have removed border restrictions. This allows free movement between most European countries. Some of the most popular destinations are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands and Greece. With a Schengen visa, you can travel to several of these countries depending on the visa you have.
Major travel changes coming in 2026
ETIAS entry system: By late 2026, visa exempt travelers will be required to have ETIAS ( European Travel Information and Authorization System ) to travel to Schengen countries. ETIAS is not a visa, but a travel authorization similar to the ESTA system for the U.S. This will impact all visa exempt travelers, including those from the US, UK, Australia, and other countries.
Who needs a schengen visa in 2026?
Your travels to the Schengen Area will determine whether or not you need a visa. Here is a simplified list based on your nationality:
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, United States and Japan, can travel to the Schengen Area without applying for a visa. However, they will need an Electronic Travel Information System authorization prior to their travel.
- Most of the other countries are required to obtain a Schengen Visa prior to traveling.
Due to recent updates, entry requirements will change for all visitors, including visa exempt travelers, in 2026. Although it’s not a visa, it is a federally required entry system.
Schengen visa type A: Airport transit visa
Best for: Passengers who will stop at a Schengen airport on their journey to a different non Schengen location.
Who needs it? Citizens from certain countries who are required to switch flights at a Schengen airport but aren’t permitted to enter the zone.
Notable characteristics:
- Only applicable to the international sections of the airport.
- You are not allowed to enter the Schengen Area you can only change to a different international flight.
- Required even with short stopovers.
Schengen visa type C: Short stay visa
Who it’s for: Tourism, short business trips, visits, events, or medical procedures.
Duration: Up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
This visa is issued more frequently than others, and is called a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV).
Uses:
- Holidays
- Business trips
- Visiting family
- Cultural events
- Transit
Borders
Schengen visas type C have 3 categories:
- Single entry: cross the border once.
- Double entry: cross the border two times.
- Multiple entry: Cross the border as many times as you want as long as the visa is valid.
Most travelers will require this visa assuming they will travel to Europe for less than 90 days.
Schengen visa type D: Long stay / National visa
Best for: Work, study, family reunion, long visits, residency.
You must apply for a national visa also called a long stay visa if you plan to stay for a period longer than 90 days.
Key uses:
- Studying in a university located in Europe
- Employment or work assignment
- Family reunion or relocation
- Residency for personal reasons
National visas, unlike Type C visas, permit you to be a primary resident of a Schengen country for an extended period, plus you may travel to, from, and within the Schengen area for short visits for specific reasons.
Schengen visa type B: Transit visa (Less Common)
Type B visas are applicable for quick border crossings and allow short stops of 3 to 5 days within the Schengen Area for land or sea travel. There are less commonly used visas of this type and they are applicable for land border crossings going to non Schengen destinations.
Choosing the correct visa
Consider the following examples to help determine the right Visa to apply for:
Travel scenarios recommended visa
- Holiday & Tourism (<90 days) Type C
- Business Trips (<90 days) Type C
- Schengen Airport Transit Visa Only Type A
- Study In Europe (>90 days) Type D
- Working or Moving to Europe Type D
- Visiting Family/Friends Long Stay Type D
Schengen visa applications 2026
What documents are needed to apply
You can only submit an application to one of the Schengen countries’ embassies or consulates for:
- The country where your main destination is (if applicable) or
- One where you your first port of entry (if no main destination is defined)
Documents you’ll usually need
The following are typical examples of what to expect when you do not comply with the regulations surrounding the Schengen Zone visa:
- A passport that is not valid (it must contain 3 months prior to your exit flight)
- Full application
- Photographs obtained from your passport
- Proof of your accommodations and a travel itinerary
- Travel medicine insurance
- Proof of funds (supporting documents in accordance to your case)
- Travel insurance (for specific visa types)
Working visas: family certificates, employment contracts, university acceptance letters, etc. Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of funds for travel, while national visa applicants must provide proof of funds.
Costs for getting a schengen visa
The fees for a visa depend on several factors such as the type of visa you are applying for, and your age category. As a rough estimate, for adults applying for a Type C visa, the fee is around €90. However, some national visas might charge a different fee.
Duration of processing and validity
- The average duration for the processing of a Schengen visa is 15 days, and this may, however, vary depending on the consulate as well as the country.
- The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months prior to your intended date of travel.
Evaluating your options for 2026
Familiarity with the nuances of each type of visa allows for the optimal match to travel purpose.
- Type C visa: for short holidays or business (less than 90 days)
- Type A visa: for connecting flights (within Europe)
- Type D: for studying or working in Europe (long term)
- Visa exempt: if traveling for less than 90 days, apply for the ETIAS authorizations (available 2026)
Fill out Application Form Online
Concluding remarks
The year 2026 will bring major changes to European travel with the roll out of ETIAS, and updated border control technology. For traveling to Europe, especially for holidays, business trips, and for long stays, it’s important to research the Schengen visa type you will need, prepare your travel documents, and apply for the visa early to ensure your application has the greatest chance of success. Be sure to check the requirements of the specific European country you will be visiting to obtain the most current information. For a guide to the 2026 Schengen visa requirements by travel purpose and nationality (including a checklist template), feel free to contact me.