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What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry Schengen visa?

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A single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa are both Schengen visas. The difference is how often you can travel to the Netherlands or other Schengen countries and how long the visa is valid for.

How often you can travel to the Netherlands

How often you can travel to the Netherlands depends on the type of visa you have. You should therefore check whether you have a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

If it says ‘1’ under ‘number of entries’, you have a single-entry visa. If it says ‘MULT’ under ‘number of entries’, you have a multiple-entry visa.

How long is my visa valid?

Your visa will specify the period for which it is valid (see ‘from’ ... ‘to’). The date specified under ‘from’ is the first day on which you can enter the Schengen area. You must have left the Schengen area by the date given under ‘to’.

Visas are usually valid for the duration of the trip for which they are issued.  You specify the number of days yourself when you submit the application. Although a single-entry visa can be valid for a maximum of 90 days and a multiple-entry visa for up to a maximum of 5 years, your visa may be valid for a shorter period.

How long can I stay in the Netherlands?

Your visa will specify how long you can stay in the Netherlands for within the period for which it is valid, under ‘duration of stay’.

If it says ‘90’, you can stay for a maximum of 90 days in the Netherlands and other countries in the Schengen area.

If you have a multiple-entry visa you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. 

If you have spent 90 consecutive days in the Netherlands or in another Schengen country, you must wait at least 90 days before entering the Schengen area again. It does not matter whether you have a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

Applying for a Schengen visa

If you want to apply for a Schengen visa, how and where you do so depends on the country you are in. 

Find out how to apply for a Schengen visa

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