Schengen Tourist Visa
The most common visa type for leisure travel
About the Tourist Visa
The Schengen tourist visa is the most common type of Schengen visa, issued for leisure travel including holidays, sightseeing, visiting attractions, and general tourism. It is technically a Type C short-stay visa with tourism as the stated purpose.
Like all Schengen visas, it allows you to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period and travel freely between all 30 Schengen countries.
Tourist Visa Quick Facts
- Purpose
- Tourism
- Cost
- €80
- Max stay
- 90 days
- Work allowed
- No
Holidays, sightseeing
Standard visa fee
Per 180-day period
Tourism only
What you can and cannot do on a tourist visa
The line between holiday and work is sharper than people realize. Pick a tab to see exactly what is allowed.
- Sightseeing: Visit landmarks, museums, historical sites
- Holiday travel: Beach vacations, ski trips, city breaks
- Cultural experiences: Attend festivals, concerts, cultural events
- Visiting friends and family: If not staying with them (otherwise need an invitation letter)
- Transit: Passing through Schengen to another destination
- Work: Any paid or unpaid employment is prohibited
- Study: Long-term courses require a different visa
- Business activities: Need a business visa for meetings or negotiations
- Stay over 90 days: Even with multiple entries
Documents Specific to Tourist Visa
In addition to the standard documents, tourist visa applicants typically need:
- Travel itinerary: Day-by-day plan of your trip activities
- Hotel bookings: Confirmed reservations for entire stay
- Flight reservations: Round-trip booking showing entry and exit
- Proof of tourist interest: Museum tickets, tour bookings, event tickets (optional but helpful)
Single vs Multiple Entry
Tourist visas can be issued as:
- Single entry: One entry, one stay. Once you leave Schengen, you cannot re-enter.
- Double entry: Two entries allowed. You can leave and return once.
- Multiple entry: Unlimited entries during validity. Best for frequent travelers.
First-time applicants usually receive single or double entry visas. Multiple entry visas are more common for those with good travel history or frequent travel needs.