Schengen Visa for both business and tourism

I am holding an Indian passport. I have a multi-entry Schengen visa which is valid for 6 months. I am planning to travel in mid Feb to Spain (on a business trip) via Netherlands for a week. On my way back I am planning to stay in the Netherlands for 4 days as a tourist. Do I need to apply for a tourist visa or can I use the Schengen visa which I applied for Spain?

Best Answer

The Schengen system doesn't distinguish between "tourist" and "business" visas for short stays. Once issued, a short-stay Schengen visa is valid for entering and staying in the Shengen area regardless of purpose and itinerary within its validity. (Of course, that's as long as you're not doing something that would be illegal anyway, such as paid work without a permit).

So you don't need a different visa for a tourist visit, as long as you have days and entries left on you visa.

You may have gotten your visa by describing plans for a business visit on a visa application, but since you were granted a multiple-entry visa, this means you're being trusted with further visits to the Schengen area beyond the one you described in your application.

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Can I use Schengen business visa for tourism?

A Schengen visa will permit the holder to travel to the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days. The permissions of the individual will depend on the category of Schengen visa that they have applied for and been granted. Visa holders can visit any country within the Schengen Area for tourism purposes.

Can I have 2 Schengen visas at the same time?

In theory, it is not possible for a person to hold two valid short stay visas covering the same period. I have a valid Schengen visa but it does not cover my next intended stay, what can I do? In this case, it is possible to file a visa application for another Schengen visa to cover the next intended stay entirely.

Is Schengen business visa multiple entry?

Those who want to make multiple trips in and out of the Schengen Area will require a multiple-entry Schengen Visa. The basic version allows you to spend 90 days at a time within the area over a period of 180 days, up to as many trips in and out as you require.

What is double-entry Schengen Visa?

A double-entry visa (\u201c2\u201d on the visa sticker): allows its holder to enter the Schengen area twice during the validity period of the visa. You can thus leave the Schengen area and re-enter it during that period of time. The second time you leave the area, your visa expires.

How to Apply for a Schengen Business Visa

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