Understanding your Schengen visa sticker is crucial for travelling to the Schengen Area. The sticker contains details about your visa, including your Schengen visa sticker number, validity, type, and the countries you can visit.

In this guide, we will break down how to read a Schengen visa sticker and answer some of the most asked questions regarding visa sticker numbers, validity, types, and travel rules. Understanding these details will help you avoid entry issues, travel confidently, and comply with Schengen regulations.

What is the Schengen visa sticker number? 

The Schengen visa sticker number is a unique 9-digit number printed in red ink on the upper-right corner of your visa sticker. It is an identifier for your issued visa and helps authorities track its authenticity.

• Location: Top right corner of the visa sticker

• Example Format: 874563219

• Purpose: Used by immigration authorities and visa processing systems for tracking and verification.

This number is different from other numbers on the visa, such as the visa number or application number.

What is the difference between visa sticker number and visa number?

Many travellers confuse the Schengen visa sticker number with the Schengen visa number. Here’s how they differ:

The visa number is often used for official tracking and application purposes, while the sticker number is more commonly referenced for verification during border checks.

Which countries can you visit with a Schengen visa? 

• The “VALID FOR” section of the visa sticker lists the countries or areas you can visit. For example, if it says “ETATS SCHENGEN” or “SCHENGEN STATES”, your visa is valid in all countries part of the Schengen Zone. If you have a uniform Schengen visa, it will be written on your visa sticker.

• Your entry is restricted to specific Schengen countries if you have a Limited Territorial Visa (LTV). Your visa sticker will list the abbreviated country codes of the permitted destinations. For example, if it displays "D, E, NL, PL, S, CH", you can only enter Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland. Always check this section to ensure compliance with travel restrictions.

A Schengen visa allows travellers to visit 29 European countries, including 27 Schengen member states and 2 additional countries accepting Schengen entry visas. Give a read to Schengen visa countries list for more detailed information. 

How do you check the validity of the Schengen sticker visa?

Your visa sticker contains dates that indicate when your visa is valid and how long you can stay in the Schengen Area.

Where to Find Visa Validity?

• “FROM” (Valid From Date): This is the start date when your visa becomes valid.

• “UNTIL” (Valid Until Date): This is the last date you can stay in the Schengen Area.

• “DURATION OF STAY” (Number of Days): This is the maximum number of days you can stay in the Schengen Area within the visa’s validity period.

 Example:

• FROM: 10-03-2025

• UNTIL: 10-06-2025

• DURATION OF STAY: 30

This means you can stay in the Schengen Area for 30 days between March 10, 2025, and June 10, 2025.

Important: Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or a future visa ban.

How can you check the visa type?

The visa type on your Schengen visa sticker determines the purpose of your travel and the conditions of your stay. The type of visa is listed under “TYPE OF VISA” on your visa sticker. It is usually marked as A, C, or D. Additionally, the "NUMBER OF ENTRIES" section specifies how many times you can enter the Schengen Area during the visa's validity period.

Types of Schengen Visas

There are three main types of Schengen visas:

Type A: Airport Transit Visa

• Purpose: Allows travellers to transit through a Schengen country’s airport without entering the country.

• Who Needs It? Travellers from certain countries have layovers in Schengen airports but continue to non-Schengen destinations.

Note: Not all travellers need an Airport Transit Visa, some nationalities are exempt. Always check the requirements before flying.

Type C: Short-Stay Visa

• Purpose: Allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within 180 days.

• Who Needs It? Most travellers visit Schengen countries for short-term trips.

Type D: Long-Stay Visa

• Purpose: Allows you to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days for work, study, or family reunification.

• Who Needs It? Those moving to a Schengen country for an extended period.

Note: A Type D visa is not a Schengen visa but a national one issued by a specific country. However, it may allow travel to other Schengen states under certain conditions.

Checking the number of entries on your visa

Find “NUMBER OF ENTRIES”- This will state 1 (single entry), 2 (double entry), or MULT (multiple entries). If your visa states MULT, you can visit and leave Schengen countries as often as possible before the visa expires. 

Important: The number of entries is not the same as the duration of stay. Even if you have a multiple-entry visa, you cannot exceed 90 days in any 180 days under a Type C visa.

Where is the issuance date mentioned in the visa?

The issuance date of your visa is the date when the embassy or consulate granted the visa. The issuance date is printed above the visa sticker number, usually next to the consulate's name. It is formatted as DD-MM-YYYY.

Example:

• Issuance Date: 05-02-202.

• This means your visa was issued on February 5, 2025.

Note: The issuance date is not the start date of your visa validity. You must check the FROM date to know when to enter the Schengen Area.

Where can I check my details on the Schengen sticker visa?

Your details are printed in multiple places on the visa sticker. Here's where you can find them:

Check for Errors: Before travelling, always double-check that your name, passport number, and nationality are correct. If you find mistakes, contact the issuing consulate before travelling.

What should you do after receiving your Schengen sticker visa? 

After you will receive your Schengen sticker visa, it is important to make sure you will follow the suggestions below:

• Check Your Visa Details: Verify your name, passport number, validity dates, and visa type for accuracy. Confirm the number of entries (Single, Double, or Multiple). Ensure there are no territorial restrictions if you need unrestricted travel within Schengen countries.

• Make Copies of Your Visa & Passport: Keep physical and digital copies of your visa and passport for safety. Store a copy on your phone, email, or cloud storage in case of loss or theft.

• Understand Schengen Travel Rules: Follow the first-entry rule if required, meaning you must enter the country that issued your visa before travelling to other Schengen states. Comply with the 90/180-day rule, ensuring you do not exceed 90 days in the Schengen Zone within any 180 days. 

• Finalise Travel Arrangements: Ensure your flights are booked within the visa validity period. Have hotel reservations or a host invitation letter ready. Purchase Schengen-compliant travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.

• Prepare for Border Control: Carry all necessary documents for immigration checks, including your passport with the visa sticker, flight ticket, proof of accommodation, travel insurance certificate, and proof of financial means (such as a bank statement, credit card, or cash).

• Follow Visa Compliance Rules: Do not overstay beyond the visa validity, as this can lead to fines, deportation, or future visa bans. Do not engage in work unless your visa explicitly permits it. Travel only within permitted countries, especially if your visa has territorial restrictions.

• Plan Your Exit: To maintain a good travel record, you must depart before your visa expires. When leaving the Schengen Area, all necessary travel documents are ready for border checks.

Understanding your Schengen visa sticker is essential for smooth travel. The Schengen visa sticker number is a unique identifier, while the visa itself contains important information like validity dates, visa type, and allowed entries.