Short stay visa (90 days or less)

A short-stay visa (type C) allows the holder to travel and stay freely between all of the Schengen area member countries. This visa, also known as the Schengen visa, is only applicable to a short stay of maximum 90 days (in any 180-day period). In order to determine the remaining days of authorized stay you have in the Schengen area, please use the official visa calculator.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

• Annex II nationalities (visa-exempt countries) can visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. They still need to meet entry conditions at the border.
• Annex I nationalities (visa-required countries) must obtain a Schengen visa before travel – even for a one-day visit.
• Holding a residence permit from an EU or Schengen country or a diplomatic or Service Passport usually means you can visit other Schengen countries with just your permit and passport, even though your nationality normally requires a visa ( exceptions exist). 

Not sure about the visa requirements for you? Use the Visa Checker tool for an instant answer.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
The Entry Exit System started on October 12, 2025.
This automated system replaced passport stamping for all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area. First time you use it, you’ll provide four fingerprints and have your photo taken. The system will automatically track how many days you’ve spent in the Schengen Area.

ETIAS becomes operational in Q4 2026.
This affects visa-exempt travelers only. If you need a visa, ETIAS doesn’t apply to you. It’s a pre-travel authorization that costs seven euros and lasts 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Neither system changes the fundamental rules about who needs visas. They’re just new procedures added on top of existing entry requirements.

Contact students.visa@ugent.be.