Multiple Entry Visa
A multiple entry visa allows you to enter and exit a country multiple times within the visa's validity period, without needing to apply for a new visa each time.
What It Means
A multiple entry visa (MEV) is a visa type that permits the holder to enter, exit, and re-enter the destination country multiple times during the visa's validity period. It's the opposite of a single entry visa, which is only valid for one visit. Multiple entry visas are particularly valuable for frequent travelers, business visitors who make repeated trips, or tourists who want to use a country as a base while visiting neighboring countries. The visa may have a fixed validity (e.g., 1 year, 5 years, 10 years) during which you can make unlimited entries, but each entry is typically limited to a specific duration (e.g., 90 days per visit, not cumulative).
What This Means for Indian Travelers
Multiple entry visas are especially valuable for Indian business travelers and frequent international flyers. The US B1/B2 visa is typically issued as a 10-year multiple entry visa — you can visit the US as many times as you want within 10 years, up to 6 months per visit. Similarly, the UK Standard Visitor Visa is often issued for 2, 5, or 10 years with multiple entries. For Schengen, your visa might be issued as multiple entry, meaning you can re-enter after exiting the zone. Always check whether your issued visa is single or multiple entry before making return plans.
Examples
- 1US B1/B2 visa — typically 10-year multiple entry (up to 6 months per visit)
- 2UK Standard Visitor Visa — issued for 2, 5, or 10 years with multiple entries
- 3Schengen visa — can be single or multiple entry depending on issuing country's decision
- 4Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) — 6-month validity with unlimited entries
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my visa is single or multiple entry?
Look for 'MULT' or 'M' on your visa sticker for multiple entry, or 'SINGLE' or '1' for single entry. The visa will also show the validity period (FROM and TO dates).
If I have a multiple entry visa, can I stay indefinitely?
No. A multiple entry visa controls how many times you can enter, not how long you can stay total. Each entry has its own permitted stay duration. For example, a 10-year US visa still limits you to 6 months per visit.
Should I request a multiple entry visa?
Yes, always request multiple entry when applying if you plan to visit more than once. The fee is usually the same, and having multiple entry opens many more travel possibilities.
Pro Tips
- Always request 'multiple entry' when filling visa applications — it usually costs the same
- Schengen embassies often issue multiple entry to those with strong travel history
- Multiple entry visa + travel history = stronger future visa applications
- Check your visa sticker: MULT = multiple entry, 01 or SINGLE = one-time use
Related Terms
Single Entry Visa
A single entry visa allows you to enter a country only once. Once you exit, the visa is used up — you cannot re-enter on the same visa.
Visa Validity vs Permitted Stay
Visa validity is the period during which you can use the visa to enter a country. Permitted stay is how long you can actually remain in the country per visit. These are two different things — confusing them is a common cause of overstay.
Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a single visa that grants access to 27 European countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa Required (Sticker/Stamp Visa)
Visa required means you must apply for and receive a visa from the country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you understand the terminology, check out our detailed visa guides for specific destinations.