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.
What It Means
A single entry visa is a visa that permits only one entry into the destination country. Once you enter and then exit (even for a day trip to a neighboring country), the visa is considered used and invalid. You cannot re-enter on the same visa and would need to apply for a new one. Single entry visas are common for first-time visitors or for countries that issue limited entry rights. They contrast with double entry (allows one re-entry) and multiple entry visas (unlimited re-entries within validity). Single entry visas can be risky for travelers planning to cross borders during their trip.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
Single entry visas are most commonly encountered by Indian travelers when getting Schengen visas for the first time — first-time Schengen applicants often receive single entry visas. This means you cannot leave the Schengen zone and return on the same visa. This is important to know before planning side trips to non-Schengen countries (like the UK or Turkey) from Europe. Similarly, country-specific visas like the UAE tourist visa applied online are typically single entry. Always check your visa type before planning excursions across borders.
Examples
- 1First-time Schengen visa — often single entry
- 2UAE tourist visa (applied online) — typically single entry
- 3UK Standard Visitor Visa (short-term) — often single entry for first applicants
- 4Kenya eVisa — single entry ($30), separate multiple entry available ($50)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I don't use my single entry visa?
No. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of whether you use the visa or not. If your plans change, the fee is forfeited.
Can I upgrade a single entry Schengen visa to multiple entry?
No, you cannot upgrade an existing visa. You would need to apply for a new multiple entry visa for future trips. With a good travel history, your next application is more likely to get multiple entry.
What happens if I exit the country with a single entry visa?
Your visa is cancelled. You would need to apply for a completely new visa to re-enter. This is why day trips to neighboring countries can be tricky with single entry visas.
Pro Tips
- When in Europe on a single entry Schengen visa, don't take day trips to UK, Turkey, or Morocco — you cannot re-enter
- Always ask for multiple entry when applying — it's worth specifying in your cover letter
- Building a strong travel history increases your chance of receiving multiple entry next time
- Check your Schengen visa sticker: '01' in the entries field means single entry
Related Terms
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.
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 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.
Visa Overstay
Visa overstay means remaining in a country beyond the authorized period on your visa, which can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future visa bans.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you understand the terminology, check out our detailed visa guides for specific destinations.