Schengen visa can be one of the most challenging visas to get, especially regarding the duration. If you have applied for it a few times, you probably know they often give you a short stay of just 1 or 3 weeks, or even just 5 days, crazy, right? I’ve, however, gotten a 1-year multiple-entry Schengen visa twice because I’ve hacked the tricks, and I am going to share all my secrets with you!
- Create a detailed itinerary and state in your application form that you are traveling multiple times mentioning all the dates. Here’s the deal with the Schengen visa: they only give you the specific dates you’re traveling for. This itinerary is your chance to show that you’ve got plans to visit the country multiple times over the next 6 months to a year. Below’s a template that you can use, just copy it and make it your own!
- Get a 1 year travel insurance, as it influences the duration of your visa. They want to see that you’re covered for the whole time you’re asking for. So if you only get a 3-month travel insurance but ask for a 1-year visa, guess what? You’ll probably just get 3 months visa. To avoid that, make sure to get at least a 1-year insurance if you’re aiming for a full year visa duration or longer.
- Book a dummy flight & hotel ticket for all the trips in your itinerary. Let’s say you’re heading to France 3 times in your itinerary; make sure you have a dummy ticket for those 3 travel dates. For hotel bookings, check out booking.com and look for “pay on arrival” options, and don’t forget to cancel after your visa comes through. For a dummy flight, you will need a travel agent; I can help with that for a fee, just shoot me an email at travelwithibii@gmail.com or drop a comment!
Introduction & Itinerary Letter Template
Name
Address
LETTER OF SELF INTRODUCTION & ITINERARY
To Whom It May Concern
I am ……….. (Name), with Passport No…………, residing at the above named Address, presently working with ……….. (Name of company) located in ………(Location of company), as a ………. (Job title)
I have indicated my willingness to travel to Europe for my 2026 summer holiday starting in Sweden and visiting countries like France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, my detailed planned itinerary is below.
I would be grateful if the one year multiple entry visa is granted to me as I am also traveling back to Sweden to explore the country during christmas and experience christmas markets from December 20 to December 27th, 2026. I also have a planned trip in Q1 next year for my yearly shopping trip.
Thank you for your consideration.
ITINERARY
| Date | Duration | Activity | Country |
| July 28th to Aug 7th | 10 Days | Land in Stockholm and explore the city, the west coast city of Gothenburg and hang out with colleagues | Sweden |
| Aug 7th – Aug 13th | 6 Days | Fly to Paris and explore the city | France |
| Aug 13th – Aug 19th | 7 Days | Join the gouego.com green line on a 7 day tour exploring 5 countries and back to Paris | France, Italy, Switzerland, Monaco & Vatican City |
| Aug 19th | Bid Paris goodbye and board the Thalys train to Brussels | Belgium | |
| Aug 19th – Aug 22nd | 3 Days | Explore brussels and take a days trip to Luxembourg | Belgium & Luxembourg |
| Aug 22nd – Aug 24th | 2 Days | Take the Thalys train to Amsterdam and explore the city | Netherlands |
| Aug 24th – Aug 29th | 5 Days | Fly back to stockholm for a final exploration of the city before flying back to Dubai | Sweden |
| December 20th | 1 day | Land in Stockholm | Sweden |
| December 21st to 26th | 6 days | Explore Skansen in Stockholm and different open air christmas markets in Gothenburg | Sweden |
| December 27th | Fly back home |
…………..(Name),
Yours Faithfully.
Click here to download an editable format
If you’re thinking about applying for a Schengen visa and have any questions, just leave a comment! And don’t forget to share this with someone who might find it useful.
Till your next read, Ibi.
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