This is an archive article published on April 23, 2024

Now, Indian citizens eligible for multi-entry Schengen visa for longer validity: Here’s all you need to know about the new rules

The new rules, adopted on April 18, have been made in the context of "strengthened relations" under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility

As per an official statement, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry Schengen visas to Indian nationals.

The new rules were adopted by the European Commission on April 18. File photo

3 min readNew DelhiApr 23, 2024 05:28 PM IST First published on: Apr 23, 2024 at 05:28 PM IST

The European Union (EU) has updated visa rules which now allow Indian nationals to get multiple-entry Schengen visas with an extended validity period. Known as the “cascade” system, the new regime aims to simplify the visa application process for frequent travellers with proven travel history, provided their passport validity allows it.

The new rules, adopted on April 18, have been made in the context of “strengthened relations” under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which aims to enhance the relationship between the EU and India by promoting greater interaction between their people. The agenda also emphasises the importance of a collaborative approach to migration policy between the EU and India.

“According to the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals,” according to a press statement on the EU website.

Hervé Delphin, ambassador, delegation of EU to India, also posted on X in this regard.

Travel to Europe made easy! ✈️
⁰🇪🇺 takes another step towards enhancing people-to-people contact with 🇮🇳.⁰New #Schengen #visa regime gives 🇮🇳 frequent travellers access to multi-year visa (up to 5 y.) Europe delivers on the partnership!
Know More 👉 https://t.co/6EzlUF8jrR pic.twitter.com/ELhZdCfI83

— Hervé Delphin (@EUAmbIndia) April 22, 2024

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is a type of entry permit that allows the holder to visit any of the countries that are part of the Schengen area for a short period of time. It permits the holder to travel freely in the designated area for up to 90 days within 180 days, although they do not grant the right to work.

What are the new rules for Indians?

According to the new rules, if an Indian national has used two visas legally within the past three years, they will be eligible for a long-term, multi-entry Schengen visa, valid for two years.

If the requirements are met and their passport has enough validity, they may be granted a five-year visa. During the validity period of these visas, the holders can travel freely within the Schengen area for short stays, similar to the travel rights of visa-free nationals.

What are the countries under the Schengen visa?

The Schengen area is a region comprising 29 European countries, including 25 EU states such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. In addition to these, it also includes non-EU countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.