New Schengen Visa Regulations Bring Positive News For Indian Travelers. Verify the Specifics.

The European Commission has implemented a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals residing in India, aimed at providing easier access to Schengen (short-stay) visas. This regime allows for the issuance of long-term, multi-entry visas with multi-year validity for travelers with an established travel history, subject to passport validity.

The rules are more favorable than the standard Visa Code rules that were previously in effect. Under the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now receive two-year visas after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.

This two-year visa can be followed by a five-year visa, provided there is sufficient validity remaining on the passport. Holders of these visas enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals during the validity period.

This decision reflects the strengthened relations between the EU and India under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. The common agenda seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy and emphasizes the facilitation of people-to-people contacts due to the significance of India as a partner for the EU.

Schengen visas allow holders to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, these visas do not grant the right to work.

The Schengen area is comprised of 29 European countries, including 25 EU member states and four associated countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The implementation of the visa “cascade” regime is part of the broader effort to promote ease of travel and strengthen the relationship between the EU and India, enhancing cooperation on migration policy while facilitating travel for Indian nationals.