Schengen Visa New Rules for Indian Citizens [2024]

Great news for Indian travellers! Now, Indians can easily apply for a Schengen visa that allows multiple entries and has a longer validity period. This means you can visit many European countries without the hassle of applying for a new visa each time.

The Schengen visa gives you access to 29 European countries, including popular destinations like Croatia, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, and Germany.

Did you know this?

In 2022, the Schengen visa application process experienced high visa rejection rates. Algerian nationals had the highest rate of 45.8%, while India and Turkey followed with 18% and 15.2% respectively. 

Therefore, it is essential to seek consultation from visa experts who have in-depth knowledge of the visa application process.

Schengen Visa New Rules for Indian Citizens:

The European Union has updated its visa rules, allowing Indian nationals to apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa with longer validity. This change comes as a part of the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at strengthening relations between the EU and India.

What You Need to Know:

• • Visa Benefits: The new rules offer Indian travellers easier access to Schengen visas with multi-year validity.
  • Visa Cascade Regime: Indian nationals residing in India can now obtain long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas. After using two visas within three years, they can apply for a two-year visa, which can later be extended to a five-year visa if their passport is still valid.
  • Travel Rights: Visa holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals during the validity period of their visas.

What is the Visa Cascade Regime:

The Visa Cascade Regime is a new system introduced by the European Commission specifically for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas. It was implemented on April 18, 2024

Check here new visa code- https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/sweden/southafrica/english/pdf/visa-code-changes.pdf

Here's what the regime offers:

• • Easier access to multiple-entry Schengen visas with longer validity periods for frequent travellers.
  • Two-year visas: If you've been granted and used two Schengen visas within the last three years, you can be eligible for a long-term, multi-entry visa valid for two years.
  • Five-year visas: After receiving and using the two-year visa lawfully, you may be eligible for a five-year multi-entry visa, provided your passport has enough validity remaining.

Overall, this system aims to simplify the visa application process for frequent travellers from India and encourage tourism within the Schengen area.

About the Schengen Visa:

• • Stay Duration: Holders can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Limitations: While the visa is not purpose-bound, it does not grant the right to work in the countries visited.

This update opens up exciting opportunities for Indian travellers looking to explore Europe, making it easier and more convenient to visit multiple countries with a single visa application.