The European Union’s revised visa regulations now allow Indian citizens to apply for a multi-entry Schengen visa with extended validity, granting access to 29 European countries, including Croatia, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, and Germany.
These updates stem from the strengthened relationship between the European Union and India under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which aims for comprehensive cooperation on migration policy, emphasizing the significance of people-to-people interactions due to India’s importance as an EU partner.
On April 18, 2024, the European Commission introduced a new set of regulations for Schengen visa applications for Indian nationals, known as the ‘cascade’ regime. This regime facilitates easier access to multi-year Schengen visas for Indian citizens residing in India.
Under the newly adopted ‘cascade’ regime, Indian nationals may receive long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after acquiring and lawfully utilizing two visas within the preceding three years. Subsequently, if the passport maintains adequate validity, a five-year visa may follow. Throughout the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel privileges akin to visa-free nationals.
The Schengen visa serves as a temporary entry permit for short visits to countries within the Schengen area, allowing the bearer to travel freely in the region for a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. Notably, these visas are not tied to a specific purpose, although they do not confer the right to work.
The Schengen area comprises 26 European countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.