The Schengen visa allows short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day time limit.

New Delhi:

The European Union (EU) has recently introduced a revised visa system specially designed for Indian citizens. This new system provides substantial benefits to Indian citizens, giving them access to long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas, which can significantly streamline travel plans and enhance the overall experience for those venturing into the Schengen area. Can.

what is schengen visa

The Schengen Area includes 25 of the 27 EU countries, excluding the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus. This includes countries like Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This vast region not only offers diverse cultural experiences but also facilitates seamless travel across borders for visa holders.

The Schengen visa allows short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day time limit. This visa can be issued either as a single-entry, enabling one entry into the Schengen Area, or as a multiple-entry, enabling multiple visits for the period of its validity. Allows.

How do the new rules affect Indians?

Under the new rules, Indian travelers can now obtain a two-year Schengen visa, a marked improvement from the shorter validity period available earlier. To qualify for this extended two-year visa, applicants will need to have obtained and appropriately used two Schengen visas within the last three years. Upon successful use of the two-year visa, travelers can generally expect to be eligible for a five-year Schengen visa, provided their passport maintains sufficient validity.

The new rules essentially say that Indian travelers can move freely within the Schengen member countries for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without the need for additional permits or authorization. Under this system, eligible travelers with a proven track record of travel will have easy access to visas with extended validity, provided the validity of their passport permits.

The ‘cascade’ system, as it is called, is designed to reward frequent travelers with progressively longer visa periods. It starts with a two-year visa, and upon successful use, travelers can potentially qualify for a five-year visa. Although these visas do not restrict the purpose of travel, they do not allow the right to work within the Schengen Area.

The decision to change the rules has been taken in the broader context of improving relations between the EU and India