New Schengen visa rules: Indians granted multi-entry two-year visa to 29 Schengen countries

PTC News Desk: The European Union (EU) has recently introduced favourable Schengen visa rules for Indian passport holders, potentially expanding the accessibility of travel to 29 European nations with ease and convenience.

Indian passports currently hold a ranking of 85, as reported by the Henley Passport Index for 2024, which assesses the strength of passports from 199 countries. Notably, neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh hold lower rankings at 106 and 102, respectively.

Under the updated Schengen visa regulations, Indian travellers can now enjoy the privilege of multiple entries into any of the participating European countries over a span of two years. Moreover, this visa can be extended for an additional five years, granting holders the freedom to stay in these countries akin to visa-free nationals.

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

This marks a significant departure from the previous norm. Previously, Indians planning to visit one or more European countries were required to apply for the coveted Schengen visa, typically granted for a maximum duration of three months.

Now, under the new regulations, travellers can relish extended stays in European destinations such as Switzerland, Amsterdam, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, Germany, France, and others, for up to two years, with the possibility of extension, sans any bureaucratic hurdles.

Notably, a report from August 2023 highlighted a remarkable 140 per cent growth in travel to Scandinavian regions of Europe compared to pre-COVID levels in 2020, indicating a resurgence in tourism.

Let’s delve into how these new visa rules will operate:

How will this work?

The new visa arrangement, known as the ‘cascade regime,’ is tailored to cater primarily to Indian travellers who frequently visit one or more European countries. Eligibility for this category hinges on a specific criterion: if an individual has travelled to Europe on a Schengen visa twice within the past three years, they qualify for this new visa category.

Under this scheme, qualified individuals will be granted a two-year multi-entry visa, affording them the flexibility to travel to and stay in any of the participating countries akin to visa-exempt nationals. However, it’s crucial to note that holders of this visa will not be permitted to engage in employment or earn income in these countries as local citizens do.

Following the initial two-year visa, eligible applicants may apply for a subsequent five-year visa, provided that their passport maintains sufficient validity. However, it’s imperative to ensure that the passport has an adequate remaining validity period; otherwise, the extension may not be granted. For instance, if the passport is slated to expire within three years, the applicant may not be eligible for the full five-year extension of the Schengen visa.

Schengen visas, traditionally granting travelers the freedom to move within the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, do not impose specific purposes for travel but do not confer the right to seek employment.

According to a statement shared by Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to India, on a certain platform, holders of the two-year and subsequent five-year visas will enjoy travel rights equivalent to those of visa-exempt nationals throughout the validity period of their visas.

France introduces 5-year post-study visa for Indian students

The recent Schengen visa policy adjustment underscores the deepening collaboration between Europe and India. In a significant move last year, France further cemented this partnership by revising its visa regulations for Indian students.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, the European nation announced a substantial enhancement: Indian students who successfully completed their master’s degree programs in France would now be eligible for a five-year post-study visa.

Previously, Indian students graduating from French institutions were granted two-year work visas upon completing their master’s degrees.