In a significant development for Indian travellers, the European Union (EU) has recently adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules, allowing Indian nationals to apply for multiple-entry visas with extended validity. The adoption of these new rules marks a positive step towards enhancing travel opportunities between India and the Schengen area.
Effective from 18th April 2024, the European Commission has introduced specific regulations governing the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Indian nationals. These rules, part of the newly implemented visa ‘cascade’ regime, offer easier access to visas with extended validity for travellers with an established travel history residing in India.
Under the new visa cascade regime, Indian nationals can now be granted long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for up to two years. This extended validity is available to individuals who have previously obtained and lawfully used two visas within the past three years. Additionally, if the passport maintains sufficient validity, holders of the two-year visa can subsequently apply for a five-year visa. During the validity period of these visas, travelers enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.
This decision by the European Union comes as part of the strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. This comprehensive cooperation framework emphasises facilitation of people-to-people contacts, recognising India’s significance as a key partner for the EU in migration policy.
Schengen visas enable holders to travel freely within the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s important to note that these visas are not tied to a specific purpose, such as tourism or business, but they do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area.
The mandatory travel insurance requirement by Bhutan government was initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure coverage for unforeseen emergencies, particularly related to medical expenses arising from the pandemic. However, with the situation improving and travel restrictions easing, Bhutan has decided to withdraw this mandatory requirement to enhance tourism accessibility.
The travel and tourism industry in India welcomed the move and applaued the initiatve take to ease Schengen visa process for Indian travellers. This new visa regime is expected to facilitate smoother travel experiences for Indian nationals visiting the Schengen area, promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between India and Europe.Sharing his views on the development, Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook India Group (including India companies – Thomas Cook, SOTC Travel and TCI-Sita) said, “The travel & tourism industry welcomes the new Schengen visa ‘cascade’ ruling as visas are a critical part of the travel process. Such a move will ensure greater convenience and timeliness to customers and inspire repeat visits – with a force multiplier impact to the overall travel & tourism eco-system. As a potential outcome of this announcement, we look forward to an expansion in travel between India and the Schengen region across all categories of travellers – leisure, business and MICE.”
Bharatt Malik, Senior VP- Air and Hotel Business, Yatra Online mentioned that granting Indian nationals the opportunity for multiple-entry Schengen visas with extended validity is a gateway not just for travel, but for fostering deeper connections and opportunities. “While the ripple effect may not be seen immediately for B2C travel, a positive impact lies within the corporate realm. For travelers visiting Schengen countries, this promising development will ensure smoother travel experiences for people engaging in businesses,” he added.
The Schengen area encompasses 29 European countries, including 25 EU member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. These countries include popular tourist destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and many others, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences and attractions.
The Home Office has started the process by sending emails to holders of physical immigration documents, known as biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. This phased approach will gradually extend to all BRP holders by summer 2024.
