Indian Nationals Can Now Apply for Multiple Entry Schengen Visa With Longer Validity

This article has been reviewed and fact-checked by Wego’s editorial team.

As reported by Wego, The European Commission has introduced significant revisions to specific regulations governing the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Indian nationals. 

Under the recently implemented “cascade” system, Indian citizens can now receive long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after obtaining and using two visas within the preceding three years. Following the two-year visa, a five-year visa is typically granted if the passport has enough remaining validity.

Throughout the validity of these visas, holders enjoy travel privileges comparable to visa-free nationals.

The new “cascade” visa regime offers greater advantages over the previous standard rules. Indian travelers residing in India with an established travel history will now find it easier to obtain multi-year validity visas when applying for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India, provided their passport validity allows.

This major decision aims to strengthen the enhanced relations between the EU and India, aligning with the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. This agenda emphasizes facilitating people-to-people contacts, with the intent of comprehensive cooperation on Migration policy between the EU and India. Given India’s significance as a key partner for the EU, fostering closer ties in migration and mobility is essential.

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About Schengen visa

Schengen visas allow holders to travel freely within the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. These visas are not restricted to a specific purpose but do not confer the right to work. For comprehensive information regarding Schengen visas for travel from India to Europe, please refer to our Schengen visa for Indians guide.