EU Schengen visa new rules: How your European tour just got easier?

EU introduces new visa rules for Indian nationals, offering long-term, multi-entry visas valid for up to five years under 'cascade' regime.

Updated on: Apr 22, 2024, 19:42:42 IST

By HT News Desk

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The European Commission has introduced new rules regarding multiple entry visas for Indian nationals, aiming to streamline the process and provide greater accessibility. Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India may now benefit from easier access to visas with extended validity, based on their travel history and passport validity, under the new visa 'cascade' regime, the EU said in a statement on Monday.

EU introduces new visa rules for Indian nationals, streamlining process and increasing accessibility. (Pexel/Representative Image)

European Union new visa rules: What changes for you?

• Newly adopted visa rules for Indian nationals introduce a "cascade" regime for Schengen visas.

• Under this regime, Indian citizens can obtain long-term, multi-entry visas valid for two years after using two visas within three years.

• Following the two-year visa, eligible applicants may receive a five-year visa, contingent on passport validity.

• Holders of these visas enjoy travel rights similar to visa-free nationals throughout the validity period.

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What are Schengen visas?

• Schengen visas permit unrestricted travel within the Schengen area for short stays, allowing a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

• The visas are not restricted by purpose but do not confer work rights.

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• The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): 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.

According to the statement, this decision is in line with the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aiming for enhanced cooperation on migration policy “with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU.”

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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