Schengen Visa for India has undergone some changes and these changes are good! Frequent Indian travelers who enjoy traveling to Europe will no longer have to face the hassle of applying for a Schengen visa again and again.
Implementation of New Schengen Visa System for Indians
The European Union has in the past weeks implemented a more convenient visa system for Indian citizens with established travel history. If their passport allows, they will be granted a Schengen visa with the same period of stay.
The Schengen Visa ‘Cascade’ System for Indians
Under the ‘Cascade’ system, the newly adopted visa system for India by the Schengen Administration for India, citizens can be granted a long-stay visa if they have obtained and used two visas in the last three years.
After the two- to four-year visas expire and if there is sufficient validity left on the passport, a five-year visa is usually granted.
Benefits for Indian Travelers
During the validity period of these visas, holders have the same travel rights as visa-exempt citizens.
Reason Behind the Schengen Visa Decision:
The decision was taken on April 18th because of the strong relationship and cooperation between the EU and India in the field of migration and mobility under the upcoming and dynamic India-EU Shared Program.
Previous Schengen Visa System
Before this change, the Schengen countries mostly granted short-term visas to travelers from Europe.
Benefits for India
In India, six month, two year and five year visas have become a reality. And this visa is not blocked for recurring visa fees, which often troubles frequent fliers. Organizing multiple documents for dual presentations seems to be the most troublesome thing for them.