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Indians Can Access Multi-Year Schengen Visa More Easily Now; EU Adopts Visa “Cascade” Regime For India

Called the “cascade” Visa regime, it makes multi-year Schengen visa easier to access for those who already have an established travel history to Europe.

by Tooba Shaikh
Indians Can Access Multi-Year Schengen Visa More Easily Now; EU Adopts Visa “Cascade” Regime For India

If you’re someone who travels frequently to European destinations, we have good news for you! The European Union or EU has now adopted a more favourable Visa policy for Indian passport holders. Called the “cascade” Visa regime, it makes multi-year Schengen visa easier to access for those who already have an established travel history to Europe. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about this new visa regime.

Indians Can Access Multi-Year Schengen Visa More Easily Now

According to a statement which was recently issued by the EU mission in India, the new visa regime was adopted on Thursday, April 18. The rules adopted on multiple entry visas to Indian passport holders are more flexible than the standard rules of Visa code which were applicable till now.

As per the new rules, Indian passport holders can now be issued long-term multiple-entry Schengen visas that will be valid for up to two years. This will be applicable to those who already have an established history of travelling in Europe.

This means that people who have lawfully used at least two visas in the last two years will be eligible for the long-term Schengen visa. The statement also went on to say that after the two-year Schengen visa is up, applicants will be eligible for a five-year Schengen visa.

Also Read: You Can Now Visit These 2 Countries On Your Next European Getaway As They Join The Schengen Travel Zone

Other Important Details About The New “Cascade” Visa Regime

 

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This new visa regime – dubbed the “cascade” visa – showcases the strengthened relations between India and the EU. Ambassador Herve Delphin took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and shared the good news.

The EU mission in India also shared the news on their social media accounts highlighting the partnership between the two countries. This new visa regime will enable the mobilisation of people-to-people contact between the two regions.

This decision comes under the purview of the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. It seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration between India and the EU.

Madhav Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook India Group, gave the following statement about the new policy, “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 on the overall travel & tourism ecosystem. 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.”

Also Read: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain & Oman Apply For Schengen Visa Waiver; Details Inside

Have you ever been to Europe? Does the new visa regime benefit your travel plans? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: Canva Images

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