New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered
Skift Take
Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.
The European Commission has introduced a new visa "cascade" regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant's travel history.
Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.
How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler "has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years." This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.
Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequa
