New rules for Schengen visas: The European Union has made it easier for Indians living in India to get Schengen visas with a new program called ‘cascade.’ With this program, Indian travelers can now get visas that allow multiple entries and last longer. This change is meant to help people who have a history of traveling and whose passports allow it, to get visas more easily.
The European Commission decided on April 18 to change the usual visa rules for Indians. These new rules make it easier for Indians to get visas that allow them to enter multiple times. This shows that the EU wants to make friends with India and encourage more tourism and business between the two places.
Under the new “cascade” visa system for India, Indian citizens can get long-lasting visas for multiple trips to Schengen countries. To get a visa for two years, they need to have used two visas in the last three years. Then, if their passport is still valid enough, they can usually get a visa for five years.
New rules for Schengen visas
While these visas are valid, holders can travel in and out of Schengen countries just like people from visa-free countries. They don’t need to get separate visas each time they enter.
The choice to put this system in place is a part of the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. This plan wants to make it easier for the EU and India to work together on migration policy. Making it simpler for people to travel between the two places is a big part of this plan, especially because India is an important partner for the EU in many different areas.
Schengen visas let you travel without restrictions in the Schengen area. This includes 29 European countries, with 25 being EU members and four not. These visas let you stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
It’s worth mentioning that Schengen visas aren’t limited to one purpose. You can use them for tourism, business, or visiting loved ones. But, they don’t allow you to work in the Schengen area.