Schengen Visa

The European Commission has introduced a new “cascade” system for Indian travelers with a clean visa history, providing them with fast-tracked access to long-term Schengen visas.

About Schengen Visa:

A Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to temporarily visit or transit through the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries. These countries have agreed to remove internal borders, allowing for unrestricted movement between them.

• Validity:

  • The visa is typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  • You can enter and leave the area multiple times, but the total stay must not exceed 90 days within the 180-day period.

  Visa Purposes: Schengen visas are issued for various purposes, such as:

  • Tourism

  • Business

  • Visiting family

  • Medical treatment

  • Cultural or sporting events

  Note: The visa does not grant the right to work.

Countries Issuing Schengen Visas:

There are 29 European countries in the Schengen Area, including:

• 25 EU member states (excluding Cyprus and Ireland)

• 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland

The Cascade Visa Scheme:

This new scheme rewards "trusted travellers" based on their documented travel history. It offers the following benefits to Indian nationals with a clean visa history:

• Eligibility:

  • Indian travelers who have obtained two Schengen visas within the past three years are eligible.

  Tiered Visa Structure:

  • 1-year visa: If the traveler has used three Schengen visas in the previous two years.

  • 2-year visa: If the traveler has used a 1-year multiple-entry visa in the previous two years.

  • 5-year visa: If the traveler has used a 2-year multiple-entry visa in the previous three years.

  Travel Benefits:

  • These visas allow holders to travel freely within the Schengen area during their validity, offering travel rights similar to visa-free nationals.

  • However, the visa still restricts stays to 90 days within a 180-day period and does not grant the right to work.

The cascade visa system aims to streamline and reward frequent travelers, allowing for more flexibility and longer visa durations for trusted individuals.