Your longtime dream of visiting Europe is going to materialize soon as EU modified Schengen visa rules.
Europe travel will become more easier now with new rules set by European Union (EU). As per modified Schengen visa regime, Indian travellers can obtain a multi-year visa for up to five years.
Countries with Schengen Agreement are known as Schengen area. These countries are: Germany, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Croatia, France, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Latvia, Portugal, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Basically, Schengen Visa is approved for specific purposes including tourism, business, or visiting family.
To promote people-to-people contact as well as strengthening international alliances, this move will play a key role.
In this article, we will discuss how Indians can maximize the new Schengen Visa rules.
On April 22, the EU envoy to India, Ambassador Herve Delphin announced in a post on X: “Travel to Europe made easy! The EU takes another step towards enhancing people-to-people contact with India. The new #Schengen #visa regime gives Indian frequent travellers access to a multi-year visa (up to 5 years). Europe delivers on the partnership!”
A statement issued by the EU mission in New Delhi mentioned: “On April 18, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. This new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India will provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history if the passport validity allows.”
The key factor behind five-year visa is ethical and legal travel history. Once a student has utilised the initial two-year visa with a valid passport, they will be qualified for a five-year multi-entry visa. They will be allowed to travel within the Schengen zone freely for academic purposes or cultural exploration. Even short internships can be availed.
Reduced Application Hassle: Sometimes, paperwork takes a longer time than expected. Now, with extended validity, students will feel relieved. During break, students can explore European countries for academic conferences, and research trips.
Positive Travel History: In foreign countries, responsible travel is rewarded. The same will happen to people with positive travel history.
Strategic Application: If you already have an existing Schengen visa, you should plan your next travel application strategically. This should leverage the ‘cascade system’ and make you easily quality for the two-year visa.
Proper Documentation: Ensure you are carrying essential documents like financial statements, enrollment proofs, as well as travel insurance during your visa application.
Peace of Mind: As students don't have to apply multiple times for visa, it will automatically reduce stress regarding travel.
Meanwhile, the official application process remains the same.
Although there is an extended validity, but maximum permitted stay period remains the same (90 days) within any 180-day period. However, students won't be allowed to work or register as employee.
The new rules set by EU is a welcome change for Indian students who aspire to study in Europe. With accessible multi-entry visas and extended validity, Indian students will enjoy flexibility and freedom while studying in Europe.
