Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Available For Indians

Under a positive revelation for Indian citizens, the European Commission unveiled a new visa recently. This visa, known as the Cascade visa, is for Indian citizens applying for a Schengen visa. However, the special feature of this visa is that it allows multiple entries. 

The Cascade visa gives Indians access to multiple-entry Schengen programs along with validity periods that have an extension on them. This visa regime is valid and effective from April 18, 2024, and is ready to be issued. 

This visa is significantly advantageous for Indian nationals who wish to travel to Europe. It replaces the standard rules of the visa code set by the European Commission and gives Indians more convenient access in terms of traveling to Europe for a holiday. 

What Is The Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a type of visa document that allows you to enter all the 27 countries that fall under the Schengen area, in Europe. If you issue this visa, you can enter these countries seamlessly without any other documentation or paperwork. You do not even have to go through any extra checks at the border - this visa allows you to freely enter Schengen countries. 

You can apply for a Schengen visa if you plan on visiting more than one European country while on vacation (or for work). Based on your situation and circumstances for entering Schengen countries, you might be given a visa that’s valid for 90 days under single entry, double entry, or multiple entry. With this new development, you might be able to access the multiple entry visa with a 2-year validity as well, now open to Indians. However, even with the 2-year-long visa, you can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days maximum on each visit. 

Countries In The Schengen Area 

The following countries fall under the Schengen Area and can be accessed with a Schengen visa. 

• Austria 

• Belgium 

• Croatia

• Czech Republic 

• Denmark 

• Estonia

• Finland 

• France 

• Germany 

• Greece

• Hungary 

• Iceland 

• Italy

• Latvia 

• Liechtenstein 

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg 

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland 

Who Can Issue This New Schengen Visa?

The ‘Cascade Visa has some conditions that you must satisfy and be eligible for before issuing. According to the rules laid down by the European Commission, this visa can be issued to Indians who have obtained and used 2 Schengen visas within 3 years. 

Once you issue the 2-year visa, you can issue the 5-year-long Schengen visa after the former expires. This is possible only if your passport remains valid and you have no run-ins with the law during your stay in a Schengen country. The extended validity period allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a specified 180-day period. 

This new development is a part of the EU-India Common Agenda On Migration and Policy. The end goal is to strengthen the relations between the two parties, especially on migration. Moreover, the enhanced visa system recognizes India as an important diplomatic relationship of the EU and a key partner as well. 

However, it is important to remember that the Schengen visa does not permit employment. You cannot seek employment in a Schengen country while being there on this visa. So you must keep in mind the rules and regulations before going there as well. 

Conclusion 

The accessibility to this visa strengthens the relations between India and the EU. It also allows increased mobility and flexibility for Indians who wish to go to the Schengen area. If you wish to travel to Europe, specifically to the Schengen Area, and want to do so multiple times - you must get the Schengen visa with the multiple entry system. It saves you time and money in the long run, and also makes you eligible for a 5-year long visa in the future.

To know more about Schengen Visa and to get assistance getting this visa easily, TerraTern is right here for you to help throughout the process!