EU welcomes India with open arms: New visa regime unveiled | Check full details here

New Delhi: In a historic move, the European Commission has introduced a transformative visa regime that will make it easier for Indian nationals to travel to the Schengen area. This unprecedented “cascade” regime will empower Indian citizens with the ability to obtain multiple-entry visas with extended validity, opening up new possibilities for travel and collaboration.

Under the new regulations, Indian passport holders who have maintained a positive travel history can now secure long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas with validity spanning two years. This privilege is granted to individuals who have previously acquired and responsibly utilised two visas within the preceding three-year period. The two-year visa will typically be succeeded by a five-year visa, provided the passport retains sufficient validity.

This decision reflects the deepening bonds between the EU and India under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which fosters comprehensive cooperation on migration policy while prioritising people-to-people connections. Recognising India’s paramount importance as a partner, the EU has embraced this visa facilitation measure to enhance mutual understanding and foster closer ties.

The European Commission’s announcement has been met with widespread acclaim from both Indian and European circles. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has hailed the move as a “positive step” that will “facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges” between the two regions.

The Schengen visa, renowned for its convenience, allows holders to traverse 29 European countries without hindrance for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The non-purpose-bound nature of these visas allows for a wide range of travel activities, including tourism, business, and family visits.

The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.