New Schengen Visa Changes Indian Travellers Should Know Before Planning Their Next Trip

The European Union has introduced significant changes to the Schengen visa process that will impact Indian travellers. These reforms aim to streamline visa issuance, enhance security, and reward travellers with positive visa histories.

Digital Schengen Visas Replace Physical Stickers

One of the major changes is the shift from physical visa stickers to a fully digital Schengen visa system. Instead of affixing a visa sticker to the passport, approved applicants will now receive a digitally signed 2D barcode. This move is intended to reduce forgery and simplify processing. The digital visa system was successfully tested during the Paris Olympics, where over 70,000 digital Schengen visas were issued.

India Included in the 'Cascade' Visa System

India has been added to the EU’s ‘cascade’ system, which benefits travellers who have a history of complying with visa rules. Under this system, Indian nationals who have held and lawfully used two Schengen visas in the previous three years may now be eligible for a two-year multiple-entry visa. After that, they could qualify for a five-year multiple-entry visa, provided their passport remains valid.

The 'cascade' approach was already extended to countries like China and Saudi Arabia. Inclusion in this group signals the EU’s increasing confidence in Indian travellers and the strengthening of diplomatic and people-to-people ties between India and Europe.

What This Means for Travellers

These updates make travel to Europe more accessible for Indian tourists, business travellers, and students. The digital shift is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of visa processing. Frequent travellers will especially benefit from the long-term validity options now available.

Travellers are advised to keep their previous visa records in order and monitor announcements from EU embassies in India as the new system rolls out across Schengen member states in the coming months.
Source: Schengen visa update: Digital transition for Indian travelers explained 

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