New Schengen visa policies to boost travel from India
The recently implemented Schengen visa policies are expected to boost travel from India to European destinations, according to travel industry experts. These new regulations allow frequent Indian travelers the chance to secure multi-year visas for up to five years. The revised visa cascade system now makes Indian citizens who have legally obtained and used two visas in the past three years eligible for long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years.
What is a cascade system?
This new visa category, known as the "cascade regime," offers significant benefits to frequent Indian travelers to Europe. Eligibility for this two-year multi-entry visa requires having traveled to Europe on a Schengen visa twice within the past three years. With this visa, individuals can freely travel and stay in any participating European country, similar to visa-exempt individuals. However, it prohibits employment opportunities, resembling local citizens' rights. Subsequently, holders may qualify for a five-year visa renewal, contingent upon their passport's validity.
Indians must have lawfully acquired and utilized two visas
Jyoti Mayal, Vice Chairperson of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), clarified the eligibility criteria for these visas. She mentioned that Indians must have lawfully obtained and used two visas in the past three years to qualify for a two-year visa. If their passport has sufficient remaining validity after this, they can typically receive a five-year visa. This allows Indians to enter and exit Schengen countries multiple times without needing separate visas during the validity period.
New Schengen visa cascade ruling to enhance travel: Thomas Cook
The new Schengen visa cascade ruling is expected to stimulate repeat visits and enhance travel between India and the Schengen region, according to Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman of Thomas Cook India Group. He believes that this will benefit all types of travelers - leisure, business, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished their internal borders to facilitate free movement of people.
Indians will now shift focus to Europe: Visa consultant
Vijay Kesavan, Founder and CEO of StampThePassport, an online visa consultancy service, predicts a shift in travel preferences among Indians. He mentioned that this change is expected to lead to an increase in trips to Europe by Indians. Previously, many individuals chose short-haul or visa-free destinations to circumvent visa complexities. However, with the introduction of the multiple-entry Schengen visa, a significant number are expected to shift their focus towards European travel.
Europe attracts about 20% of travelers from India's outbound traffic
Schengen countries play a vital role in India's outbound travel market, with Europe attracting about 20% of travelers from India's outbound traffic, according to Mayal. However, the number of visitors from India to Europe is still approximately 35% lower than pre-Covid levels, as per Manoj Dharmani, global CEO of digital visa solutions provider DUDigital. Despite the favorable visa regulations, there are still challenges such as lengthy appointment wait times and geopolitical tensions that could potentially impact travel to Schengen countries.
