In a move aimed at strengthening ties between Bharat and the European Union (EU), the EU has introduced new visa rules to facilitate travel for Bharatiya nationals. The adoption of these rules was announced by EU Ambassador Herve Delphin on April 18, marking a significant step towards enhancing people-to-people contact between the two regions.
Under the new regulations, frequent travelers from Bharat will now have the opportunity to apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with extended validity.
The Schengen visa allows holders to travel to 29 European countries, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The EU delegation to Bharat emphasized that these new rules are notably more favorable than the standard regulations previously in place. Termed as a “visa cascade” regime, the new rules offer easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travelers with an established travel history.
Bharatiya nationals residing in Bharat and applying for short-stay Schengen visas will benefit from this new regime. They can now obtain long-term, multi-entry visas valid for up to two years after using two visas within the previous three years.
Following this, eligible travelers may then receive a five-year visa, provided their passport has sufficient remaining validity.
During the validity period of these visas, holders will enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals, allowing them to move freely within the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, it’s important to note that Schengen visas do not grant the right to work in the region.
The decision to introduce these new visa rules stems from the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and Bharat. Moreover, the common agenda aims to facilitate people-to-people contacts, recognizing the significance of Bharat as a partner for the EU.
The EU’s move to relax visa rules for Bharatiya nationals reflects a broader effort to foster closer ties between the two regions and promote greater mobility and exchange.
By making travel to Europe more accessible and convenient, the EU aims to encourage cultural exchange, tourism, and business cooperation between Bharat and the member states of the Schengen area.
Comments