The Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens have been changed by the European Union, bringing more benevolent terms that permit multiple entrance permits with longer validity periods.

The European Commission enacted these loosened rules on April 18, 2024. Subject to certain requirements, Indian people seeking for Schengen visas can now obtain multiple entry visas that are valid for a longer period of time.

In order to be eligible for these multiple-entry Schengen visas with extended validity, Indian applicants must provide proof of their previous travel history. Indian nationals may now apply for multiple-entry visas with a two-year maximum validity period, according to EU authorities. However, in order to be eligible for this type of visa, the applicant must have used two Schengen visas in the previous three years in a legal manner.

If the passport is still valid after two years, the two-year visa can lead to the issue of a five-year Schengen visa later on.

Travelers from India who have visited the EU frequently will profit from this policy change, which makes it easier for them to obtain visas with longer validity terms.

Indian visitors who possess these multiple-entry Schengen visas are granted the same benefits as those who enter the EU without a visa. They can follow the 90/180-day norm and visit several Schengen member nations in a single year.

On the other hand, candidates who do not have a history of traveling with two Schengen visas in the last three years will still be granted shorter-term visas. They have to show that they are entering the Schengen Area only for business or leisure and that they want to eventually build up their travel history before leaving and heading back home.

According to Schengen Visa Statistics, out of 671,928 applications, over 541,000 Schengen visas were issued to Indian people in 2022. A total of 296,964 people were granted multiple-entry visas, whereas other individuals were given single-entry visas. Although data for 2023 is not yet available, it is expected that more Indians will apply for visas than did so in 2022.