Leaders in the travel and tourism sector have predicted that Indian demand for travel to the European Union could soar by as much as 15% in the upcoming months.

The recent relaxation of Schengen visa requirements by the EU for bearers of Indian passports is blamed for this upsurge. A few days ago, the European Commission announced a policy that would facilitate simpler access to multiple-entry visas with longer validity periods for Indian nationals with a good travel history and two Schengen visas within the last three years.

Since this declaration, Indians have become much more interested in obtaining Schengen visas and visiting the EU. According to Business Line, Nishant Pitti, CEO of EaseMyTrip, highlighted that the recent changes to the EU’s visa validity policy for Indians represent a major turning point. Through his company’s platform, Pitti saw a twelve percent increase in Indians showing interest in visiting Schengen member states.

When it comes to Indian travelers’ preferred EU destinations, Pitti said that, although exact patterns are still emerging, France, Greece, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany are probably top choices. With the Olympics and Euro 2024 scheduled for these two EU countries this summer, France and Germany may become even more appealing.

Greece and Italy, on the other hand, continue to be very popular summer vacation spots.

Apart from these popular attractions, Indians are shown curiosity in discovering lesser-known places. The President of SOTC Travel, Daniel D’souza, emphasized newly popular travel destinations that are gaining popularity among Indian tourists, such as Croatia, Portugal, and Slovenia.

Moreover, in compliance with the updated regulations from the EU, Indian nationals who have been to the EU on a regular basis would now be eligible for two-year multiple-entry visas provided they have held and used two Schengen visas in the previous three years. After that, those who qualify can get a multiple-entry visa good for five years, as long as their passport is still valid.

Indians are now able to visit the Schengen Area more than once a year thanks to longer-lasting Schengen visas, although they still need to follow the 90/180-day limit.