Schengen Visa

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Schengen Visa

Context:

The cost of a short-stay Schengen visa has increased internationally by 12%, according to the European Commission. 

 

More in News:

  • The European Union attributes the increase in Schengen visa fees to both inflation and growing civil worker wages.
  • The EU visa costs were reviewed in December 2023, as mandated by the Schengen Visa Code, which requires a review every three years.

 

Visa Application Statistics:

  • 2023 Data: Over 10.3 million applications for short-stay visas were received in the Schengen Area in 2023.
  • Comparison with Previous Years: This marks a 37% increase from 2022, but still less than the record 17 million applications in 2019.

Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa Overview:

  • Travel Freedom: Schengen visa allows holders to travel freely within the Schengen Area, comprising 29 European countries.
    • EU Member States: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden.
    • Non-EU Countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.
  • Duration: Valid for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Purpose: Visas are not purpose-bound but do not grant the right to work.
  • Popularity: Schengen countries are highly popular among Indian travellers, with top destinations including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
  • Outbound Traffic: Schengen countries account for around 20% of India’s outbound traffic, according to estimates.
  • India maintained the third position in Schengen visa applications for 2023,

New Schengen Visa ‘Cascade’ Regime for Indian Nationals (April 2024):

  • Objectives for adoption of new Rules:
    • EU-India Cooperation: This decision is part of the strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility.
    • People-to-People Contacts: Aims to facilitate people-to-people contacts, recognizing the importance of India as a partner for the EU.
  • The European Commission adopted specific rules for issuing multiple-entry visas to Indian nationals.
  • These rules are more favourable compared to the standard Visa Code previously applied.
  • Aims to simplify the visa application process for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India.
  • Provides easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers
  • Eligibility: The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, subject to passport validity.
  • Travel Rights: During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

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