- EU has adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules for nationals of several countries.
- Schengen countries will now issue multiple-entry visas with longer validity to Indians, Saudis, Omanis, and Bahrainis.
- Kosovo Serbs are now allowed to enter the Schengen Area without needing a visa for short stays.
The European Union has made it easier for nationals of several countries to travel to the bloc so far this month.
As part of its move to facilitate travel to the Schengen member states and promote more frequent travel, the EU has decided to start granting multiple-entry Schengen visas with longer validity to Indians, Saudis, Omanis, and Bahrainis.
The same authority has also decided to extend visa-free travel to the Schengen Areafor Kosovo Serbs, VisaGuide.World reports.
Schengen Countries Will Now Issue Multiple-Entry Longer Validity Visas for Indians
The Commission of the EU adopted more favorable visa rules for Indians on Apil 18, 2024, making them eligible for multiple-entry visas with longer validity.
In line with the new rules, Indians who have an established travel history to the bloc and have obtained and lawfully used two Schengen visas within the last three years will be able to obtain multiple-entry visas with a two-year validity.
This two-year multiple-entry visa will, in most cases, be followed by a five-year multiple-entry visa, provided that the passport of the applicant has enough validity remaining.
Indian passport holders who get issued a multiple entry visa with a two-year validity will enjoy the same privileges as nationals of third countries who are permitted to enter the Schengen Area visa-free.
They get to travel to the Schengen Area multiple times a year with the same visa. However, they must still follow the 90/180-day rule.
Saudis, Omanis & Bahrainis Now Eligible for 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas
The EU Commission has decided to apply more favorable rules to passport holders of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, too.
According to the EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell, the Schengen countries will now issue five-year multiple-entry visas to applicants from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain.
