Can individuals from India apply for a Schengen visa valid for five years? Essential information for you.

In April, holders of Schengen visas will gain the opportunity to incorporate two additional destinations in Europe – Bulgaria and Romania – into their travel itineraries. This extension comes in the wake of the European Union’s ruling in December 2023, allowing these Balkan nations to adopt Schengen system protocols for entry via ports and airports, effective from late March. Additionally, those seeking visas for travel within the Schengen area will soon benefit from a streamlined online application procedure.

The forthcoming digital visa will supplant the traditional sticker, featuring a cryptographically signed barcode. Schengen visa applicants will be required to visit the Consulate to register their biometric information or update it every five years or upon application with a new travel document.

A ‘Schengen’ visa enables travelers to journey through countries such as Austria, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Greece without the necessity of obtaining multiple visas each year. Serving as a gateway to the Schengen Area, this zone comprises European countries that have eliminated internal border controls. With the introduction of the new Visa Code on February 2, applicants must satisfy various conditions to secure a Schengen Visa. Here’s an overview of the 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa: This visa provides access to any Schengen country multiple times over a span of five years, contingent upon adherence to the 90/180-day rule.

The Schengen Area encompasses European countries, among them France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania, and Liechtenstein.

The Schengen Area encompasses European countries, among them France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania, and Liechtenstein.

How to request a Schengen visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa, you need to submit your application to the embassy or consulate of your primary destination within the Schengen area. If your main destination is not clear, apply to the country where you first enter. The application should contain a completed form, passport-sized photographs, a valid passport, travel insurance, an itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial evidence, and additional documents regarding your employment status, business, or education.

Why is travel insurance significant for Schengen visa seekers?

Travel insurance, which covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (approximately Rs 27,00,000), is compulsory for all Schengen visa applicants. It should be valid throughout the Schengen area and for the entire duration of your stay. Those applying for multiple-entry visas must present evidence of insurance for their initial visit and include a signed declaration in the application form.

Is the Schengen visa fee considered costly?

The application fee for the Schengen visa, which also covers the five-year multiple-entry option, typically falls within the range of €80 to €90 (equivalent to Rs 6,858 to Rs 7,716), akin to the price of a standard short-stay visa.