New visa regulations for the Schengen area have been introduced for India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain passport holders.
Traveling to Europe has become considerably more convenient for visitors from the GCC and India. The European Commission has given its approval to new regulations governing the issuance of Schengen visas to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and India residing in their respective home countries.
With the implementation of the new system, individuals from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman will now have the opportunity to obtain multiple-entry visas. This enables them to travel to 29 European countries using the same visa within a span of five years.
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Request DetailsThis implementation has greatly streamlined the Schengen visa application process, offering enhanced convenience for eligible applicants, including those applying for the first time. Now, they can anticipate receiving a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years. This alleviates the burden of frequent visa renewals and simplifies travel planning.
“The European Commission has adopted new rules for the issuance of Schengen visas for Saudi, Bahraini and Omani nationals residing in their home country. It is an important step promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating exchanges between the EU and GCC citizens,” the delegation of the European Union in GCC posted on X.
Kuwaiti citizens are now eligible to receive long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years. Meanwhile, UAE nationals benefit from visa-free travel to Schengen countries, allowing stays of up to three months per visit. However, UAE residents are required to obtain a Schengen visa for travel to these nations.
Furthermore, the European Commission has introduced specific regulations regarding the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Indian citizens. According to the new guidelines, Indian travellers can now obtain a two-year Schengen visa, a significant improvement from the previously shorter validity periods.
To qualify for this extended visa, applicants must have acquired and utilized two Schengen visas within the past three years, as per the regulations. Upon successful utilization of the two-year visa, travellers can typically expect eligibility for a five-year Schengen visa, provided they maintain sufficient passport validity.
This decision is part of the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aiming to strengthen relations and promote comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, highlighting India’s significance as a partner for the EU.
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Request DetailsThese adjustments streamline the visa application process and enhance travel convenience.
Schengen visas enable holders to travel freely within the Schengen area for short stays, allowing a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. These visas are not restricted to specific purposes, but they do not confer the right to work. The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, of which 25 are EU member states, including 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, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are part of the Schengen area.
