Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens: Rules

From April 2024, it has become easier for Indian citizens who travel frequently to obtain a long-term multiple-entry Schengen visa. This change aims to make it easier and more convenient for Indians to visit Europe.

Read this article to learn more about multiple-entry Schengen visas for Indian nationals and how to expedite your application.

Table of contents

• Schengen Visa Updates for Indian Nationals in 2024
• Multiple-entry Visa for Indians: Eligibility and Requirements
• How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?
• Documents Required for a Schengen Visa Application
• Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
• Get a Schengen Visa Photo Online
• Schengen Visa Photo App
• Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Schengen Visa Updates for Indian Nationals in 2024

Effective April 18, 2024, the European Union has introduced more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians. Indian citizens are now eligible for long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for two years. This is possible for those who have received and properly used two visas in the last three years. After the initial two-year visa, applicants can receive a five-year visa, provided their passport remains valid for that period.

This new system, known as “cascade”, benefits those who travel frequently by offering them longer visa periods.

Multiple-entry Visa for Indians: Eligibility and Requirements

For Indian citizens interested in applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa, it's important to understand and meet the following requirements:

• To qualify for a two-year multiple-entry visa, which may later be upgraded to a five-year visa, applicants need to have successfully obtained and used two Schengen visas in the last three years.
• Applicants must have a positive visa history. This means following all visa rules, with no instances of working illegally or staying longer than allowed in the Schengen Area.
• Travellers must explain why they need to enter the Schengen Area multiple times in the coming year(s).
• Showing evidence of enough money to support oneself during the stay in the Schengen Area is required.
• Having valid travel insurance for the first trip to the Schengen Zone is compulsory.

Please, remember, that these visas are for travel only and do not permit work.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

If you're an Indian citizen planning to apply for a Schengen visa, simply follow these steps:

1. First, decide on the visa type you need. This depends on how long you plan to stay and your trip's purpose.
2. Gather necessary documents.
3. Submit your application at the embassy, consulate, or visa centre of the Schengen country you intend to visit. You can book an appointment online.
   • If visiting more than one Schengen country, apply at the consulate of the country where you'll spend the most time.
   • If spending equal time in several Schengen countries, apply at the consulate of the first country you plan to enter.
4. Attend your visa interview with all your documents. You'll need to give fingerprints and a photograph.
5. Pay the fee and wait for processing. This usually takes up to 15 days, but in some cases, it can take up to 45 days.

Remember to apply for your visa no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before your trip.

Documents Required for a Schengen Visa Application

When you're applying for a Schengen Visa, you need to prepare the following documents:

• Filled out and signed Schengen Visa application form.
• Passport, valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen area. Also, bring any old passports with previous visas.
• Two recent passport-sized colour photos.
• Travel medical insurance covering repatriation, urgent healthcare, and emergency hospital treatments for at least EUR 30,000 or the equivalent in your country's currency.
• Proof of financial means, like bank statements from the last three months, a sponsor letter if someone is supporting you financially, and documents proving your relationship to your sponsor.
• Proof of accommodation, like hotel bookings or a letter from friends or family, if you're staying with them.
• Flight Itinerary, including dates and flight numbers, showing when you'll enter and leave the Schengen area.
• Proof of visa fee payment.
• Purpose of travel documents, if applicable, like an invitation to an event, a letter of acceptance from a school, or a pension statement if you're retired.
• For minors, you'll need their birth certificate, the application signed by their parents or legal guardians, notarized consent if the child is travelling alone, and other documents as required for specific custody situations.

Be aware that consulates may ask for additional documents when you apply.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

For your multiple-entry Schengen visa application, you will need two recent, identical photos. Here’s what to aim for:

• Your Schengen visa photos should be recent, and no more than six months old.
• The correct Schengen visa photo size is 35×45 mm.
• Your photos must be in colour (not black and white).
• Your head should fill 70-80% of the photo.
• The photo resolution should be at least 400 DPI.
• Use a plain white background.
• Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
• Wear clothes that don’t blend into the background. Your photo should be free from reflections, shadows, or red-eye effects.
• If you wear glasses, ensure your eyes are clearly visible without reflections or tinted lenses.
• Religious head coverings are okay but should be plain, single-coloured, and not blend into the background.

Here is an example Schengen visa photo:

Get a Schengen Visa Photo Online

Getting the perfect photo for your Schengen Visa is now stress-free thanks to Visafoto.com. Our service, with a high 99.7% acceptance rate, helps you meet the visa photo requirements effortlessly.

All you need is to take a picture against a white backdrop using your smartphone or digital camera, and then upload it to Visafoto.com. We'll take care of adjusting the size, and background color, and ensuring your face is correctly positioned to match the Schengen Visa photo guidelines.

We’ll also provide you with a digital version of the photo and a version ready for printing. If you are dissatisfied, we guarantee a full refund.

Follow the dress code and posing rules in your photo. Make sure you take your photo in decent lighting.

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

Schengen Visa Photo App

Make the Schengen Visa photography process even easier with the 7ID App by Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app helps you to create the right ID, passport, and visa photos directly from your smartphone. It's available for both iPhone and Android users.

Just upload your picture to the 7ID app, pick the type of document and country, and let the app adjust your photo to meet the official requirements, including the size, background, and head positioning. You'll receive a digital file and a template for printing on common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

For photos that need more refinement, try the Expert Tool within the 7ID app. It uses smart technology to enhance your photo, so it's perfect for essential documents. Plus, if you need assistance, our technical support team is on call 24/7.

Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

For Indian citizens, the multiple-entry Schengen visa cost is generally the same as for a standard short-stay visa:

• Regular Schengen Visa fee: EUR 80 or about INR 7210
• Children aged 6 to 12: EUR 40 or about INR 3605
• Children under 6 years old: No charge

Please check the most current prices under the How much does a visa cost section on the official website of the European Union for the most up-to-date prices, as fees are subject to change.

Make your visa application process smoother by taking a compliant photo with 7ID and Visafoto.com!

Good luck with your Schengen visa application!