Long-term Schengen visas are now available to Indians, strengthening the value of their passports and enabling smooth travel between 29 European nations. Indians can now access these nations multiple times in two years, extendable by five, without the prior three-month limit. India is now ranked 85th in the world for passport strength.
This new policy, which offers a two-year multi-entry visa, helps regular travellers and those who have been to Europe twice in the last three years. However, working locally isn’t permitted.
After COVID, the Scandinavian areas had a 140% surge, showing a rise in demand for travel. The visa changeover entails a two-year visa that may be extended for an additional five years, provided that the passport remains valid. Schengen permits allowed brief visits but not employment.
Herve Delphin, the ambassador of the European Union to India, confirms the change and its effects on holders of visas. Furthermore, France has expanded its visa policies, providing Indian students pursuing master’s degrees with a five-year post-study visa—a considerable improvement over the prior two-year work permits.
These events highlight the strengthening connections between Europe and India in terms of education and employment opportunities.
