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 Area for 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.
The decision of the EU to start issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to Saudis, Omanis, and Bahrainis is part of the move to harmonize the visa rules applying to the GCC countries.
While the EU authorities have not yet made an official statement on the matter, it is expected that all Saudis, Omanis, and Bahrainis who meet the requirements will get issued multiple-entry visas with longer validity, including first-time applicants.
Kosovo Serbs Permitted Visa-Free Entry to Schengen Area
While the EU has only facilitated the visa rules for Indians, Saudis, Omanis, and Bahrainis, the Parliament has decided to permit Kosovo Serbs holding passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate to enter the Schengen Area without the need to obtain a visa.
Kosovo passport holders have been eligible to enter the Schengen Area visa-free since January 1, 2024. On the other hand, Kosovo Serbs who did not hold the country’s passport were not able to do so.
Now, in line with the new rules, even those with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate will be able to travel without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.