If you are a citizen of GCC and India, the European Union has updated visa rules for you when traveling to the Schengen Area. Therefore, traveling to the European continent has become so much easier for these visitors.
Besides, the EC (European Commission) has introduced new regulations for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Indian citizens. These new rules will be applicable when these citizens apply for Schengen visas from their home countries.
So, read the article until the very last to learn about these new Schengen visa regulations.
Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a document or an official permit that will allow you to enter, stay, or exit the Schengen Region within the validity of the permit. Getting a Schengen visa allows you to travel to almost 29 European countries without applying for a separate visa regardless of the purpose of your trip.
This is because all the Schengen countries have zero internal border checks that facilitate the free movement of people and goods.
Furthermore, this means that if you have applied for a Schengen visa to travel to Germany, you can also visit other neighboring Schengen states without a visa. All you need is to show your official passport at the checkpoint to enter the destination country.
However, this visa type does not grant you the right to work in the target state.
Schengen Countries
The following are the 29 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area.
-
-
- 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
- Sweden
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
-
New Schengen Visa Rules
Previously, the GCC and Indian nationals had to apply for a Schengen visa that allowed them single entry to a specific zone. For example, a tourist visa is valid for almost one hundred and eighty days and you can stay in the host Schengen country for up to three months.
To re-enter, they had to submit a new Schengen visa application to the relevant embassy. This is not the case with the new visa requirements and regulations.
Rules for GCC citizens
According to the new rules, the citizens of GCC can enjoy access to multiple-entry visas. This allows them to travel to 29 Schengen countries using the same single visa within a time span of five years.
Besides, this significant change has made the process of getting a Schengen visa easier for Bahrainis, Saudis, and Omanis. Even if you are a first-time applicant, you can avail of this opportunity.
Receiving a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for five years will eliminate the stress of frequently submitting new visa applications. In addition, this step will promote a connection between the people of the EU and GCC countries.
Similar is the case with Kuwaitis who can get multiple-entry/long-term Schengen visas with a validity of 5 years. On the other hand, the nationals of UAE can also enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen countries. As a result, they can stay for almost three months in the destination country without a visa.
However, for longer stays, they are required to have a Schengen visa.
Regulations for Indian nationals
The issuance of multiple-entry visas to Indian residents has also undergone drastic change. As per the latest rules, Indians can now get a Schengen visa valid for almost two years.
This is relatively different from the previous Schengen visas, offered for a shorter period.
However, to grab this opportunity, Indians are required to show their eligibility. For example,
-
- The applicant must have used at least two Schengen visas in the past (the last three years).
- Moreover, upon the successful utilization of the new two-year visa, Indian travelers will be eligible for the five-year Schengen visa program as well.
- Another thing to consider is the maintenance and validity of the official passport.
This is a joint decision by the EU-India (Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility) to help better interaction between the citizens of the EU and India.
Other than a passport, travelers are required to submit certain additional documents, listed below
Standard Entry Requirements for a Schengen Visa
Irrespective of the purpose of your trip to the target Schengen country, a Schengen visa requires you to submit the following documents to show your eligibility.
Passport
A diplomatic passport is needed with a validity of at least six months after you exit the country. It serves the purpose of identifying yourself and your nationality. Besides, two blank pages will be used to affix visa stamps on your passport.
Photographs
Two passport-size pictures following the Schengen photo requirements should also be attached. For example, the photograph must have a white color background, a dimension of 35*45mm, and should not be older than the last three months.
Visa application form
Depending on your purpose, you are also required to download and complete the visa application form. Make sure that the information given is accurate and that the spelling of your name matches the one highlighted on your passport.
Two-way flight itinerary
Furthermore, the embassy also wants to know about your flight details. For this purpose, you must have two-ways itinerary for visa application. As a result, this will show the officials that you will return to your home country after fulfilling the purpose of your trip because overstaying your visa is considered illegal.
Proof of accommodation
Submitting documents to show that you have a place to live during your stay in the target Schengen country is a mandatory requirement. So, you can attach proof of accommodation including a hotel reservation, a rental contract, or an invitation letter from the country’s host.
You can get these documents from RFV Travels at the best possible price as they are a leading service provider around the world.
Travel health insurance
It is mandatory to have a travel health insurance policy when applying for a Schengen visa. It will help you bear unexpected medical expenses including surgery, hospitalization, repatriation, etc. Besides, it must have a coverage amount of at least 30,000-45,000 euros.
Proof of financial funds
Planning a trip also requires you to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during the entire journey. Therefore, submit documents such as a bank statement or a salary slip to show your financial health. The average amount you must have is 70-100 euros per day.
Cover letter
Lastly, writing a good cover letter can also help you ace your visa application process. You can include information such as your travel plans, the intended places you will visit and the activities you will perform, the arrival/departure date, etc.
Bottom Line
This article has summarized the new Schengen visa regulations for the nationals of GCC and India. Moreover, the documents required will make the visa application process much easier than ever. Happy travels!
