5 Year Multiple-entry Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa is intended for transiting through or staying for brief periods of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen region. Any Schengen state will accept a visa that has been issued by one Schengen state, but you must register for the visa from the nation where your primary destination is located. You must apply for a visa from the region you will enter first if you are travelling to multiple Schengen countries but none of them will be your primary destination.

If you intend to exit the Schengen region before the visa expires, you will be given a visa. You must also provide the necessary supporting documentation and have enough money to cover your expenses during the stay. The Schengen area is not always accessible to those with valid Schengen visas.

Although the EU Visa Code formerly allowed for the issuance of multiple-entry visas for several visits to Schengen member states, the requirements for doing so were not explicitly and clearly stated.

The new Visa Code, which went into effect on February 2 and is applicable to the 26 Schengen member states' embassies, consulates, and visa centres abroad, now sets a number of requirements that visa holders must achieve in order to receive a Schengen Visa.

If the 90/180 rule is followed, the bearer of a multiple-entry Schengen visa is allowed to enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as desired. In other words, they must not stay in the Schengen region for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.

The Schengen area is made up of 26 nations. Out of the 26, 22 countries are members of the European Union. The remaining 4 countries are specific European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members and comprise the Non-European Union countries. Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and Norway are the names of these 4 non-EU countries.

Rest of the 22 nations are –

A 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is a type of Schengen visa that you can acquire from India in order to travel to any one of the Schengen countries. People who have previously acquired and legally used a multiple-entry visa that was valid for a minimum of two years within the previous three years are eligible for a five-year MEV.

As long as you don't break the 90/180-day limit, this visa entitles you to unlimited entry into 26 European nations within five years.

In addition to often visiting the Schengen Area, a visitor must also fulfil the following criteria in order to be granted a multiple-entry or long-term Schengen visa:

• The passenger must demonstrate justification for needing to enter the Schengen Area more than once in the upcoming year (s).

• The traveller must have a spotless visa record, meaning that they have never worked illegally or outstayed the duration of a visa while inside the Schengen Area.

• The traveller ought to be free of any criminal convictions back home.

• The applicant for a multiple entry visa must show proof of travel insurance for their initial trip into the Schengen Zone.

Even though a multiple-entry visa permits you to take numerous visits totalling less than 90 days throughout the duration of the visa's validity, a 5-year multiple entry Schengen visa cost is the same as that of a standard short-stay visa, i.e., €80 or $90.

You could experience a number of travel-related emergencies while visiting the Schengen nations. For instance, you might suffer an accident or develop a sudden illness. You might need to be hospitalised because of this. Or you might misplace your baggage, passport, or other critical things. Additionally, your flights can be cancelled, or you might miss a connecting flight (for unavoidable reasons). And if you lack the essential financial support, you can't be sure where to go or who to ask for assistance in the event of such mishaps.

As a result, a travel insurance policy from Tata AIG can protect your finances while you're away. At least you'll be confident that your insurance claim will cover your monetary loss without breaking the bank!

It will be simpler for you to plan your vacation appropriately now that you are aware of all the information regarding obtaining a 5-year multiple Schengen visa from India. Additionally, there are numerous other advantages to travelling abroad with a current international travel insurance policy. Therefore, remember to pick the right one when you book your tickets.

Information last updated Sept '23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.