A Schengen visa serves as a travel permit enabling holders to freely visit and traverse the Schengen Area, comprising 27 European countries where internal border controls have been abolished. This visa facilitates entry, exit, and movement between member states without the need for passport checks at their shared borders. Simplifying travel across the Schengen Area, it encompasses renowned destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, among others.

A Schengen visa allows for transit or short visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen region. While any Schengen state acknowledges a visa issued by another, registration is necessary with the country designated as your main destination. If visiting multiple Schengen countries without a clear primary destination, it is advisable to apply from the region of first entry.

The revised Visa Code introduces more explicit criteria for visa holders across Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa centers. Following the 90/180 rule enables multiple entries, permitting stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

What is a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa, available to applicants from India, provides five years of validity with multiple entries, enabling access to all Schengen countries. Eligibility extends to individuals who have previously held and correctly used a multiple-entry visa for at least two years within the last three years. Over the course of five years, this visa permits unlimited entries into 27 European countries, subject to compliance with the 90/180-day rule.

The 5-year multiple-entry visa requirements and fees

• Demonstrate a legitimate need for multiple entries into the Schengen Area in the upcoming year(s).
• Maintain a clean visa record, with no history of illegal work or overstaying previous visas in the Schengen Area.
• Have no criminal convictions in their home country.
• Provide proof of travel insurance for the initial trip into the Schengen Zone.
• Although a multiple-entry visa permits multiple visits totaling less than 90 days during its validity period, the fee for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa remains consistent with that of a standard short-stay visa, at €80 or $90.

  Schengen countries: Austria, Portugal, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Luxembourg, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, Lithuania, Finland, Iceland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Denmark, Hungary, Malta, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Liechtenstein, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, and Croatia.