EU Acknowledges Schengen Visa Challenges Faced by Indian Applicants, Introduces New Measures

An EU official has acknowledged the ongoing difficulties that Indian citizens face when applying for Schengen visas, pointing out the absence of a centralized visa processing system as a major source of frustration. This lack of harmonization has made the process complex and inconsistent for Indian travelers aiming to enter the Schengen Area.

In a statement to Business Standard, EU spokesperson Suwara confirmed that the European Union is actively engaging with Indian authorities to improve visa procedures and streamline broader mobility processes.

As part of ongoing efforts to deepen ties, 2025 has been designated the Year of EU-India, aiming to strengthen the strategic partnership and reinforce the message that Indian nationals are welcome across the bloc.

More Favourable Visa Rules for Indian Citizens in 2024

To ease visa acquisition, the EU introduced more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indian citizens in 2024 under the “cascade” system. Since April 2024, Indian nationals with a proven travel history have become eligible for multiple-entry visas with extended validity.

According to the new rules:

• Indians who have obtained and lawfully used two Schengen visas within the last three years can now receive a two-year multiple-entry visa.
• This two-year visa may later be followed by a five-year multiple-entry visa, provided the applicant’s passport remains valid for the required period.

However, Indian applicants without an established travel history continue to receive shorter-validity visas under standard conditions.

Ongoing Concerns: Waiting Times & Appointment Black Market

Despite these improvements, many Indian applicants continue to report:

• Long waiting periods for visa appointments
• Limited availability of slots
• The emergence of brokers hoarding and reselling appointments on the black market for high prices

While EU authorities acknowledge the issue, they have limited influence over unauthorized intermediaries and are yet to propose concrete solutions to address appointment system abuse or improve access.

As 2025 unfolds and EU-India collaboration grows, it remains to be seen whether these practical concerns will be effectively addressed.