Hello everyone. I’ll share my recent experience of applying for Schengen Visa Switzerland.
Me and my wife had an appointment on 18th of June at VFS, New Delhi.
Had an early 9:15 AM slot, and we were free by 10 AM with all the formalities of documents check, payment, submission & biometric. It was a pretty smooth experience overall. We did not opt for the premium service which comes at an extra cost (Honestly, you don’t need it especially if you have an early appointment).
We received the passports today (27th June). Which is basically a pretty quick turnaround. To our pleasant delight, both of us received a 2 year duration Schengen Visa with multiple entries. Of course,both of us have a prior history of visiting Schengen countries. I have been travelling to Europe atleast once every year since the last 10 years. And my wife has travelled to Europe 3 times previously(2021, 2022, 2023). This is her fourth Schengen Visa. Her last Visa was from Germany (for only 45 days duration).
In a nutshell, yes, the new Cascade regime for Indians is a thing, and it’s already implemented by atleast Switzerland.
What is the Cascade regime? Quoting from the web “On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted more favourable rules for visas issued to Indian nationals residing in India.1 The new rules, known as the visa “cascade” regime, will allow Indian nationals who reside in India to have access to long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The initial two-year visa can then be followed by a five-year visa, provided that the passport has sufficient remaining validity, providing for a longer stay by the individual. “
Hope this helps anyone looking to apply for a long-term Schengen Visa with a prior history.
Me and my wife had an appointment on 18th of June at VFS, New Delhi.
Had an early 9:15 AM slot, and we were free by 10 AM with all the formalities of documents check, payment, submission & biometric. It was a pretty smooth experience overall. We did not opt for the premium service which comes at an extra cost (Honestly, you don’t need it especially if you have an early appointment).
We received the passports today (27th June). Which is basically a pretty quick turnaround. To our pleasant delight, both of us received a 2 year duration Schengen Visa with multiple entries. Of course,both of us have a prior history of visiting Schengen countries. I have been travelling to Europe atleast once every year since the last 10 years. And my wife has travelled to Europe 3 times previously(2021, 2022, 2023). This is her fourth Schengen Visa. Her last Visa was from Germany (for only 45 days duration).
In a nutshell, yes, the new Cascade regime for Indians is a thing, and it’s already implemented by atleast Switzerland.
What is the Cascade regime? Quoting from the web “On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted more favourable rules for visas issued to Indian nationals residing in India.1 The new rules, known as the visa “cascade” regime, will allow Indian nationals who reside in India to have access to long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The initial two-year visa can then be followed by a five-year visa, provided that the passport has sufficient remaining validity, providing for a longer stay by the individual. “
Hope this helps anyone looking to apply for a long-term Schengen Visa with a prior history.
