Schengen Visa Cascade Regime

  • 02 Aug 2025

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Since 18 April 2024, the European Commission implemented a preferential “cascade” regime under the revised Schengen Visa Code (2020 reform), offering long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas to Indian nationals with a clean travel history. Originally effective for India, Turkey, and Indonesia, this regime could expand to other countries based on diplomatic and readmission cooperation.

What Is the Schengen Area & Visa Basics

  • The Schengen Area comprises 29 countries, including most EU members and four EFTA nations—allowing passport-free movement.
  • A Schengen (short-stay) visa permits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is purpose-flexible (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.) but does not confer work rights.

The Cascade Regime – A Tiered System

Tier-Based Progression

The regime introduces a pyramid-like progression based on prior visa use:

Tier

Requirement

Visa Validity

Entry-level

First-time or minimal travel history

Short-term, single-entry (probationary)

Tier 1

Used three Schengen visas in the past 2 years

1-year multiple-entry

Tier 2

Held and lawfully used a 1-year multiple-entry visa in the past 2 years

2-year multiple-entry

Tier 3*

Used a 2-year multiple-entry visa in the past 3 years

5-year multiple-entry

*Availability of the 5-year visa depends on passport validity.

Underlying Rule

Mexico’s 90/180 rule still applies: holders can stay only up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.

What's Special for Indian Nationals

  • The cascade regime for Indians is more favorable than the general rule (which typically demands three prior visas within 2 years for progression). Indians now qualify for a 2-year visa with just two prior visas within 3 years, thanks to a special provision under Article 24(2c) of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009.
  • The visa must not exceed passport validity—if the passport expires earlier, the visa has to be correspondingly shorter.
  • The policy is discretionary—granting long-term visas (especially 5-year ones) depends on the visa officer’s judgement, even if eligibility criteria are technically met.

Strategic and Policy Significance

  • People-to-people diplomacy: The cascade visa fosters cultural, business, and academic exchange, aligning with the EU's emphasis on soft power and deepening ties with India.
  • Bilateral alignment: Reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, and dovetails with negotiations around the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • Administrative efficiency: Long-term visas reduce repeat applications—beneficial for both visa applicants and consular resources.
  • Reciprocity and expansion: Initially for India, Turkey, and Indonesia; the regime may expand to more countries based on cooperation levels.