Europe simplifies Schengen visa criteria for Indians and Turkish citizens

🗓️ 22 July 2025

From a business perspective, time is money — and paperwork is often a barrier. For years, the process of securing a Schengen visa has been one of those predictable hurdles faced by professionals, investors, and frequent travelers from countries like India and Turkey.

That’s why the European Union’s recent move to ease Schengen visa rules for Indian and Turkish nationals isn’t just a travel update. It’s a signal.

This change reflects growing trust, changing global dynamics, and an understanding that facilitating movement means encouraging business, education, and human connection. In this post, we’ll look at what’s changed, what it means, and who could be next in line.

What’s Changed in the Schengen Visa Rules?

The European Commission has introduced a simplified visa system for Indian and Turkish passport holders. These changes are part of what’s called the visa cascade system — a practical policy designed to make travel easier for those who have shown they follow the rules.

Here’s what stands out:

⁃ Longer Validity for Frequent Travelers

Professionals and businesspeople who have successfully used two short-term Schengen visas in the past can now be granted:

⁃ A 2-year multiple-entry visa

⁃ And eventually, a 5-year multiple-entry visa

This is a welcome change for anyone who regularly attends trade shows in Germany, conferences in the Netherlands, or client meetings in France.

⁃ Simplified Documentation

Repeat travelers from India and Turkey will no longer need to submit the same stack of documents each time. This means:

• Shorter appointment times

• Reduced approval backlogs

• Less repetition and more consistency in applications

For HR departments and company visa coordinators, this simplifies internal travel approvals and planning.

Why Now? Why India and Turkey?

Let’s look at the numbers.
In 2023, over 1 million Schengen visas were issued to Indian nationals alone. The vast majority were used properly — no overstays, no legal issues. The same trend is seen with Turkish applicants.

From a policy point of view, these are trusted travelers. And from a business point of view, they matter.

• India is the 5th largest economy, with rising outbound travel tied to business, education, and high-net-worth mobility.

• Turkey continues to be a key partner for EU trade, and many Turkish citizens travel frequently to Europe for commerce and family reasons.

By making entry easier, the EU is keeping the doors open to professionals, students, and decision-makers who contribute positively to the region.

Who Could Be Next?

With this positive development for Indians and Turks, it’s reasonable to ask — who’s next?

Likely candidates include:

• Indonesia: Large outbound tourism and growing middle class

• Vietnam: Steady diplomatic ties with EU and low visa overstay rates

• South Africa: Business connections and rising travel volume

• Philippines: High travel demand and large diaspora in Europe

• Thailand: Currently has visa waiver agreements with some EU countries already

The EU’s model is data-driven — those with clean records, growing travel demand, and strong bilateral ties are likely to see improvements next.

Implications for the Travel Industry

For travel agencies, visa consultants, and hospitality businesses, this change creates new opportunities:

• Easier multiple-entry options could encourage longer and repeated visits, especially for cities like Paris, Rome, and Munich that thrive on global tourism.

• Family travel becomes less complicated — especially for NRIs or Turkish residents with family ties in the EU.

• Travel planning becomes more reliable, opening up better deals and booking predictability for corporate travel managers.

This is especially relevant post-pandemic, as the European tourism industry continues its recovery.

Not a Free Pass — Still Responsible Travel

It’s worth noting: this isn’t a visa waiver. Applicants still need to apply, meet financial requirements, and adhere to the rules of their visa. But it does make the process smoother for those with a track record of compliance.

That’s a good reminder for all travelers — your visa history can open or close doors for you in the future.

A Global Signal: Trust Matters

From a corporate standpoint, this decision reflects something subtle but powerful — trust.

Countries that contribute to responsible global mobility are being acknowledged. And the EU, in its quiet and policy-driven way, is sending a message:

“If you’ve followed the rules, you’ll be rewarded with smoother access.”

For countries like India and Turkey, this is a diplomatic recognition. And for professionals, students, and companies — it’s a long-awaited practical step.

If your company sends teams to Europe regularly or works with clients across the EU:

• Review your team’s past visa history. If they have clean travel records, they may qualify for long-term multiple-entry visas.

• Work with reliable visa service providers to avoid errors.

• Plan business trips early, especially during peak seasons.

• Inform employees about the update, especially those who frequently travel for work.

What Should Indian and Turkish Businesses Do Now?

If your company sends teams to Europe regularly or works with clients across the EU:

• Review your team’s past visa history. If they have clean travel records, they may qualify for long-term multiple-entry visas.

• Work with reliable visa service providers to avoid errors.

• Plan business trips early, especially during peak seasons.

• Inform employees about the update, especially those who frequently travel for work.

Final Thoughts

Not every visa change makes headlines. But this one should matter to anyone who has stood in long consulate queues, juggled tight timelines for meetings, or canceled plans due to visa delays.

As someone working in international travel and mobility, I see this as a reflection of how far things have come — and a small, smart step toward more global collaboration.

Because when borders become easier to cross for the right reasons, it’s not just good policy. It’s good business.