European Union: Schengen
visa updates

2 May 2024

The European Union (EU) has recently made changes to the Schengen visa rules which will make it easier for nationals of certain countries to travel to Europe.

Commission allows multiple-entry Schengen visas for India, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia

On 22 April 2024, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced a decision adopted by the European Commission to harmonise the rules for granting multiple-entry visas for the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The three decisions update the rules for the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas for nationals of Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Nationals of these three GCC member states applying for short-stay Schengen visas from consulates in their country of nationality will be issued a multiple-entry visa valid for a period of five years.

Separately, Indian nationals applying for short-stay Schengen visas from within India will be issued a multiple-entry visa valid for a period of two years, on the condition that they have previously obtained and used two Schengen visas within the preceding three years.

Visa fees for Gambian nationals reduced to standard level

The European Council has decided that the visa fee for nationals of The Gambia who wish to travel to the Schengen area will be reduced from EUR 120 to the standard visa application fee of EUR 80.

Because of a lack of cooperation of The Gambia as regards readmission of its nationals illegally staying in the EU, the Council had decided in December 2022 to increase the standard application fee for nationals of The Gambia to €120.

Since then, The Gambia has substantially and sustainably improved its cooperation on readmission as regards the organisation of return flights and operations.

The EU also decided, in 2021, to temporarily suspend the following for nationals of The Gambia:

  • the possibility that member states waive requirements with regard to the documents to be submitted by Gambian visa applicants;
  • the limitation of the processing period to 15 calendar days;
  • the issuing of multiple entry visas;
  • the optional visa fee waiver for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

These suspensions currently remain in place.

Support with your Schengen visa application

A Schengen visa is an entry permit which allows certain non-EU citizens to visit the Schengen area for short, temporary stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, primarily for tourism or business purposes. A Schengen visa is the easiest way for visa-required nationals to travel across multiple European countries on a single permit.

If you require assistance with your Schengen visa application, our immigration advisers are here to help. We regularly file Schengen visa applications on behalf of our clients and can support you through the process every step of the way.

To find out more, please contact us today.

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