New Delhi [India], June 6: Travelling is a great way to enrich the mind and soul. But touring through the Schengen region, where you can stroll through Paris or enjoy the architectural geniuses of Italy and Germany, or ski in the Alps, is a traveller’s dream. It is difficult to accommodate such an extensive trip to explore the entire Schengen region in one go. That is why extended visas for 5 years are becoming increasingly popular.
5-year Schengen visas are not only good for travellers but also for exchange students, researchers, and professionals looking to explore opportunities in the lap of luxury and divine beauty. This multi-entry visa allows you to move freely across 27 European countries with fewer bureaucratic hoops to jump through.
Whether you are a frequent flyer for work, travel, visiting family, taking exchange courses, or exploring personal opportunities. The 5-year Schengen visa can save time, effort and a lot of paperwork. Let us break down everything you need to know, including the need for travel insurance for Schengen visa.
What is a 5-year Schengen visa?
The five-year Schengen visa is a multi-entry visa application that allows you to enter and exit any of the countries in the Schengen region for up to 90 days within any six months in 5 consecutive years.
The big win in this plan is that you do not need to keep reapplying for a short-term visa every time you plan a trip to Europe. As long as you have a valid passport and respect the 90/180 rule, you can travel freely across 27 Schengen countries with a single visa sticker.
The 5-year Schengen visa is ideal for the following purposes:
. Frequent business travellers.
. People with family members living in Europe.
. Travel enthusiasts who love to visit Europe often.
Who is eligible for the 5-year Schengen visa?
The 5-year Schengen visa is a major responsibility that is earned with the trust that you build with the European governments. It is not handed to everybody. The selection process is stringent, and these visas are typically granted to applicants who have a solid travel history and have previously used Schengen visas responsibly.
Based on the special criteria, here’s what you need to be eligible for a 5-year Schengen visa:
1. You must have held at least two or more Schengen visas in the past.
2. You must have followed the rules. That means not overstaying your Visa tenure and having travelled with clear and concise intentions.
3. Your previous visits demonstrated a genuine reason for returning to your home country.
4. You can prove a stable financial background.
5. You have access to international travel insurance that meets the Schengen visa requirements.
When applying for the Schengen visa, sometimes the consulates may also consider factors such as your job, property ownership in your home country, family ties, etc., as part of your eligibility.
How to apply for the 5-year Schengen visa?
The 5-year visa may be a generous offering, but the application process is pretty simple. Here are the steps that you would need to follow:
1. Choose the right embassy - Based on your main destination in the Schengen area (where you will be staying the longest), you must apply at the consulate of that particular country.
2. Gather the required documents - You must carry the following documentation when applying for a 5-year Schengen visa:
. A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity to cover your visa tenure.
. A completed Schengen visa application form.
. Recent passport-sized photographs taken within six months of the application.
. Proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, invitation letters from sponsors, family members’ addresses, etc
. Flight reservation to and from the Schengen area following the 90/180 rule.
. Proof of finances, including bank statements, income proof, etc.
. Travel insurance for Schengen visa coverage.
. Previous Schengen visas that prove your compliance with the law in the past.
3. Book an appointment - Most embassies require you to make online appointments via official visa portals or third-party centres.
4. Attend the visa interview - Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, and make sure to carry the necessary documents during your appointment.
5. Wait for the approval - If you have a track record of complying with the Schengen visa regulations in the past, then the processing time may vary between 15 to 30 working days. If your 5-year Schengen visa is approved, you will receive a sticker on your passport when travelling for the first time.
Cost of the 5-year Schengen visa
The cost of applying for a five-year Schengen visa is not that different from applying for a short-term one. The base fee is €80 for each adult, which is approximately INR 7,200-8,700 based on the exchange rate. Biometric data collection charges are included in the base fee. However, if you opt for third-party portals, some additional charges may be applicable for INR 1500-2000.
Please note that the fee paid is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.
Requirements for Travel Insurance for a Schengen visa
One of the necessities for any Schengen visa, especially long-term ones, is a valid international travel insurance policy. The Schengen region mandates that your travel insurance for a Schengen visa must include the following provisions:
1. A minimum coverage of €30,000 for all 27 Schengen countries..
2. Financial support and protection against emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, repatriation, and death.
2. Validity of the travel insurance for a Schengen visa.Must cover the entire duration of your intended stay.
Some embassies may insist that your international travel insurance be active and valid for at least the first trip after visa approval, even if the visa is for five years. You must ensure that you purchase international travel insurance plans from trusted insurers with a reputation for smooth claim processes and global reach.
Why does international travel insurance for a Schengen visa still matter?
Although the embassies may insist that you show proof of insurance for your first Schengen visit, travel insurance for a Schengen visa is a vital part of your trip planning. Even if the embassies do not demand it, you must not skip international travel insurance on future trips.
Health care in Europe can be very expensive, especially for non-residents. The currency exchange between the Indian rupee and the euro is also quite high, which makes emergency situations a financial burden during your journey.
International travel insurance helps cover the following circumstances:
1. Medical emergencies and accidents.
2. Loss of baggage and important travel documents, including your visa, passport, etc.
3. Reimbursements and financial support during trip cancellations and delays.
4. Emergency evacuations during political unrest.
5. Repatriation during unforeseen mishaps.
Having valid coverage with international travel insurance for every visit isn't just a smart travel move. At certain airports and checkpoints, or borders, officials may insist on checking your policy documents.
Conclusion
The 5-year Schengen visa swings open many doors for travellers, business folks, and family members. You can freely explore the landscapes of 27 Schengen countries and indulge in the rich cultural heritage of your destinations.
To obtain this useful visa, you must maintain a healthy travel history in Europe and carry all the necessary documents, including a viable international travel insurance plan. This particular visa can certainly make journeying to Europe a breeze, especially for frequent travellers.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
