The Schengen visa has been updated, now allowing frequent Indian travellers to get visas for up to five years. This change is expected to increase travel from India to Europe significantly.
souce: istock
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa lets you travel across 29 European countries without border checks. With one visa, you can freely move across all these countries, eliminating the need for multiple visas.
source: istock
Extended Visa Opportunities
India has adopted a new visa system that provides longer visas for those who have used two Schengen visas in the last three years. These new visas last for two years and allow multiple entries into the Schengen countries without needing new visas each time.
Impact on Travel Insurance
Policybazaar reports a 3-4% increase in travel insurance bookings for trips longer than 45 days. With the new visa rules, more travelers are opting for long-term insurance. There is also a noticeable increase in insurance purchases by senior citizens and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Travel Preferences and Insurance Trends
Many Indian travellers prefer destinations like France, Italy, and Germany. There is also a rise in travellers aged 31–45 going to Schengen countries. Additionally, more travellers are choosing travel insurance that covers lost baggage, trip cancellations, and medical conditions.
Changing Currency Preferences
There has been a 40% decrease in travel insurance purchases in Euros, with more travellers now opting to buy insurance in dollars. This shows a growing awareness among consumers about the best ways to manage travel expenses.
Seasonal Travel Boost
The new visa rules are timed perfectly with the summer holiday season, making Europe a more accessible and appealing destination for Indian travellers.
