Good news for Indonesian citizens who frequently travel to Europe! Starting in late July 2025, the European Union will officially implement a new policy regarding the Schengen Visa for Indonesian passport holders.
This policy will make it easier for Indonesians to enter and exit countries within the Schengen area, making business, leisure, or study trips more flexible and efficient.
This new policy is known as the Visa Cascade. What are the details?
What Is the Visa Cascade Policy?
The Visa Cascade is a new policy from the European Union designed to simplify the Schengen visa application process, especially for partner countries like Indonesia.
Through this policy, Indonesian citizens who frequently travel to Schengen countries—for business, tourism, study, or family matters—will find it easier to obtain multiple-entry visas with longer validity periods.
What Is the Impact on Indonesian Citizens?
The Visa Cascade operates on a gradual facilitation principle based on the applicant’s previous visa usage. If an Indonesian citizen has previously obtained a Schengen visa and used it properly without violations, they may be eligible for a visa with a longer validity period and multiple-entry status on subsequent applications.
For Indonesians who often travel to Europe, this policy is certainly beneficial. In addition to simplifying the process, visa holders no longer need to repeatedly apply for a new visa for every trip, saving time, money, and effort.
When Does This Policy Take Effect?
The Visa Cascade policy for Indonesians will begin in late July 2025. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Rolliansyah “Roy” Soemirat explained that the policy will be implemented following President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Brussels on July 12–13, 2025.
With this policy, Indonesians who have previously made one or two trips to Europe can now apply for a Schengen multiple-entry visa, making the application process easier and more convenient.
Requirements for Obtaining a Schengen Multi-Entry Visa
Below are the requirements to obtain a Schengen multiple-entry visa under the Visa Cascade policy:
Good Visa Usage History
The Visa Cascade is based on a traveler’s history of visiting the Schengen area. This means you must have previously used a Schengen visa responsibly and without violations. Each stage of visa facilitation is determined by past visa usage.
Visa Cascade Stages
- If you have used three Schengen visas in the past two years, you may apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for one year.
- If you have held and used a one-year multiple-entry visa properly within the last two years, you may be eligible for a visa valid for three years.
- If you have held and used a three-year multiple-entry visa properly within the last two years, you may then apply for a visa valid for five years.
General Required Documents
For each visa application, you must still submit the following standard documents:
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- A passport valid for at least three more months
- A photo that meets official standards
- Proof of travel plans (tickets and accommodation)
- Sufficient financial proof (minimum IDR 50,000,000 over the last 3 months)
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Letter of invitation or explanation (if relevant)
- Proof of family relationship (if traveling with spouse/children)
For detailed information on how to apply for a Schengen Visa, you can refer to this article.
