Starting July 13, 2025, Indonesian citizens can enjoy new convenience when traveling to Europe. The visa cascade policy allows Indonesian passport holders who have visited the Schengen area two or more times to apply for a multi-entry Schengen visa. This allows them to enter and exit European Union countries multiple times without having to apply for a new visa each time, as long as the visa remains valid.
This policy was announced directly by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. This step is part of an effort to strengthen people-to-people ties between Indonesia and the European Union, while also encouraging collaboration in tourism, education, research, and business.
What is Visa Cascade?
The Visa Cascade is a breakthrough in the Schengen visa application process designed specifically for travelers with a positive history of visiting Europe. The essence of this policy is:
- Changing a single Schengen visa to a multi-entry visa
- Provides access to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times during the visa validity period
- Simplifying the administrative process for applicants who have previously complied with immigration regulations
With the visa cascade, you no longer need to queue and apply for a new visa every time you plan a trip to Europe. Simply apply once and enjoy freedom of movement for a specified period.
Advantages and Benefits
With the cascade visa, Indonesian travelers enjoy time and cost savings by eliminating the need to repeat the full visa application process, schedule flexibility for sudden travel without waiting for new approvals, ideal mobility certainty for businesspeople, academics, researchers, and enthusiastic travelers, and the ease of planning repeat trips within one to five years, making cross-continental interactions smoother and supporting the development of professional and personal networks in Europe.
Basic Requirements for Submission
To qualify for a cascade visa application, you must show:
- Indonesian passport with a minimum validity of three months after the date of return
- Proof of having visited the Schengen area at least twice previously
- A clear and regular reason for the visit (e.g. business, study, research or professional collaboration)
- Positive travel history: no record of immigration violations on previous visits
- Financial capability: proof of account balance, pay slip, or sponsorship letter sufficient to cover living expenses while in Europe
The completeness of these documents ensures that you are a responsible person and really need multi-entry access to the Schengen area.
Visa Duration and Type
Visa cascade offers several visa duration options based on usage history:
- One-year visa: holder has used at least three Schengen visas in the last two years
- Three-year visa: holder has held and used a one-year multi-entry visa in the last two years
- Five-year visa: holder has used a multi-entry visa for at least two years in the last three years
The longer the validity period, the greater your flexibility to explore various countries in Europe.
How to Apply Step by Step
The following is the general flow of the cascade visa application:
- Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate of the destination Schengen country
- Select the multi-entry Schengen visa category and fill out the online application form.
- Upload supporting documents (passport, proof of visit history, proof of finances, invitation letter if any)
- Pay the visa fee according to the provisions of the destination country.
- Schedule an interview or document submission at the embassy/consulate
- Attend the interview and submit original documents
- Wait for the approval process, which usually takes 10–15 business days.
This process will be the same as applying for a regular Schengen visa, with the addition of checking your travel history and reason for travel.
Conclusion
The cascade visa policy opens new doors for Indonesian travelers who want to travel back and forth to Europe without the hassle of multiple visas. With a minimum of two previous visits, you can obtain a multi-entry visa valid for up to five years, saving time and travel costs. This opportunity is ideal for businesspeople, academics, researchers, and tourists who require high mobility between Indonesia and Europe.
