how to apply schengen tourist visa from india

How to apply for Schengen visa from India

European consulates collectively took in over one million Schengen visa India applications last year, making the south-Asian state one of the top source countries for Schengen visas after Russia and China. If you are one of the many Indians interested in travelling to one or more of the 26 countries in the Schengen area , you may have to apply for Schengen visa from India. The following short blog will provide answers to the most common questions surrounding the visa requirements for Indian citizens and residents, with a focus on the documents required for a Schengen visa from India (including the Schengen visa application from India) and the Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens and residents. 

Who can apply for Schengen visa from India?

• Indian citizens and residents who fulfill all of the Schengen visa requirements are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa from India.

What are the Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens and residents?

• Be in good standing with the law/of good character.
• Present all the required and supplemental documents/materials.
• Pay the Schengen visa fee .
• Credibly establish that you will leave the Schengen area before your visa runs out.
• Be entirely truthful on your application.

Where should I apply for a Schengen visa from India?

• Applications for a Schengen visa from India should be lodged through the embassy/consulate of the country you are applying to. 
• For example, if you are applying for an India Schengen visa to Germany, you should apply via the German consulate/embassy closest to you. 
• In addition to the German Embassy New Delhi, there are four German Embassies in India, in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai. As an Indian resident, you will likely apply via one of these embassies/consulates.  

When should I apply for Schengen visa from India?

• Indian applicant should apply for a Schengen visa no later than 2 weeks (and no earlier than 6 months) before they intend to travel. 

What are the documents required for a Schengen visa from India?

• All Schengen visa applicants must supply certain basic required documents ( click here to access the full list ). All applicants must provide a passport or other valid travel document, two photos, and proof of travel medical insurance, accommodation, and financial capabilities.  
• In addition to the basic required documents, Schengen visa applicants from India will have to provide additional supplementary materials depending on what type of Schengen visa they are pursuing (i.e. what purpose). 
• For example, Indian applicants who are travelling for medical purposes and are therefore seeking a Medical Schengen Visa should provide a recent medical report. 

What is the Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens and residents?

• Schengen visa applicants from all countries are subject to the same basic Schengen visa fee of €80.  
• This fee may be reduced or eliminated for certain types of applicants, including children students, and holders of diplomatic or service passports.  Click here for a complete breakdown of Schengen visa fees .
• Some consulates/embassies may allow you to pay online, while others will ask you to pay during your visa appointment.  Remember that Schengen embassies/consulates will not begin processing your application until you have paid your Schengen visa fee india .
• Please not that fees for Schengen visa India   applicants are nonrefundable, even in the case of a denied application. 

Where do I access the Schengen visa application form for India?

• In general, the Schengen visa for Indians form can be found online. 
• The harmonized Schengen visa form (i.e. the Schengen visa forms that is universal and may be used by all applicants) is available online  here . Most countries/consulates will accept this form, printed out, filled out by hand, and signed. 
• However, different consulates may have different preferences for application forms. For example, Indian Schengen visa applicants to Germany who live in Kolkota and Mumbai should not print out the harmonized form and are instead instructed to fill out an online version of the form through the German visa application portal known as VIDEX. 
• In summary, you should contact your respective embassy/consulate to determine how to best access your Schengen visa form. 

Do I need to make an appointment at the embassy/consulate in order to apply?

• Depending on the specific country embassy/consulate you are applying from, you may have to make an appointment (at which you will almost certainty have to appear in person) as part of your application. 
• Contact the embassy/consulate you are applying through in order to determine whether you need make an appointment and how you should go about scheduling one. Most appointments can be scheduled online or by emailing/phoning the embassy/consulate.  

Do I need to apply in person for my Indian Schengen visa?

• Many applicants for Indian Schengen visas will be instructed to appear in person at an embassy/consulate or visa processing center in order drop off their application, submit to an interview, and/or give their biometric information (fingerprints and identifying photos). 
• Those who have already given biometric information for a previous Schengen visa application as well as those who travel frequently to the Schengen area may not need to appear in person in order to apply for an Indian Schengen visa. 
• However, even if you have already provided your biometric info and travel frequently, you may still be required to appear in person as part of your application process. 

What do I bring to my Schengen visa appointment?

• Your passport/travel document. 
• A printed out, signed copy of the Schengen visa for Indians form. 
• Copies of all other documents and relevant materials, including your passport. 
• Your Schengen visa fee, as many consulates will require you to pay in person during your appointment. Just make sure you have the correct form of payment prior to your appointment (for example, many places will not accept cash). 

How long does it take to process an India Schengen visa?

• The time it takes to process an India Schengen visa is usually between 14 and 30 days (closer to 14 than 30 in most cases), although on rare occasions 60 days are needed. 

How long is my Schengen visa from India valid for?

• Schengen visas to and from all countries are valid for the same duration: 90 days within a 180-day period. This means you will be able to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. 
• Remember that one of the Schengen visa requirements is that you do not exceed the amount of time you are allowed in the Schengen area. Make sure you plan ahead so that you can get out of the Schengen area before your visa expires!

Applying for a Schengen visa

This is a general overview - for more details contact the embassy or consulate of your main destination country.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the Schengen area. 

Schengen visas come in 3 forms: 

• single-entry visa - allowing you to enter the Schengen area once;
• multiple-entry visa - allowing several visits to the Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid;
• airport transit visa - allows you to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights. It does not allow you to leave the international transit area.

How long can you stay?

The short-stay visa calculator can help you calculate the remaining period you are allowed to stay in a Schengen country. 

The user's guide provides step by step instructions and practical examples to help you use the calculator.

Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?

Citizens of certain non-EU countries must hold a short-stay visa when travelling to the Schengen area. 

Consult the EU list of countries whose citizens are required to hold a visa when crossing its external borders. There are exceptions to the visa requirements for certain types of traveller to certain countries (e.g. diplomats, armed forces, refugees, pupils on school excursions).

Airport transit visas

• Some non-EU nationals must also hold an airport transit visa when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in any of the Schengen States . 
• For citizens of certain additional countries , an airport transit visa is required when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in some of the Schengen countries . 
• There are some categories of people who are exempt from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa (see Article 3(5) of the Visa Code ).

Where to apply

You must lodge your application for a Schengen visa at the consulate of the country you intend to visit . 

• Visiting more than 1 Schengen countries : apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time.
• Visiting several Schengen countries (for stays of equal length): apply at the consulate of the first country you will visit.

As a general rule, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate with territorial responsibility for the country where you are legally resident.

More information for each Schengen country can be found on these websites

When to apply.

You must submit your application to the consulate  at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand . 

You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.

What documents are needed to apply?

• A valid passport . The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, the expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited.
• A visa application form .
• A photo in compliance with ICAO standards .
• Medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in the event of death).
• Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means and accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
• Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).

Additional documents may also be requested by the consulates.

How much does a visa cost?

• €90 for adults
• €45 for children aged 6-12
• €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus
• €67,50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.

An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres , which collect applications on behalf of consulates in some cases.

The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.

How long does the application take to process?

The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days . 

This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.

Under certain conditions, family members of EU or EEA citizens falling under the Free Movement Directive are eligible for a free and accelerated visa procedure.

Refusal of a visa application

If your application is rejected, you will be told:

• why it was rejected
• how to submit an appeal.

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Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens

The schengen visa – what is it.

Anyone planning a visit to Europe from India should be aware of the Schengen Visa. This is an important consideration for Indian nationals as the visa has great benefits. The visa is currently valid in a total of 26 member countries across the European continent (known collectively as the Schengen Area ). This article provides comprehensive information on the Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens.

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area, without the need for additional paperwork. For example, if you begin your travel in France and wish to move on to Germany or Spain (or any other of the 26 member states) you can do so without the need to obtain additional visas. There are no internal borders to negotiate across the Schengen Area, making it simple move from one country to another.

Schengen Visa types for Indian Citizens

Before applying, you need to determine the type of visa you require. The following criteria will help you decide which visa is suitable for you:

A  Uniform Schengen Visa  permits the holder to stay in, or travel within, any country in the Schengen Area, for up to a maximum of 90 days at a time within a six-month period from the date of issue. These can be issued as:

• a single entry visa, meaning the holder can only enter/exit the Schengen Area once • a double entry visa allowing a second entry within the time period • a multiple entry visa which can be used multiple times (within the permitted time limits of the visa)

A  Limited Territorial Validity Visa  is available for travel only in the particular Schengen country that originally issued the visa. Holders of this type of visa are not permitted to enter any other Schengen member state. These visas are most often used in emergency/humanitarian situations where travel documents are not normally available.

Thirdly, there is a  National Visa . This particular visa is suitable for those who wish to study or work in any one of the Schengen countries and again is available as either a single or multiple entry.

Applying for a visa

Indian citizens wishing to apply for a visa must begin the process by arranging an appointment at an embassy. The embassy you choose for this should be either the one relating to the country you will begin your trip (first point of entry within the Schengen Area) or to the country in which you be spending the majority of your time. You can schedule your appointment online on the VFS website or, if you prefer, in person at a local VFS centre.

You should be aware that it may take up to 2 weeks to complete the process and you will probably wait up to another 10 days for the embassy to contact you; we would therefore recommend that you apply for your visa at least one full month prior to the date you wish to travel.

The following fees currently apply: Adult visa: 60 EUROS Long stay visa (>90 days): 99 EUROS Child visa (6-12 years): 35 EUROS

There will be no fee payable under certain conditions, such as for: children under the age of 6; diplomatic passport holders, students and accompanying teachers; researchers from third world countries and participants aged 25 and under at educational non-profit conferences or other events.

You will need to obtain an application form which can be downloaded from the embassy website or you may collect a hard copy from the embassy office. Along with the completed form, you will also be required to produce the following documentary evidence:

• two passport sized photographs adhering to the official standard (full-frontal head image between 32-36mm in height with a plain background; no red-eye, reflections or shadows) • a valid passport with at least two available blank pages • a sponsorship letter explaining the reason/objective of the visit and stating the duration • evidence of travel insurance purchased showing a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUROS • copies of all relevant travel tickets and a full itinerary for the trip, including accommodation bookings and any tourist packages • proof of applicant’s status, such as birth/marriage certificates and any national identity documents or cards • employment details, such as contracts, proof of income for the past six months, leave entitlement consent from your employer and any other documentation as requested • business credentials and licenses for self-employed persons along with IT returns and proof of financial means • for retirees, pension payment documents/evidence for past six months • for students, proof of enrolment and verification from school or college

The information and documentation provided by you will be scrutinised carefully by the embassy for authenticity. Once this process has been completed, you will be invited to attend an interview with an embassy official.

The interview

This is a very important part of the visa application process and it’s useful to know what to expect before you attend. The interviewer will ask you a series of questions to ascertain the reason for your travel. You will be asked to confirm all dates and your intended itinerary. Them, you will also be expected to confirm your financial status and may be asked to provide further evidence or documentation in support of this. Lastly, you will need to be able to prove that all necessary arrangements are in place and that you understand your obligations regarding the laws of the country/countries you are intending to visit, and confirm that you will return to India at the end of the visit as planned.

Biometric testing will take place at the end of the interview and the results of this will be electronically associated with your identity documentation.

The outcome

You can expect to hear from the embassy within 10-15 days. If accepted, your visa will be posted out to you in due course. If, however, your application is not successful you will receive a letter stating the reasons why. Possible reasons for rejection could be:

• providing insufficient or incorrect personal information • the necessary travel documentation and/or a fully completed itinerary was not provided • no sponsorship letter was submitted with the application (this is essential where the travel is being sponsored) • the discovery of criminal convictions or any previous history of criminal activity • insufficient financial means or proof of income for travel • passport expiry date – the Indian government requires that passports need a minimum of three year’s validity • any evidence of forged documentation or incorrect information supplied • insufficient travel insurance coverage (less than 30,000 EUROS) or insurance that does not meet the required terms and conditions for the country/countries being visited • a lack of evidence relating to booked accommodation and any travel/tourist tickets (if a sponsor is organising this on applicant’s behalf, they must send the necessary documents to the embassy) • possible damage or any evidence of tampering with the applicant’s passport • any other form of non-compliance with the procedural requirements of obtaining a visa

Tips for a successful application

There are steps you can take to ensure that your application is successful. First, you should take care to read all the guidance and application forms thoroughly before you begin your application. You should also gather together all the necessary personal information and documentation you will need during the process. The important things to remember are:

• to check that your current passport has at least three year’s validity; if it doesn’t, you must renew it immediately – also ensure there is no damage to the passport • ensure that you explain fully your reasons for travel to the Schengen Area • make sure that all of your personal details are correct and that supporting documents are available and in the correct format • include all relevant educational/professional qualifications and evidence • organise and purchase the required amount of travel insurance • obtain sponsorship letters (where required) and collate all travel/accommodation documentation • do not, under any circumstances, provide incorrect or misleading information or attempt to forge signatures • check and double check that you have followed the correct procedures all the way through the process

Privacy Overview

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in India

If you will be visiting the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days – for a holiday, to do business or to see family, for example – you can apply for a Schengen visa. Follow the steps below to apply in India.

Step 1: Check before applying 

Before starting your application, check whether you need a visa for the Netherlands and, if so, where you can apply for it.

Do I need a visa?

Not everyone needs a visa to visit the Netherlands. If you’re unsure what applies to you, check whether you need a visa to visit the Netherlands . 

Don’t need a visa?

If you don’t need a visa for the Netherlands, see what documents you do need to travel to the Netherlands.

Check what you need to travel to the Netherlands

Where can I apply for a visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa in India go to the VFS Global application centre in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai or New Delhi. You can submit an application there if you live in one of the following places: 

• Afghanistan

If you live somewhere else, go to the page Applying for a Schengen visa and select the country where you live to find out where to submit your application. If you still want to submit your application in India, first check if that’s possible.  

Check whether you can apply for a visa outside your country of residence

I want to visit more than one Schengen country 

If you want to visit another Schengen country besides the Netherlands, check whether you should apply for a visa for the Netherlands or the other country.

Find out which Schengen country you should apply for a visa for

Step 2: Gather the documents you need

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Which ones you need depends on your purpose of travel.

Which documents do I need?

On the VFS Global website you’ll find a checklist with the documents you need based on your purpose of travel.

Find out which documents you need

Family member of an EU/EEA national or Swiss national?

If you are travelling with a family member who is a national of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, or you’re travelling to visit that family member, you may be eligible for free Schengen visa facilitation.

Find out whether you are eligible for visa facilitation

Important notice about fraud

The embassy will report the use of false and counterfeit documents to the Indian Ministery of Foreign Affairs depending on the forgery; these documents will not be returned to the applicant.

The embassy often receives emails from European citizens who are in contact with someone from this region through the internet. Often these contacts result in scamming whereby the scammer does not reveal his or her true identity and requests to transfer high amounts for various reasons (legalisations, costly visa procedures, medical check-ups and supporting documents not required by Dutch authorities in relation to consular procedures, hospitalisation, inheritance, gold ornaments). Beware of this (romance) scamming.

Other than warning for this type of scamming, the embassy cannot be of assistance in taking legal steps once European citizens have become victims of this type of scamming.

Please note that the embassy never requests anyone to deposit application or visa fee in any bank accounts.

Step 3: Make an appointment

Once you have all the documents you need for your Schengen visa application, make an appointment at VFS Global. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. Apply no later than 45 days before your trip.

If you are crew on a seafaring vessel, you can apply for your visa up to 9 months before your trip.

How do I make an appointment?

Make an appointment online at VFS Global in India

• Avoid unnecessary costs and book your appointment yourself. Do not make an appointment through an intermediary.
• If you are applying for visas for multiple people, make a separate appointment for each person.

Can someone else submit my application for me?

You must appear in person at your appointment to submit your application, even if you’re under 18.

You don’t need to appear in person to submit your application if:

• you have applied in person for a Schengen visa within the past 5 years (59 months), and:
• you submitted a photo with that application, and:
• your fingerprints were taken for that application (only applies if you are 12 or older).

If you meet all 3 conditions, you can have someone else submit your application for you. The appointment must be under the name of the person submitting your application.

If you are not certain whether VFS Global has your fingerprints on record, you should submit your application in person. VFS Global cannot check this for you.

How can I change or cancel my appointment?

To change or cancel your appointment, contact VFS Global in India .

Step 4: Go to your appointment

Go to your appointment at VFS Global, and bring all the documents on your checklist from step 2 with you, plus the checklist itself.

See the address of VFS Global in India

What happens at my appointment?

At your appointment you:

• submit the documents that are on your checklist, together with your passport
• provide your fingerprints (only if you are 12 or older)
• answer questions about your trip
• pay the visa fees
• indicate whether you want to collect your passport (with visa affixed) or have it sent to you
• receive a reference number to track the status of your application

How much does a visa cost?

See the overview of consular fees in India to find out how much a visa costs and what forms of payment are accepted. In some situations you are not required to pay.

Find out in which situations you do not need to pay the visa fee

You will always need to pay service costs to VFS Global.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

You’ll usually find out within 15 calendar days whether your application was successful. Sometimes it can take longer and may take up to 45 calendar days.

Find out more about processing times for a visa application

How can I track the status of my application?

When you submit your application you’ll receive a reference number from VFS Global that you can use to track the status of your application online .

Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you

You will receive an email once your application has been processed. The email won’t say whether your application was successful. You can collect your passport or have it sent to you. If your application was approved, the visa will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Having your passport sent to you

If you choose to have your passport sent to you, you’ll discuss at your appointment how to arrange this.

Collecting your passport

If you choose to collect your passport, you’ll discuss at your appointment when you can collect it. You can also have someone else collect your passport for you.

If you collect your passport yourself, bring the following with you:

• a valid form of ID
• the proof of payment provided by VFS Global

If someone else collects your passport for you, they must bring the following with them:

• a signed letter from you authorising them to collect your passport

Check the information on your visa

Check whether the information on your visa is correct. Your name and the visa’s validity period, for example.

Find out more about the information on your visa

If any of the information is incorrect or you can’t use the visa, for example because the period of validity is later than the dates of the plane tickets in your application, contact the Dutch embassy in New Delhi as soon as possible.

If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Email the Dutch embassy

What if my application was refused?

If your application wasn’t approved, you’ll receive a letter stating why. If you disagree with this decision, you have several options.

Find out what you can do if your visa application was refused

Step 6: Prepare for your trip

With your Schengen visa you can travel to the Netherlands or another Schengen country. The visa allows you to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. Your visa will be valid for a specific period, which may also be shorter than 90 days.

You must show the visa upon departure and arrival. Border control may also ask you for other documents. Find out what other documents you need in the checklist for travelling to the Netherlands.

Check what you need for travel to the Netherlands

Do you have a question about making an appointment at VFS Global or about the status of your application?

Contact VFS Global in India

Do you have a question about something else?

Contact NetherlandsWorldwide

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Schengen Visa Guide

It may come as no surprise that you can travel within Europe without a visa, making it one of the world’s largest visa-free zones. However, you do require a visa, known as Schengen visa, to enter the continent, and then travel across countries. 

The visa allows a traveller to enter any country in the Schengen area. It is a short-stay visa that enables you to stay for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. The best part about the Schengen visa is that there are no border controls, and you can freely travel within the Schengen zone. 

However, if you intend to work or study in one of the Schengen countries, or your stay exceeds 90 days, you must convert your Schengen visa to a national visa of that European country. 

In this page, we will discuss the members of the Schengen countries, types of Schengen visas, who needs to apply for it, and more.

To apply for a Schengen visa, you need to visit their embassy or visa centre to apply for the visa you need. The steps you need to keep in mind are:

Note : Members of the European Union Parliament (MEP) adopted a report aimed at modernising the visa application process in the Schengen area, moving away from physical applications and visa stickers to a digital system. Now travellers who plan to visit the EU can apply for Schengen visa online making the visa process hassle-free.

You can track your Schengen visa application on the official websites of each EU country. You will need to fill out your visa application number and travel document number to see the process.

We have a comprehensive Schengen visa guide here which provides detailed information about the visa, how to apply, types of visa and more.

The Schengen area comprises 27 European countries, covering most of the European Union (EU) except Ireland. Although countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are not part of the EU, they still fall under the Schengen zone. The countries soon to be part of the Schengen Area are Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.

These countries have officially put an end to all passport and other border controls. To explore any part of the Schengen area, you will only need a Schengen visa, after which you can roam about freely.

The Schengen visa countries are:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Every non-European citizen planning to travel to Europe needs to get this visa for a short-term stay. These are the nationalities that need a Schengen short-stay visa.

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Cote D’ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Dominican Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• North Korea
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of the Congo
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Republic of Türkiye

There are various types of Schengen visas, each for different purposes. Some of the visas are listed below.

• Tourist visa
• Business visa
• Student visa
• Transit visa
• Medical visa
• Official visit visa
• Visitor visa
• Culture and Sports Visa

This is the most popular type of visa that allows a traveller to enter the Schengen area as a tourist. A tourist Schengen visa permits a stay for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month time period. This visa is only for leisure/tourism purposes, and no traveller is allowed to work/conduct business.

For how long is a Schengen tourist visa valid? 

A business visa for the Schengen countries is valid for no more than 90 days. If you plan to travel to more than one Schengen country, you need to check the "multiple entry" option on the application form. 

What is the processing time for Schengen tourist visas?

It may take up to 10 working days to respond to an application for a Schengen visa. Based on the application, the time taken for the visa to be processed may be more or less than two months.

A Schengen business visa is required to conduct business in a Schengen country with a local company or individual. For this visa, the company in the area needs to invite you and provide a copy of the invitation letter. 

For how long is a Schengen business visa valid? 

What is the processing time for schengen business visas.

To study in one of the Schengen countries, you need to apply for a student visa which allows a short stay of a maximum of three months. If your course is longer than three months, you will need to apply for a long-stay study visa at the embassy in your home country. 

Note : You cannot apply for a student visa extension from a Schengen country. 

For how long is a Schengen student visa valid?

The Schengen student visa is valid for up to three months within a six-month period. After you receive the passport with the visa, double-check the validity period and duration of stay. 

What is the processing time for Schengen student visas?

It may take up to 15 working days to respond to an application for a Schengen visa. Based on the application form, the time taken for the visa to be processed may be more or less than two months. 

Where can I extend my Schengen student visa?

It is not possible to get your student visa extended in a Schengen country. Instead, you will need to return to your home country and apply from there for a longer study visa.

A transit Schengen visa is for those who wish to enter the country in order to change their transport from air to sea, or change flights that have a long layover and require one to exit the airport. Before getting into details, you must know the difference between an airport transit visa and a transit visa.

• Schengen Visa for Airport Transit

This type of visa is for those who have to change flights at the airport. The Schengen visa for airport transit allows for a stopover only at an international airport. The traveller is not allowed to leave the airport’s international transit area.

But, if you need to transit through more than one airport, you do not require the airport transit visa, instead, you will need to apply for a regular Schengen C-type visa. This visa is also valid for you to leave the airport where you arrived and connect to another airport within the same country. 

• Schengen Visa for Seafarers Transit

The Schengen visa for seafarers allows them to disembark from a ship or ferry in a Schengen seaport. This is permitted for a limited period of time until the next transport to a non-Schengen country is arranged.

A normal transit visa allows travellers no more than five days to move across more than one Schengen country on the way to a non-Schengen country. Besides that, there are also two other modes of transit visas for the Schengen area: airport and seaport. 

For how long is a Schengen transit visa valid?

The airport transit Schengen visa is valid for 24 hours. To leave the airport, you will need to apply for a regular transit visa. On the other hand, a transit visa for seafarers permits travellers to stay for a maximum of five days.

What is the processing time for Schengen transit visas?

The processing time for Schengen transit visas is around two weeks. But for a specific transit visa or in extraordinary situations, it may take 30 to 60 days.

The medical Schengen visa allows a traveller to enter any of the Schengen areas and receive treatment for their health. This visa is provided for a period of 90 days. However, if your treatment lasts over 90 days, you will need to apply for a National Visa for Medical Treatment. This can be done in the respective country; after this, you will be permitted to stay longer.

For how long is a Schengen medical visa valid?

A medical visa for the Schengen countries is valid for no more than 90 days. If your treatment tends to extend, you must apply for a long-stay National Visa for Medical Treatment.

What is the processing time for Schengen medical visas?

It may take up to 15 working days to respond to an application for a Schengen medical visa. If there are mistakes on the application form, the time for the visa to be processed may take more or less than two months.

Apart from the business visa, there is an official visit visa for Schengen countries. Through this visa, an individual is allowed an entry permit for reasons like meetings, negotiations, consultations, exchange programs, and other events held by intergovernmental organisations. 

For how long is a Schengen official visit visa valid?

The Schengen official visit visa is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. However, depending on the visit, your visa may be different and may remain valid for five days to a month, depending on the issuing embassy.

What is the processing time for Schengen official visit visas?

It may take up to 15 working days to respond to an application for a Schengen visa. If there are mistakes on the application form, the time required for the visa to be processed may take more or less than two months.

This visa is issued for those who plan to visit their family, friends, and relatives living in one of the Schengen countries.

For how long is a Schengen visitor visa valid? 

A Schengen visitor visa is valid for 90 days. However, the duration of your stay depends on the embassy or consulate issuing you the visa. If you plan to stay for over 90 days, you can apply for a visitors’ residence permit.

What is the processing time for a visitor visa? 

It may take up to 15 working days to respond to an application for a Schengen visa. If there are mistakes on the application form, the time taken for the visa to be processed may be more or less than two months.

This visa allows for a brief stay in the country for the purpose of culture, sports, and other such activities. 

For how long is a Schengen Culture and Sports visa valid?

The Schengen visa for culture and sports is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. However, depending on the visit, your visa may be valid for five days to a month, depending on the issuing embassy.

What is the processing time for Schengen Culture and Sports visas?

The Schengen visa requires a series of documents. If you are planning a trip to Europe and require a Schengen visa, read the guidelines on how to prepare for your Schengen visa application from India.

Can I apply for a Schengen visa without an Indian passport?

No, you need an Indian passport to get a Schengen visa. Without a passport, you will not get a visa. If your passport is nearing expiry or damaged, you will need to apply for a new one.

Is it required to have a round-trip flight for a Schengen visa in India?

Yes, a round-trip flight is needed to get a Schengen visa. By having this, it shows that you plan on returning after a certain time. The travel itinerary must also include flight information like date, flight number, and airline name.

Will I get my documents if my Schengen visa application is rejected?

If your visa is rejected, you will receive your documents; however, some embassies may only return your passport.

For how long does the Schengen visa allow me to stay?

This depends on the type of visa you have applied for. The most common stay duration a traveller can get is a maximum of 90 days in a six-month period from the entry date. For a frequent traveller, you may get a visa valid for five years, but you cannot stay more than 90 days; hence, you need to obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years.

Can I submit a copy of documents instead of original documents?

Most embassies request original documents instead of copies, although copies of every document are also requested, like for passport, and marriage certificate, among others.

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The Visa Project

A place for your visa experiences and more

How to Get a Schengen Visa from India as a Couple and Visit Europe

STEP BY STEP PROCESS TO GET SCHENGEN VISA FOR INDIAN CITIZENS

By Prachi Jain Khurana last updated on October 18, 2022

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Before getting married, my husband and I had been planning on visiting Europe for our honeymoon. But as you know, Indians need a visa for Europe or the countries in the Schengen zone.

And getting a Schengen visa from India involves a hell lot of documents. We applied for a Schengen visa from India as a couple, and we had to show extra documents as well.

But if your dream is to visit Europe, documents can’t possibly hold you back. There is so much to see and do in Europe, starting from monuments to wonderful museums, national parks, and beaches.

And the fairytale castles of Europe are definitely worth visiting.

Now if you are not sure about how to choose, here is a post that covers the best cities in Europe.

In this article, I will talk about my experience getting it and the requirements. I will cover the common questions about the Schengen visa as well. So all the tips and process written here applies to anyone.

Table of Contents

Do Indians Need a visa to Enter Europe?

Yes, Indian citizens need to get a Schengen visa in order to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone.

Depending on the purpose of the visit, you could choose the visa you want to apply for. For example, say you want to study in Europe for a short term( less than 90 days), then you could go for a Schengen student visa .

At the same time, if you want to study in a Schengen country for a longer time, you could apply for a national visa. Naresh wrote about how he got a Spain Study Visa to do a TEFL course in Spain.

What are the Schengen Countries?

The Schengen zone consists of 26 countries in total. All these countries are in Europe, and have a common visa policy. You can apply for a Schengen visa for any country and visit all other countries with that visa.

Schengen Visa- Which Country to Apply to?

One of the common questions that people applying for a Schengen visa have is how to choose the country to apply to if they are gonna visit more than one.

To choose the country or a country’s embassy for a Schengen visa, you must take these three rules into consideration.

In my case, my husband and I applied Schengen visa for Austria, since Austria was the first country on our travel itinerary and we were planning to spend more time in Austria than in the other three countries.

Now let me tell you about the Schengen visa application process for Indians and how we got it, and any other questions you might have.

When to Apply for Schengen Visa in India?

The rules for Schengen visa application are the same for any country.

1. The earliest you can submit a visa application: Six months before your planned trip. 2. The latest you can apply for the visa: 15 days before your trip.

We recommend you to apply for the Schengen visa at least a month or more before your trip dates since the time to process your application might vary and they might ask for extra documents.

Step 1: Apply for Schengen Visa at VFS

Here is the thing about applying for a Schengen visa from India. Most of the Schengen countries accept Schengen tourist visa applications through a third-party service provider called VFS Global in India.

This means that, unlike other visa applications, you can’t directly apply for a Schengen visa for various countries directly at the consulate of that particular country. You need to use VFS Global for the Schengen visa application.

It’s important to know that VFS only accepts your documents on your behalf and sends them to the embassy and receives it back from the embassy once the visa processing is done.

They don’t process any Schengen visa applications. In India, to get a Schengen visa, VFS India acts as the service provider for the majority of Schengen countries.

So to apply for the Schengen visa from India, the first thing I did was to register myself VFS Global as a new user .

Step 2: Schengen Visa Application Requirements for Indians

If you are applying for a Schengen visa from India, one thing you need to know is that you will have to submit a number of required documents.

It’s essential that the documents comply with the requirements set by the embassy that’s processing your Schengen visa.

Here is the document checklist for Schengen visa for Austria on VFS Global. It’s the same no matter what the first country to enter the Schengen area is.

In order to apply for a Schengen visa in India, you need to submit the following  mandatory documents .

This is the same no matter which country you choose for the visa. And then depending on your situation, you might need to submit extra documents as well.

Schengen Visa Application Form

You can download the application form for the Schengen visa from VFS global and fill it up. You can also fill out the Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard copy.

My husband and I filled up two different forms.

Tips for Filling up Schengen Visa Application form

• The Schengen Member state of the first entry would be the Schengen embassy for your visa application. In our case, it was Austria.
• Mention all the countries you want to visit in the “Member States of Destination” section. If you don’t want to visit any other country, leave this section empty. In this section, we mentioned the Czech Republic and Hungary as I wanted to visit them.
• If you have booked multiple hotels, you can mention the address and emails of the ones in the Entry state in the name of the hotels. If someone has invited you, you can mention the details there. We only mentioned the details of the hotel in Austria.
• As per the cost of traveling, you can choose as the one who will bear the cost. If your parents are sponsoring it or someone else, you can mention that as well. In our case, we were the ones bearing the cost of the trip.

After filling out the forms for the Schengen visa, we signed our individual forms.

Valid Indian Passport

A Valid Indian passport with at least 2 blank pages. To be on the safer side, it’s much better to have one with at least 6 months of validity.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

2 recent passport-size pictures with a whole-face capture with a light background, adhering to the specifications mentioned on VFS global.

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance from India

You would need to buy travel medical insurance that would cover the entire period of your stay in the Schengen area. You can choose any of the list of approved travel insurance companies for a Schengen visa in India .

Safety Wing is one of the best travel insurance providers and it covers all kinds of hospitalizations including COVID-related ones, trip interruption, stolen/lost luggage, and in case you lose Indian passport .

It is pretty cheap and can be extended when you are outside of India.

The insurance should have medical coverage of at least Euro 30,000, and it must cover medical evacuation/ repatriation.

Travel Itinerary for Visa

Roundtrip flight reservations from India to Europe. If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, and you are flying inside the Schengen zone, you would need to show flight reservations for that as well.

But if you will be taking the train or have any other mediums of transport, you can show that.

Learn more about getting a flight reservation from India for Schengen visa .

We booked refundable round-trip flights on makemytrip.com. The onward flight from Delhi to Vienna and the return one from Budapest to Delhi.

Schengen Visa Cover Letter

The cover letter for the Schengen visa is one of the most important documents you need to submit when applying for a visa to Europe. In this cover letter, you will mention the purpose of your visit and a detailed itinerary.

Be as detailed as you can and mention every little detail. Mention the trains you would catch, the hotels you would stay in, the hop-on-hop-off buses that you would catch, and the opera house you would go to.

Proof of Accommodation

You need to provide proof of accommodation for the whole duration of your stay inside the Schengen zone. We made refundable reservations for hotels for our whole itinerary.

Proof of Funds

When applying for a Schengen visa from India, you will need to show proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself for the whole time in Europe.

The amount of money you need to show is different for every Schengen country depending on the cost of living and it can also vary as per your Europe itinerary.

You could provide the original bank account statements for the last 3 months. Do provide the photocopies of the credit card statements if you can. In our case, we showed 200000 INR ($3000 USD approximately) per person.

And you need to get this statement from the bank and it has to be signed and stamped. You will have to provide the originals for this. So don’t show up with the printout of your bank statements from the online portal.

Employment proof

Schengen visa requirements based on your employment status in India will vary a lot.

If you are employed:

• No objection letter from your employer
• Salary slips for the last 3 months
• An employment contract or offer letter
• Leave permission from your employer
• ITR (Income Tax Return) for the last two years

If you are self-employed:

• A copy of your business license in India- CIN certificate/ LLP certificate/GST certificate/Udhyog Aadhar memorandum/Import Export certificate, depending on your company
• Company bank statements for the last six months
• ITR for the last two years

If applicable:

• Regular income generated by property such as from renting it, for the last 6 months

If retired:

• Pension statements for the last 6 months

If you are a student:

• A No objection certificate from your school/university
• Proof of enrollment such as an ID card

As my husband and I are both employed, we provided the salary slips, offer letter, and NOC for the Schengen visa.

Proof of Civil Status

If applicable, you need to provide a marriage certificate, birth certificate for children, divorce certificate if divorced, death certificate of spouse, etc.

In our case, since we are married, we provided a photocopy of the marriage certificate.

Valid Permit to Return

Citizens of Bangladesh / Bhutan / India / Maldives / Nepal / Sri Lanka applying for a Schengen visa from India, need to provide this.

Previous Schengen Visa

If you were granted a Schengen visa before, you need to provide photocopies of the previous visa. This applies even if you didn’t travel to Europe on that visa. 

VFS Appointment Letter

If you are applying for a Schengen visa in India through VFS, then you need to have the appointment letter for the same.

You don’t need Police verification for short-term Schengen study visas. However, if it is a long-term study visa, you surely will need a police clearance certificate from India .

Step 3: Getting an Appointment at VFS

Before you make an appointment in VFS for a Schengen visa, read the instructions for appointments on VFS portal.

To book an appointment, log in to the VFS portal and go to the tab “Schedule an appointment”. Once you choose the VFS center and the purpose of travel, you would need to add the details of the applicants.

You can add up to 5 applicants here if you are applying as a group or family. I added my husband and myself as the applicants here.

After this, you would need to choose a date and time and confirm your appointment.

Once it’s confirmed, you will receive an email from VFS with an appointment letter. If you don’t receive an email, you can email it to yourself using the “Email your appointment” option.

Make sure to print the appointment letter and carry it with you when you go to the VFS center.

Step 4: Submit the Documents for Schengen Visa at VFS

Before visiting VFS, make sure that you have arranged the documents in the prescribed order. You wouldn’t have a lot of time sorting everything there, so everything must be in order. At the VFS center, there are different counters for different countries. You will need to go to the counter for the country that will be processing your Schengen visa application.

You will be issued a token there and wait for your turn and then submit the documents. You will also be needed to provide Biometric fingerprint data. And they will click a picture of you there. And they will go through all your documents.

You will need to pay the visa fees and they will give you an acknowledgment. As my husband and I were traveling together and applying for the visa together, we submitted all the documents at the same time.

The whole thing took us more or less one hour. Depending on the VFS center and country that’s your entry point, it might take longer.

We applied in VFS Delhi.

How to Pay Schengen Visa Fees at VFS India?

You need to pay a service charge of INR 1261/ per person, to VFS India apart from the standard Schengen visa fees. They also have a plethora of services like courier facility, form-filling service, etc for which they charge extra.

Mode of payment in India:

• Demand Draft in favor of  VFS GLOBAL SERVICES PVT. LTD.
• Visa, Master Card, and Rupay

Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Schengen Visa Fees are waived for:

• Representatives of non-profit organizations traveling to take part in seminars, sports, cultural or educational events, etc. They must be under 25 years old.
• Researchers travelling to carry out scientific research or participate in a seminar or conference.
• Students of a school or postgraduate students and teachers accompanying them get a visa for study or educational training.

Step 5: Attend Schengen Visa Interview

Once you submit the application, you can track your application on VFS . You might need to go for an interview at the embassy of the country that’s your entry point in the Schengen area.

But in our case, we didn’t have to go through an interview at the Austrian embassy. The processing for our Schengen tourist visas was completed after a week. We went to the VFS center with the acknowledgment slip and received our passports with the visa stickers.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Schengen Visa in India?

The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days, from the date your application was submitted to the consulate of the country for your visa.

If they ask for any extra documents, this process might further be extended to 30 calendar days, or even to 60 days in some rare cases.

Schengen Visa duration: I got it for 21 days. You can get it for 90 days at max. Schengen Visa validity: It will be valid from the date of your arrival, not from the date it’s issued.

Schengen Visa Tips:

• Carry one extra photocopy of every document just in case.
• It’s much better to choose Single entry if it’s your first time applying for a Schengen tourist visa.
• You can use the services of VFS to apply for a Schengen visa from Nepal or Bhutan as well.
• Although you can pay the fees at VFS using a credit or debit card, it’s way better to carry cash.
• Please, make sure that you receive an entry stamp on your passport when you enter the Schengen area. Without a stamp, you could be in a world of trouble. Read detained or fined or deported.
• When filling out the application if there are columns that do not correspond to your case, fill them with NA (No Answer), rather than leaving them blank.

What Documents Should I Bring When Traveling to Europe on Schengen Visa?

While entering the Schengen zone, you might be asked to furnish proof of accommodation and/or proof of funds by the border. So it’s a good idea to have the hotel reservations and bank statements handy.

Also, make sure that you have the return flight tickets to come back to India or onward travel proof if you are going to a country outside the Schengen zone.

Schengen Visa Denial: What to Do?

If your Schengen visa was denied, you will be provided a rejection letter for Schengen visa stating the reason your visa was rejected. If you believe the reason is not justified, you have the right to appeal the Schengen visa rejection.

You can only appeal to the required Schengen member country as per their guidelines. The rejection letter would contain the information about that.

You can also file a fresh Schengen visa application through another member state.

Schengen visa is one of the most elusive visas. There are many reasons a Schengen visa might be rejected. Before you apply for a Schengen visa, go through 20 reasons your Schengen visa might get rejected, so that you don’t make the same mistakes.

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Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclaimer policy  here. The Visa Project would by no means be liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, and any other online reservations that are made with any third-party provider.

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Reader Interactions

October 15, 2020 at 7:09 pm

Great Article. Thank you so much for the information.

January 7, 2021 at 9:59 am

Thanks alot for informations wanted to apply once pandemics over….

January 14, 2021 at 7:05 pm

Thank you a great informative article. Are we allowed to travel other schengen countries by train like say Germany, Italy France etc. Should we have to show proof of all such bookings while applying for visa?

January 15, 2021 at 10:36 am

Hi Nayana, Yes, you are allowed to travel to any Schengen country. But you would need to show proof of all such bookings only if you have included them in your application.

May 12, 2021 at 12:25 pm

Very useful information, really thank you so much for providing such information. I am really glad to see this information.

February 25, 2022 at 4:33 pm

Hi! Not sure if this blog is still active. But I wanted to ask, did you and your husband have one application and one copy of documents or two sets of applications and documents?

March 2, 2022 at 3:25 am

Hi Kristine, Yes, you can apply with just one application.

December 1, 2022 at 2:30 am

Wanted to check. How can I and my wife can apply under one VFS application? I thought a single user account can apply for only one person right ?

December 2, 2022 at 11:04 am

Hi Kaustav, You can add her before submitting the application. You would see the “Add New Applicant” option.

March 26, 2022 at 4:57 am

Hi, thank you for information. I and my wife want to apply togather and I have few questions. 1. Does Husband and wife need separate VFS appointments or a single appointment? because I can see ‘add member’ section on VFS website while booking appointment. 2. Do Husband and wife need to create separate documents files or a single file? 3. How do they process the file/s of a couple at VFS? Do they call both the persons individually or togather as a couple? 4. Separate visa fee needed for both person in couple? 5. What documents needed for a person in couple who is not employed and her spouse is paying her expenses for trip?

Basically I wanted to know what is the process at VFS office if a couple want to apply together, right from applying for appointment to visiting VFS Office

March 29, 2022 at 1:11 pm

Hi Om, 1.Yes you would need to choose the add member option and apply together. 2. You can carry the documents together 3. They will call you together, although they might want to verify the documents for each person individually. Depends on the VFS center. 4. Yes 5. The spouse needs to provide the bank statements duly signed and needs to mention the same in detail on the cover letter. They can ask for more documents depending on different factors.

June 7, 2023 at 4:09 am

Hi Deb Pati, I have a question in the similar lines.

Me and my wife are working. We are planning to apply for tourist visa. While filling the visa application form, what should we add in the field “Travel and Living Expenses During Your Stay Are Covered by”?

Should we both tick mark the suitable values or should one of us bear the amount (tick the values) and other person is shown as dependent (mark others option).

Thanks in advance

June 13, 2023 at 5:16 pm

If you both are working and both will pay for it, and have the bank account statements, you can tick both.

August 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm

My case is similar to that of Om’s. My wife is a home-maker and we applied for Schengen Visa as joint applicants and got the appointment slot for next month.

My query is – In the covering letter, should I mention the details as an individual applicant or should I mention it as “Me & my wife are planning to visit Italy……..”. Shall I mention “Me & my wife” everywhere on the covering letter….. And she too should do the same in her covering letter ??

August 24, 2023 at 5:09 pm

Hi Prithvi, Yes, you can write the cover letter for both of you. For example, you can start with talking about the trip as an individual and then towards the end mention that your wife would be accompanying you on this trip. And some of her details. Same goes for her.

April 25, 2022 at 1:42 pm

Thank you so much for detailed information.

Quick question: My fiance and me are planning to visit Austria for our honeymoon and hence applying for visa prior to our wedding. Do we need to show same accomodations / hotel bookings if we are are traveling together or do we need to make separate bookings?

April 26, 2022 at 6:52 am

Hi Aditya, You can do the booking and add your fiancee to the booking. But if the platform doesn’t allow it or the booking doesn’t show it, no worries. You can still show the booking under your name.

June 30, 2023 at 4:53 pm

Me and my fiance are planning to go France for honeymoon. hence we want to apply for visa prior to our marriage. He we cannot show our marriage certificate. Could you pls guide me how to go for it. We both are employed if required we both can show separate bank gurantee too.

July 12, 2023 at 8:58 pm

Try through an agency or tour group. It would be easier if you want to get the visa before getting married. Or wait until you get married and get the certificate.

May 14, 2022 at 5:14 pm

Hi, thanks for this informative post. Have a few follow-up queries regarding applying as a couple for Schengen visa. We have taken a one appointment slot at VFS for both of us. I wish to know : 1. Did you write the cover letter as one common letter coming from both of you jointly with all individual details mentioned in it or you wrote two separate letters as from two individuals ? 2. Same as above, Did you provide one set of the supporting documents with the application or two sets? Any other suggestions regarding applying as a couple would be appreciated.

Thanks n Regards

May 19, 2022 at 5:14 am

Hi, Yes, you can write one cover letter for both of you. You need to provide two sets of supporting documents when it comes to bank accounts, salary slips, leave letters etc.

May 21, 2022 at 6:47 pm

Hi, Thank you, this post is really informative. I have one query. Regarding the NOC which my company will provide, is it okay to submit the printout of it or do we need to submit it on a company’s letterhead with stamp?

May 23, 2022 at 11:31 am

Hi Soumya, Letterhead with stamp is always better. If you can not get it, then a printout will do the job.

July 31, 2022 at 5:57 pm

Hi, Thanks for this few follow up queries- 1. My fiancé and I are planning a trip immediately after marriage next year(Feb) ..we both are working can we show individual bank statements of €3000 each? Or it has to be in 1 account? 2. Also is it mandatory to pre book flights/hotels/ inter country train? since it’s risky ..do dummy reservations work? If yes any suggestions ? 3.does the €3000/person has to be excluding the flight and hotel booking? 4. This is the first time we are planning to visit outside india hence should we self apply for this visa or through an agent? 5. For the VFS Delhi we have to visit how many times for visa? Is there an interview too? 6. Can we apply for visa 6months before as many travel agents are saying can be done only 3months prior? 7. Do u easily get appointments? Or is there a huge waiting for Netherlands?

August 4, 2022 at 4:45 am

Hi Namrata, Individual bank statements are fine wince you are both working. You can make refundable reservations on booking. As per flights, you don’t have to book them beforehand and many embassies actually ask you not to. You can make a reservation just in case.

I always encourage people to apply by themselves. However, you can buy a trip through a good and well-known travel agent ( preferably approved by the embassy) who can also help with the visa application. That would be helpful since this is your first time outside India.

Usually, one visit to VFS should do the job if you carry all the documents in one go.

You can apply the visa 3 months before the planned trip.

The waiting list depends on the country and a lot other factors. Right now, there is a waiting list because of Covid.

August 5, 2022 at 7:49 am

Thanks Also is it necessary to take NOC from private companies too?

August 8, 2022 at 2:35 pm

The leave letter should do the trick.

August 23, 2022 at 8:15 am

Hi, Thank you, this post is really informative. few follow-ups 1. if we are travelling to several Schengen countries like you guys did, do we have to include flix bus/train tickets in the documents ?, most of the times we don’t book these tickets prior right they are booked there and then. (how to book these tickets prior travel ?) 2. regarding cover letter and NOC – what details we need to mention in the cover letter ? when we ask for NOC from the company should it direct to someone (visa officer) what would be the format of it ?

August 25, 2022 at 11:28 am

Hi Tushar, You should not book the tickets beforehand. Simply mention in your cover letter that you are planning to book them along with the dates and locations. The NOC differs depending on your employer. Even for private companies, the wording is different and based on some kind of template. Sometimes, a leave letter will work as well. It should be on the employer’s letter head and have a signature and say something like they have no objection to your travel and your leaves are granted.

August 27, 2022 at 9:19 pm

Hi there, Article is very informative.

I’m planning for Europe trip in next three months and I’m really confused regarding the cover letter (I’m also applying for Austria visa only) and itinery documents.

Can you please share the example cover letter and itinery documents?

Also can you please write an article or post some information here about VISA form filling?

Thanks in advance 🙂

September 2, 2022 at 10:43 am

Hi Rama, The cover letter is very detailed where you mention your plans, flight details and day-to-day itinerary. As part of itinerary, you need the flight reservations(not tickets) and hotel reservations.

The form is pretty easy to fill.

September 27, 2022 at 7:37 pm

Thanks for the detailed information. In my case I am planning to travel with my wife to France, Belgium and Netherlands but primary country to visit is France. When we apply for visa on france-visas website, it doesn’t ask for adding a member. Can I create another application for my wife where I can be her guarantor (as that’s an option to choose). May be In that case, she would not have to submit her documents about finances. Would that work?

September 28, 2022 at 11:56 am

Hi, It will ask you to add the member when you reach the last step, before you tick the declaration checkbox and continue. You should see the option to “Add an application”. In that application, you can be your wife’s gurantor. And finally, you can submit to the visa centre.

October 8, 2022 at 4:16 pm

Hi lam indian working in saudi arabia my plan next year visit in France with family.i think visit visa applying in India.what type of document need .my company noc need or not? Which bank statement show? Saudi or indian bank

October 12, 2022 at 2:34 pm

Hi Baiju, It would be easier and simpler in my opinion to apply for a visit visa in Saudi Arabia for you. And your family members can apply in India.

However, if you need to apply for it in India as a group, you would surely need the salary slips, NOC, leave approval letters etc and if they are in Arabic, you might need to translate them into English/French. You could show the bank account statements from India as well as from Saudi Arabia.

October 29, 2022 at 3:18 am

Thank you for such an informative piece and a big thank you to the creators of the Visa Project for developing this platform. May you continue to touch the lives of others through your website. I have a couple of queries regarding the Schengen visa and would be extremely grateful if you could alleviate them. 1. Say you are travelling from city A to city B within a Schengen country (Madrid to Barcelona by bus), did you attach the tickets too?

2. In the checklist, there’s a section: “If the applicant is travelling to several Schengen States, proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary or car rental” How do you get this proof of intra-Schengen reservation? Is there any website where I can book and cancel later or simply reserve for the time being? Since I’m visiting 5 countries I’ll have to show tickets every time I’m new a new Schengen country, isn’t it? How did you go about this intra-Schengen reservation?

3. If I am travelling to 5 countries, should I mention all the 5 countries in the cover letter or should I create the letter in such a way to show I’m visiting only 2 countries. Once I have the visa I can book the tickets for those 5 Schengen countries. Otherwise, I will have to attach tickets for all 5 countries and if the visa is rejected, there will be a significant loss.

Thank you. May you travel the world and inspire people like us. Your articles instill confidence and self belief.

November 1, 2022 at 7:05 am

Hi Vikramaditya, Thank you for your kind words. 1. You don’t have to buy or book tickets for travel inside a Schengen country. You simply have to explain in the cover letter how you are planning to do that, and that you will buy the tickets once you are there.

2. If you are planning to travel from one country to another, then you can buy cheap flight tickets or train tickets or rent a ticket as well, and mention the same in your cover letter. https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

3. It is easier to mention just 2 countries, and then travel to 5.

Ideally, you should not have to buy any tickets beforehand. Always rent or show reservations that are fully refundable: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/

Would be great if you could update us once the visa is approved. Always helps the others a lot.

All the best, Deb

November 7, 2022 at 1:32 pm

Thank you Deb for the speedy response. Your suggestions are really helpful. I’ll be applying for the visa next month and will surely update.

November 8, 2022 at 1:54 pm

Thank you Vikramaditya. Will wait for it.

November 8, 2022 at 5:20 am

As proof of finance, instead of ITR of last 3 years can we show form-16 of last 3 years?

November 8, 2022 at 5:22 am

As proof of finance, can we submit form16 instead of ITR along with payslips and bank statement?

November 8, 2022 at 1:48 pm

If you have a valid reason for not submitting the ITR, you can mention this in the cover letter and provide Form 16 with payslips and bank statements.

December 12, 2022 at 8:14 am

Hi, Thanks for the detailed information. I am also planning to apply for a Schengen visa with my fiance and would like to know whether we have to write separate cover letters since we do not have any marriage proof as of now or if one letter would be enough. If one letter would suffice, do I have to mention the details of my fiance in it?

If possible, can you please share a sample format of the cover letter you guys used for your application?

December 16, 2022 at 6:41 pm

Hi Sagar, You can write one cover letter. That will work. Do note that they can ask for a marriage certificate depending on the consulate.

March 9, 2023 at 2:37 am

Hi I have some queries regarding schengen tourist visa. Please help. We are a family of 4 travelling.. me, husband, son and my mom. Have submitted all necessary docs.. the thing is I am in between jobs. Have submitted noc from current org n my new org offer letter too. In between I have one month break when I am travelling. Will that be ab issue in getting my visa?

March 10, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Hi Pratyusha, It should not be an issue really as you have already provided the NOC from your current organization.

May 20, 2023 at 9:03 am

Hi team, Q1) For Schengen Visa applicatioon: If my wife (who is dependent on me for sponsoring her trip) is traveling with me, then is marriage certificate the only additional document I have to carry to show that she is related to me? I understand I have to maintain sufficient bank balance and show it in my statements. but I am asking is there anything else I or she needs need to do?

Q2) There is not enough space in the visa application for of Switzerland to fill addresses and names of the accommodations we are staying in. But I believe we need to fill the exact downloaded form – Is that correct? Is there an alternate to write those details?

May 28, 2023 at 8:03 pm

Hi Tushar, Yes, you need to provide an apostiled marriage certificate for the visa application. They might ask for other documents as they see fit. You can fill in the names and addresses of places where you would be staying in the download form and try to fit them in as much as you can.

June 5, 2023 at 7:00 am

How can honey moon couples provide proof of marriage as they may be applying for visas before marriage?

June 7, 2023 at 10:56 am

You should apply for the visa after getting married.

June 7, 2023 at 5:39 am

Thanks for the article. I have a few questions if you can please help answer: 1. Do I need to mark all the fields that are empty as N/A (being suggested by many)? If yes, the issue is the latest Schengen Visa form can be filled on computer (pdf) and there are date fields which are not applicable for instance, date of birth of sponsor. But the field do not accept N/A as it is a date field. What do I do: a. Fill the remaining fields as N/A and leave such fields empty. b. Leave all fields empty in such questions. c. Fill N/A with pen after taking print out. 2. Is National ID Number my passport number or aadhaar number? 3. My wife and I will be co-applicants can we have different permanent address in our forms (respectively) as we are from two different cities and never updated our passport? 4. After I choose Tourism as my purpose, there is a follow-up question: Additional information on your purpose of visit? Should I mention Tourism again or leave it empty or N/A? 5. A question asks me to mention the hotel details. It has space in which I cannot mention more than one. Should I provide the details of hotel where I will be staying for maximum number of nights, irrespective of my port of entry? 6. Regarding the last question that talks about cost of travelling and living. I have two situations: Let’s say my wife and I both are working and we are going to provide details for both. In each of our form should we tick by the applicant himself/herself? Second situation: Both are working, and we will provide details for both however the expense will be either handled by my wife or me, in this case what should we chose for the other applicant: By a sponsor (me)/Other/or something else?

June 13, 2023 at 5:22 pm

Hello Amitesh,

Option a or c can work.

Aadhar is the national ID number.

Yes the address on the passport does not have to be the same as your actual address. This is very normal. But you should have some kind of proof for your current address.

Yes purpose of visit can be tourism/ sight-seeing.

You can sponsor yourself and your wife can sponsor herself as long as you have the bank statements and all that.

June 19, 2023 at 3:28 am

Thanks for the great article!

I have a query for the Schengen visa. My spouse and I are applying for Schengen visa via the French embassy. We have the following conditions –

1. My spouse has my name as spouse updated in his passport, while mine doesn’t. 2. We have a marriage certificate, but its not apostilled

Would we need to show an apostilled marriage certificate, or apply separately without bothering about the marriage certificate.

June 25, 2023 at 9:48 pm

1. This is not a big deal. 2. It is always better to apsotile the marriage certificate. Does not take more than 3 or 4 days depending on where you live. In case they ask for it, you would have it.

July 11, 2023 at 7:36 pm

The article was very detailed plus going though the comment threads have been equally informative. I have a few queries though:

I have booked an appointment for Switzerland at vfs delhi. I have added my wife as a co-applicant. Following are my questions:

1. Both our passports are not updated, hence it still mentions us single. (And obviously addresses are different) Is that ok? 2. We have a marriage certificate, but the address on marriage certificate doesn’t match the address on passport. What should be done in such a case? We both have aadhar card available with same address as that on marriage certificate, but that’s not written as a valid document 3. In the application form, do i have to mention the address present on the passport, or the current address where both of us our staying (our marriage certificate address).

The above confusions are giving me a lot of stress.

Hoping for a revert 🙂

July 12, 2023 at 9:11 pm

Hello Manik, 1. Yes, it is fine. 2. That is fine as well. 3. You can write the address where you live right now.

August 9, 2023 at 12:46 am

Hi! In the VFS appointment page, if I add my husband as an applicant before scheduling the date, does that mean both of us will have a confirmed appointment when I choose a date&time? Or will we have to create our own account and schedule an appointment separately? Thank you!

August 12, 2023 at 9:52 pm

Hi Mara, Yes, you should get one appointment together.

November 20, 2023 at 6:22 pm

i have been to schenzen twice as alone and this time taking wife with me. we both are working but my wife does not have much balance in her account as low pay job i can maintain 3000 euro in both also i wanna ask if i show my bank balance and for my wife ill just show the salary slips and noc and tax docs and bank balance with very less amount will that work

December 5, 2023 at 5:20 pm

Yes you can show it for both you and your wife.

December 12, 2023 at 7:25 am

Hi Deb, Me and my wife are planning For europe trip. We are married recently , its been just 8 months. I wanted to ask whether this will be an issue with this? Also will there be any rejections on bank statments? we getaround 1-1.5lakh monthly salary.

December 21, 2023 at 10:52 pm

I don’t think so Sushil. You should be fine.

March 9, 2024 at 12:13 am

Hi, that’s for such a wonderful write up. It is absolutely helpful and trust me, this is the most clear and detailed information I got on Schengen short stay visa application as a couple I have seen. I some few questions though. My wife got rejected before with reasons as not reliable information concerning her trip and thought on whether she will return before her visa expires. I own a company and employ her. She got a good salary and all required paperwork including social security and ITR. 1. I was wondering if this is not going to seriously affect our application. 2.I had work in China for long before establishing my business, should I include my past visas from China and Thailand when applying? Should we mention her pas rejection? Thanks very much for your kindness.

March 17, 2024 at 9:29 pm

Hi Armstrong, Your wife being employed in your company is not a big issue. But they usually ask if you have been rejected in the past. I believe Shengen countries share that info and they would know already. When you apply together, you can show that you will be the one spending all the money and sponsering her etc. Or if she already has a good amount of money in her account, she can show this also. And you can write a convincing cover letter and provide a clear itinerary and your plans to come back.

May 2, 2024 at 9:09 am

Hi Deb, I had a few doubts. Me and my wife are travelling to Prague, Vienna, Hungary and Croatia for 9 days.

1. We have purchased a joint travel Insurance with individual coverage of $1,00,000. Will this be fine? 2. In the application form, where its asking for applicant’s home address and e-mail address, can we mention the present rental address or does it have to be the address mentioned in the passport?

May 6, 2024 at 4:22 pm

Hi Sayak, 1. Yes it will be fine. 2. You can provide the rental address.

July 31, 2024 at 4:39 am

Hi Deb, I am currently working as a YouTuber, although not being paid yet. Can my wife, who is working in an Organisation, sponsors my Europe trip who is also travelling with me. If yes what documents should we carry along for the Schengen visa? Please advice

August 4, 2024 at 2:20 pm

Hi Armaan, In this case, she needs to furnish the bank statements, salary slips, ITR and mention in the cover letter that you are travelling with her. https://thevisaproject.com/experience/schengen/schengen-visa-from-india-tourist/#comment-4850

Cheers, Deb

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Schengen Visa from India: A Complete Guide

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Scoring a Schengen Visa from India is not as irksome as a US tourist visa but is a task for sure. Been there, done that.

This post is my attempt to add to the existing information on Schengen visa requirements and process through my experience. It embraces all my insider tips on how to apply for a Schengen Visa for Indians.

If DIY is your thing then this post will surely make sense to you!

If DIY scares you, you can get help from iVisa . It works great for applying for a fast and hassle-free visa. Also,  OneWayFly  is great for showing proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservations.

Schengen Visa from India

Few things can allay the excitement and anticipation of vacation more than the grueling process of getting a visa. I’m really not exaggerating when I say the biggest challenge for Indian passport holders dreaming of traveling to Europe is scoring a Schengen visa.

The most infamous for its rejection rate, the Schengen visa application process, is arduous.

Believe you me, I have had sleepless nights caught between what-ifs and waiting for one.

I would dream of wandering about the cobblestone streets dotted with colorful flower-clad little homes, hiking one of those famous cliffs in Norway overlooking gorgeous fjords, soaking in the golden glow of Midnight Sun, sitting leisurely in one of those charming sidewalk cafes – and then what ifs would fade away the dreams!

What if my dream vacation never happens? What if the visa gets rejected?

With a third-world passport, the visa process remains onerous for us. There’s no way out.

But, take it from me, despite all the dreadful Schengen visa stories, getting a Schengen visa is very much attainable if you are cautious and take care of certain points while applying for a Schengen visa.

Just In: This is a piece of wonderful news for travelers like me. As per the latest update, Schengen states are planning to digitalize the procedure for Schengen visas . The Parliament and the Council of the European Union have agreed, however, the decision needs to be approved by the Member States of the EU. Once approved and implemented, it’ll be a lot easier to plan a Euro trip .

Read More: 10 Days in Europe: Amazing Itineraries for Europe

Is it Just Another Blog on Schengen Tourist Visa for Indians?

Blogs on Schengen Visa for Indian passport holders and Indian citizens are a dime a dozen, then what makes this blog any different?

It’s different just like everyone’s experience is different and awareness radiates in every experience. I am not an expert on the visa, of course, as I said this is my effort to just contribute to the existing facts.

While I was applying for the Schengen visa on my Indian passport, I needed something that can be understood easily by noobs or first-timers like me.

The meticulous and detailed blogs left me seeking more clear and more precise details.

Doubts sneaked in even after browsing the internet for days and reading innumerable articles on how to score a Schengen Visa for Indian citizens.

I was confused as to what exactly is the right way – to book flights and hotels and then apply for the visa or wait for the visa stamp to avoid any losses.

Because they ask for confirmed flight and hotel bookings for your visa application to be approved.

Perturbation led me to travel agents (who are counted as the best in the market) who as usual disappointed me and were glad that I settled to apply for the Schengen Visa on my own.

That’s another story!

In the process of applying for a Schengen visa in the Norway embassy, I researched the length and breadth of the internet and spoke to everyone in my circle I know who knows how to apply for a Schengen visa from India to get things right.

Leaving no stone unturned, I jotted down each and every possible detail about the visa process of the embassy I was applying.

I continued my research even after I filed my visa application – It eased my frustration (visa wait time, you know) and gave me a chance to understand the Schengen visa process in terms of each and every Schengen country inside out. Far-sighted move 🙂

Here’s my two-bit!

Learn More:  How to Plan a Trip to Europe

What’s a Schengen Visa?

Out of 50 countries (including transcontinental) in Europe, 26 countries are bound by the Schengen Agreement . The Schengen Agreement is a treaty signed by these 26 European countries creating Europe’s Schengen area where internal border controls are abolished.

In a traveler’s words – A single Schengen visa allows you to travel to 26 countries in Europe.

Isn’t it liberating?

That’s the power of a Schengen visa!

Which  European Countries Does Schengen Cover?

Currently, 26 European countries including 22 European Union (EU) countries and 4 non-EU countries make up the Schengen Region.

They are – Austria , Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark , Estonia, Finland , France, Germany, Greece, Hungary , Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway , Poland, Portugal, Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain, Sweden , and Switzerland.

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and, Switzerland aren’t members of the European Union but are a part of the Schengen Agreement.

The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen region.

Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, though not Schengen region members, have opened their borders with Schengen.

If you have a valid, double, and/or multiple entries Schengen visa on your passport, you can enter Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Croatia without any need for an additional visa.

Andorra can be visited on a multiple-entry Schengen visa obtained from the Spain or France consulate.

Some of the other non-Schengen countries that allow visa-free entry to Indian passport holders with a valid Schengen visa include Albania, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Montenegro , Georgia, Colombia, Antigua and Barbuda, Kosovo, Gibraltar, Macedonia, Mexico, Turkey, Serbia, Sao Tome, and Principe.

So, you can visit 26 Schengen countries + 15 non-Schengen countries with a Schengen visa.

The table below includes the list of the Schengen Visa Countries with the Schengen visa fees and the links to the embassies of respective countries.

What Type of Schengen Visa Do I Need?

There are 3 types of Schengen visa depending on the purpose of your travel:

• Uniform Schengen Visa
• Limited Territorial Validity Visa
• National Visa

The Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) gives a permit to stay or transit in the Schengen region for a fixed duration ranging from a maximum of 90 days starting from the date of entry.

• Category A means Airport Transit Visa which permits traveling through the Schengen Country’s International Airport without entering the Schengen country region.
• Category C means a Short-term visa that allows staying in the Schengen area according to the visa validity.

Category C USV is further of 3 types:

• A Single-entry visa allows entering the Schengen region only once, within the specified duration. Once you exit the Schengen region, going back isn’t permitted even if you have not spent the specified number of days.
• A Double-entry visa allows entering the Schengen region twice, within the specified duration. You can go back to the Schengen region the second time provided you have not exhausted the permitted number of days.
• A Multiple-entry visa  allows you to enter and exit the Schengen region as many times as you want as long as you follow the 90/180 Schengen Visa rule. The rule says you can’t stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

You can apply for any one of the multiple-entry visa types based on your travel requirements

• 1-year multiple-entry visa
• 3-year multiple-entry visa
• 5-year multiple-entry visa

In all the multiple-entry visa cases, you need to show proof of you being a regular and frequent traveler to the Schengen region justifying why you need a multiple-entry visa.

You’d need a Uniform Schengen Visa ‘Category C’ to travel to one or more Schengen Countries for tourism purposes. It can be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on your travel plans.

Read More: Best National Parks in Europe for Families

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

First and foremost, It’s vital to correctly figure out the embassy of the Schengen country you need to apply to, and secondly, the location of the embassy based on the city you live in.

It should fall under the jurisdiction of the embassy you are applying to.

Which Schengen Country’s Embassy Should You Apply For?

There’s a predetermined order that needs to be followed while choosing the embassy to file your Schengen visa application.

• If you plan to travel only to one country in the Schengen zone, apply at the embassy of the country you intend to visit. Quite obvious, I know 🙂
• If you are going to travel to more than one Schengen state, apply at the embassy of the country you intend to spend the maximum number of days in, called the main or primary destination.
• If you mean to spend an equal number of days in two or more Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of the country you propose to enter the Schengen area through, called the port of entry.

Denmark’s Embassy also handles the visa process for Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.

The Faroe Islands and Greenland though part of the Kingdom of Denmark are not the part of Schengen Region. So, you can’t enter here based on your Schengen visa.

You have to write a different cover letter along with the Schengen visa cover letter and choose a multiple-entry visa if Greenland or the Faroe Islands are part of your travel plan.

You need a Schengen Visa issued by the Danish Consulate with a sticker mentioning that it’s valid for the Faroe Islands and/or Greenland too.

Apply through Danish VFS and mention on the application form Greenland or the Faroe Islands as the main destination.

Svalbard is not a part of the Schengen treaty system. To visit Svalbard, one needs a Schengen visa with two or multiple entries.

Svalbard is visa-free but a Schengen Visa is required because you have to enter and exit the Schengen region while traveling to this Norwegian archipelago.

Another stratagem is to choose the country with a lower Schengen visa rejection rate.

France and Germany are known to be the fastest of the lot, however, Spain is infamous for being the toughest to grant Schengen Visa. Greece is known for its higher-than-normal share of personal interviews.

Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Iceland, Slovakia, Poland, Finland, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic have the lowest Schengen visa rejection rate which ranges from 2.1% to 5.5 %.

Lithuania is the easiest country to apply for a Schengen Visa from India with the fastest visa processing rate.

It’s a safe bet to check the embassy toughness index before zeroing down on the country to apply.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Singapore Visa for Indians

Put my Two Cents in…

Please please please…make sure that the country you are applying to remains your main destination even when you get your visa.

Just don’t try to fool the officials.

Though the visa allows you to enter or stay in any of the Schengen countries, it’s not advisable to change your main destination after getting the visa.

You might get to enter or stay for the first time but there are higher chances of getting in trouble the next time you apply for the Schengen Visa.

I read in a forum about a guy who showed Amsterdam as his first port of entry and main destination to get the visa from the Netherlands embassy but flew to Italy after he got his visa.

While applying for the Schengen visa the second time around, the Embassy of Austria found out that he violated the rules in his earlier visit and his entry was permanently banned in all the Schengen countries. BE HONEST!

Read Between the Lines, Please!

Lately, I have heard people complaining about visas being rejected by the Denmark embassy stating they don’t give visas to people (specifically Indians) traveling to the Schengen region for the first time.

Weird! I know.

While skimming and browsing the internet, I came across Nyidanmark.dk , the official portal of the rules for entry and residence in Denmark.

The portal states that they have listed countries in five main groups based on the overall risk of the citizen immigrating illegally to Denmark or any other Schengen country.

Each group has different guideline requirements for the visa.

India belongs to group 3 whose citizens represent a significant risk of staying back in the Schengen region even after the visa expires.

So, as Indians, if we don’t have any relationship ties or family or friends in Denmark, we will not be given a visa by the Denmark embassy.

They urge you to have an invitation letter from your host in Denmark for a successful visa application through the Royal Danish Embassy.

Read more: 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary

How Early Before the Start of the Planned Travel Should I Apply For a Schengen Visa?

Schengen Visa Applications can be filed three months before the start of the planned trip.

They recommend filing the application at least 15 calendar days before the planned travel.

My experience says that one should apply for the Schengen visa at least a month (30 calendar days) before the intended visit to avoid last-minute hassles.

The earlier you start the process, the more you get time to make the bookings and also you are more likely to get deals on flights  and accommodation bookings .

And then it takes a good deal of time (at least 2 weeks) to arrange and put together all the required documents.

I’d also like to add that once you figure out the embassy you need to file your application, make sure to check their website and take into account the national holidays of that Schengen state.

Where Should I Submit My Tourist Schengen Visa Application?

Most of the Schengen countries have outsourced their visa application processing services to VFS Global so, no need to visit the embassy.

VFS collects the visa applications along with the required documents and passports from the applicants in a sealed envelope and forwards them to the respective embassy for visa processing.

There are a few exceptions here.

Schengen visa applications for Spain are processed by BLS , not VFS.

VFS Global no longer accepts visa applications on behalf of the Embassy of Greece in India. It’s processed by GVCW .

Schengen visa applications for Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia are handled by the respective embassy, not VFS.

We don’t have the Embassy of Liechtenstein in India. In countries where Liechtenstein does not have any representation, its citizens are advised to contact the Swiss embassy for all consular questions.

Is there any Age Criterion to Apply for the Schengen Visa?

No. Children less than 6 years old don’t need a Schengen visa.

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What are the Steps to be Followed While Applying for a Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens?

• Fill in the application form
• Schedule the appointment at VFS/consulate
• Gather all the required documents (Now that’s a task!)
• Submit the application form and the required documents at the VFS/Consulate
• Give Biometrics
• Wait for your visa to come.

How to Fill the Schengen Visa Application Form?

I applied through the Norway embassy which asks you to fill out the form online here and then take a printout of the same.

Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania also have an online application system.

Other Schengen countries allow you to download the form from the VFS website and remember, it has to be filled with blue ink only.

Here are the guidelines to fill in the form to score a Schengen visa from India.

Can I Apply for a Schengen Visa Online?

There are embassies of some Schengen States that allow you to fill out a Schengen visa online through their electronic application forms like Norway , France , Germany , Estonia ,  Belgium , Finland ,  Czech Republic , Latvia , Lithuania , Netherlands , Poland , and  Portugal.

For the other Schengen States (Austria, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland) that don’t have an online system, you can fill the editable PDF form online and then take a print out of the filled Schengen Visa Form and sign it.

It makes things easier and saves you from the hassle of filling out the form with a pen.

What is the Schengen Visa Fee for Indian Citizens?

The Schengen visa fee for Indian Passport holders for all the Schengen states is fixed.

In addition to the Schengen visa fee, you need to pay the VFS service charges which vary from country to country.

* The Schengen visa fee in INR is as per the latest exchange rate. Thus, it’s subject to change with the change in the exchange rate.

*1 Euro = 92.13 INR as per the latest (July 2023) exchange rate.

What Kind of Preparation is Needed Before Making an Appointment for a Schengen Visa?

Know the visa rules of the country you are applying to and work accordingly.

Gather all the required documents and place them in perfect order (the same order as in the checklist) in a file.

Double-check to make sure you have all the required papers.

Write an audacious cover letter. Writing a convincing cover letter is an art. It’s vital to compose a detailed and compelling cover letter.

Pitching is the key here, brevity isn’t. Write your heart and soul out.

Tell them how keen you are to see their beautiful country but your soul remains here in your homeland.

Address the embassy you are applying to. The main body of the cover letter mentions the duration with dates of your trip, the number of people accompanying you with their names, the purpose of your travel, information about who will bear the expenses, and how to use a savings account or credit card or forex cards.

List down the documents you will be submitting along with your visa application.

Note : Since a lot of people asked me to provide them with the cover letter template, I’m giving a link to download the editable format of my Schengen Visa cover letter in this post. At the end of the post, just put your name and email address to subscribe and receive the sample template.

How to Book an Appointment for a Schengen Visa?

Once you have decided on the embassy of the country you are applying to, log on to VFS Global’s website where you’ll see a box on the website, fill in the country you are visiting (the embassy you want to apply to,) and the resident country and press go; it’ll automatically take you to the corresponding VFS website in another window viz.

When I type Norway as a visiting country and India as a resident country, I’m directed to the Norway visa information in a different window.

From here, you can download the Schengen visa for Indians form, and make an appointment with VFS.

You need to register here to make an appointment.

Register yourself.

Once you register, click on schedule appointment and fill in the details like the visiting country, residing country, nearest VFS center, and purpose of your travel.

It shows the earliest date available for the appointment. Choose the date and time and take a printout of the appointment letter.

Pro-Tip: It’s best to make an appointment as early in the morning as possible (if available) because the visa agents at VFS are fresh and then it gets crowded with the passing time.

What are the Schengen Visa Requirements?

You need to submit a set of mandatory and supporting documents listed by the Schengen States to start the Schengen Visa application process.

Always take a printout of the checklist of documents from the VFS portal of the particular country’s embassy and mark it to keep a check on what all documents are done and what all are pending.

And most of the time it’s recommended to put the documents in the same order as mentioned in the checklist and the Schengen Visa cover letter.

It makes things easy.

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Documents Required for Schengen Visa

Visa application form.

The Schengen form can be downloaded or filled out online depending on the country you are applying to.

Schengen Visa Cover Letter

A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit along with a detailed travel itinerary .

You also need to list the documents you are submitting with the application form. A cover letter should address the embassy you are applying to.

It should be on plain white paper if you are an employee and on company letterhead if you are a businessman.

Passport Size Pictures

Photograph specifications differ from country to country. Check the specifications for the country you are applying to.

Current and Previous Passports, if any.

The police report, if the previous passport is lost.

Passport Copies

Photocopy of the first, last, and stamped pages of the passport.

The Denmark Embassy asks for a color photocopy of the entire passport. I don’t understand the reason but feels like a total waste of money, paper, and time. What about being eco-friendly to save the world? Wait. But I heard Denmark is the most eco-friendly country.

Flight Tickets

This is important.

They ask for CONFIRMED return flights. Most of the embassies also ask for internal transport/transfer within Europe viz. flights, buses, trains, or rented car booking receipts.

We use and love Skyscanner  for all our flight booking needs. They compare the best airlines to find you the best and the cheapest deal you can get and also give you a money-back guarantee if you miss your flight.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation containing the complete name and contact information of the hotel with the hotel voucher.

In some cases, you are required to show CONFIRMED hotel bookings for each and every city/country you are visiting in the Schengen region.

The Norway embassy asks for confirmed hotel bookings only in Norway.

Having an invitation letter from one of your friends or relatives staying in the country you are applying to adds power to your visa application. You just don’t need to show any hotel bookings in that case.

We use Booking.com and Airbnb.com for all our accommodation needs in India, or abroad. Booking.com gives you the flexibility to book now and pay later and doesn’t charge a cancellation fee. Isn’t that awesome? And, Airbnb is the best option if you’re traveling with kids (more space and freedom). Plus, it offers an authentic experience of living like a local!

Travel Health Insurance

You need mandatory travel health Insurance with a minimum cover of 30,000 Euros valid for all the Schengen countries and covers the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area plus remains active for another 15 days after you leave the Schengen area.

The insurance must cover all the medical expenses and repatriation of your residence country.

We use and recommend   Heymondo  when it comes to travel Insurance.

Purchase a Heymondo policy with a 5% discount.

Detailed Plan or Itinerary

This is just a datewise or day-wise plan on plain white paper.

List down all the countries, cities, and attractions you are planning to visit and mention the inter-Schengen and intra-Schengen transport details along with the names and addresses of hotels or hostels or Airbnb you are planning to stay at.

Proof of Financial Situation

The proof of finances is asked to know if you have enough funds to make it through the itinerary and come back.

The documents to support the proof of enough funds include a bank statement from your bank with a stamp and a signature for the last 3 months, payslips for the last 3 or 6 months, ETF or EPF contribution slips, and Income tax returns for the last 3 years.

A sponsorship letter if someone else is sponsoring your trip with his or her bank statement for the last 3 months.

Documents Required for Minors or Children Traveling With You

The application form for a child has to be signed by both parents.

You need to show the letter from the school or university confirming permitted leave and the birth certificate/s of the child or children traveling with you.

Other Documents

Employment and Leave letter if employed, Business registration if self-employed, and Pension statements for the last six months if retiree.

You need a marriage certificate if the partner’s name isn’t mentioned in the passport.

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I Don’t Have One of the Documents They Demand. I’m Authentic. What Can Be Done?

I’d say being genuine and true is the key to getting a Schengen visa even when you don’t have some documents.

A cover letter is the face of your application and thus, a powerful tool. Just explain in your cover letter which document is missing and why you are unable to provide it.

Here, I want to cite this example of a backpacker who couldn’t provide proof of transportation within the Schengen zone as he was planning to use interstate buses or trains on the go depending upon whatever he found cheaper.

You know, he stated the same reason in the cover letter and got his Schengen visa.

But, yes there’s no guarantee here if the embassy is strict on the rules.

Though, it’s always better to arrange for the desired documents and then apply for the visa.

Do I Really Need to Show Confirmed Hotel Bookings and Flight Reservations for Visa?

Now, this is a bit tricky.

However, they mention on their websites, not to book the confirmed flight tickets but to ask for the confirmation proof.

To get a Schengen visa, it is mandatory to show confirmed flight tickets and accommodation bookings for your entire duration of travel and stay in the Schengen region.

The safest option is to book fully refundable flights on your credit card and cancel to rebook the cheaper flights once you get your visa.

Fully refundable flights, of course, are way more expensive than their non-refundable counterparts but keep you safe from any losses, and then no one can question their authenticity.

The ticket hold option for a free or minimal fee or using award miles by airline companies can be used.

But, they can hold tickets for a minimum of a day and a maximum of a week. So, it’s quite risky if your visa processing takes more than a week.

Which option did we choose?

We paid a small amount of money to a travel agent and got our flight or travel itinerary.

A flight itinerary is like a detailed plan of the flights to the Schengen area.

The document shows the chosen airline with a flight name, your name, a valid flight reservation number or booking ID, arrival and departure date, and airport codes, as well as the price.

There are a couple of online visa booking sites too that provide flight and hotel itineraries for a little amount of service fee. We use and trust OneWayFly !

You can go ahead with the same flights once you get the visa and your money is adjusted in the total flight amount or you can plan to book different flights. Here, the loss is minimal.

For accommodations, I used Booking.com to book hotels, canceled them, and booked Airbnb when I got my visa.

Booking.com lets you book hotels and cancel them nearer to your date of stay without a fee.

You get a full refund. Airbnb refunds the booking amount minus service charges.

I have heard that some of the embassies have become smart and stopped accepting booking.com reservations for visa applications.

Some embassies even don’t accept Airbnb bookings. I guess Hungry is one of them.

How Much Money Do I Need to Show in My Account?

The more the merrier 😉

The unwritten rule here is to maintain a balance of at least 1.5 to 2 lakhs in your account over the past few months.

Please don’t do last-minute transfers because they do more harm than good because it looks fishy to them.

Also, avoid withdrawing any money from the account after you have submitted the documents to the embassy.

Wait till you get your visa.

You can show the credit card statements, property papers, FD account statements, and PF slips to strengthen your case.

The means of subsistence differs depending upon the European country you are visiting or applying to.

This can be 15 Euros per day per person for Latvia, and 100 Euros per day per person for Norway or Switzerland.

Multiply the amount by the number of persons and the number of days to calculate the total amount. That amount should be visible in your bank account statement.

In case you don’t have enough funds (according to the Europen Union Standards) at the time when you planning to apply for the visa, you can loan or lend money from family or friends and return them once you get your visa.

Read More: Best Road Trips in Europe for Families

What to Expect at VFS?

Reach 15 minutes before your appointment time. Show your appointment letter to the security guard outside and follow the path to the counter.

Take a token number from the counter and wait for your turn.

The token numbers are displayed on the screen with the counter number you need to go to submit the application.

The VFS agent checks your application and documents and puts them in the right order.

You need to carry all your original documents for the visa officer to check during your Schengen visa application process.

He or she lets you know if any document is missing. If it’s just a printout, you can go to the photocopy station and get it done. Though, prices are a bit higher than the market.

The agent doesn’t accept the application in case the documents are not complete. You need to make an appointment again and come back to submit the application.

Once the documents are checked and put in order, the agent gives the slip to complete the payment (visa fee + VFS charges) which is done at a separate counter.

You can pay the amount by cash or card and when you show the payment receipt to the VFS agent, the application folder is handed over to you to proceed with the biometrics.

You are given a receipt after the biometrics submission which needs to be saved for future use. The biometrics are valid for 59 months.

They’ll ask for it when you go to collect your passports from VFS and the courier person also delivers passports after seeing that receipt.

You can choose to collect your passport from VFS or to have it couriered to your address.

Remember, In both cases, you need to show the receipt and the ID card.

I always choose to collect the passports on my own just to reduce the risk of it getting lost in transit.

If you are still not clear about the documents or have any doubts about the visa application process, VFS’s Premium Lounge Service is a premium service that can be pre-booked over the phone or can be opted for while you submit your application where you get personalized service by a dedicated staff who checks your documents and guides you through the whole process.

Check if it’s available in your city or not. Not to mention, you pay extra for the premium services.

I haven’t used those services, so can’t really comment on that.

Do I Have To Attend the Visa Interview or Does the Embassy Official Call?

Well, In cases where the cover letter and the documents fail to convince the embassy official but they still feel that you must get a chance to prove your case, they may call you for one on one.

Try to be as real as possible but remember that impeccable honesty comes at a price. I hope you are able to read between the lines.

In some scenarios, they take a telephonic interview.

They call you to clear their doubts related to your travel plans and it’s imperative to answer them confidently.

You should remember the dates, itinerary, and the other details provided in the documents by heart to avoid any confusion.

A mismatch between the details given in the cover letter or documents and details provided over the phone can be disastrous.

What Questions Are Likely to Be Asked If Schengen Visa Interview (face-to-face 0r telephonic) Happens?

I spoke to some of my friends and fellow travelers who have been through the situation.

Here’s the essence of it!

• Why do you want to visit Europe or the (country you are applying to)?
• What is the purpose of your visit?
• Can you share the itinerary you have planned?
• How are you planning to travel within the Schengen zone?
• Have you booked your intra-Schengen flight, bus, cruise, or train tickets?
• Who’s financing your trip?
• Do you know that Europe is expensive? Would you be able to manage the cost?
• Which airline company have you booked your tickets with?
• What’s your date of departure?
• When are you coming back?
• How many days are you planning to stay in the Schengen area?
• Have you booked your stay for the entire duration?
• Which hotel have you chosen for your stay in ———(the country you are applying to)?
• How long have you been working with the ———– (company name)?
• Do you have any friends or family members in ——— (the country you are applying to)?

Be realistic and positive during the interview because that can get you the Schengen visa easily 🙂

How Long Does it Take for a Schengen Short Stay Visa to be Approved in India?

It’s recommended to apply for a Schengen visa at least 3 weeks before your travel dates to give yourself buffer time.

You normally hear from the embassy within 15 days (2 weeks) from the date the embassy receives your application file.

But there have been cases when people get their visas in just 3 or 4 days.

In our case, it took 20 days to get the visa from the Norway Embassy. The delay was because of the summer vacation rush.

Next time around, it only took 6 days for us to get the visa from the Austrian Embassy.

So, I guess it varies from case to case and embassy to embassy.

The Estimated Time is Over! I’m Still Waiting for the Visa. What Should Be My Next Step?

Firstly, don’t panic.

It does take more than the estimated time in certain cases like when the embassy is overwhelmed with visa applications due to summer vacations.

If you haven’t received your visa past 15 days, it’s advisable to write a mail to the embassy mentioning your travel dates.

Don’t forget to attach the travel itinerary and hotel or flight booking papers.

Call the VFS to get the correct email address because sometimes the mail isn’t mentioned on the embassy’s website and also if your application has taken way more than the required time, VFS itself forwards your case to the embassy for a quick response.

Why Was My Schengen Visa Rejected?

There can be a lot of reasons for the Schengen visa rejection.

To elucidate a few –

• Past or Current Criminal Record
• The documents and cover letter you provided are unable to endorse the purpose of your travel. They failed to convince the visa officer.
• You haven’t shown enough proof of funds.
• You have demonstrated false or forged travel documents. It can be anything from false hotel or flight booking documents to employment proof documents. Remember, the embassy officials crosscheck everything and this obviously earns you a visa rejection but also a bad name and makes it difficult to get a visa in the future.
• A mismatch between the dates you mentioned in the travel itinerary and the dates you stated in the visa application.
• Your Travel Insurance is invalid and inadequate.  A Travel Insurance Policy is a must for a Schengen visa and it doesn’t cost you any money because good insurance companies refund the amount if a visa is denied.
• Your intention to return is unclear. Your cover letter or supporting documents that show ties to your home country are unable to convince the embassy official. Sometimes, just the return flight tickets aren’t enough. You need to show that you have a job or business back home, you own a property, your kids are enrolled in a school and you have a leave sanction from your employer clearly stating that you’ll be back to the job on this particular date.
• To err is human. Embassy officials can make a mistake while handling the application. One can reapply in cases where he or she is sure about the documents presented.
• You have applied at the wrong Embassy because you were unable to determine your main destination.
• The supporting documents fail to show the booked accommodation for each Schengen country and each night you spend in the Schengen region.
• The flight bookings aren’t complete. For example, when you travel as a group, you mistakenly, forget to show flight bookings for one of the applicants.
• You are not able to demonstrate transport bookings inside the Schengen region.
• Invalid invitation letter
• Unacceptable birth or marriage certificate
• The reason for rejection can be your passport. The passport is damaged or not in good condition, It is not valid as it expires in less than 6 months, or It doesn’t have enough blank pages (at least 2 blank pages are needed).
• You failed to respect the Schengen Visa limitations last time e.g overstaying in the Schengen Area or spending more days in some other Schengen country rather than your main country.

Will My Fee Be Refunded If My Visa Gets Rejected?

Unfortunately, No.

The visa fee covers the cost of processing the visa application.

Can I Apply for Schengen Visa After Rejection? Can I Apply Through a Different Embassy as a Fresh Application?

You have two alternatives.

One is to appeal against the decision.

The reason for the refusal is mentioned in the rejection letter. Appeal only if you feel that the reason given is not right. Also, appeals concerning rejections take a long time from weeks to months, and are not a good alternative if your travel dates are fixed.

So, the second and best option is to reapply through the same embassy or a different Schengen state embassy.

You stand a fair chance if you reapply as you are treated as a new applicant. Don’t forget to make changes in accordance with the reason for refusal.

How Long Can I Stay in the Schengen Zone Once I Get My Visa? What’s the Schengen Visa Validity?

A Schengen visa generally allows you to stay in any of the Schengen states during the trip, within the validity of the visa.

The Schengen visa validity is a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days for tourist purposes.

Don’t confuse the visa validity and the duration of stay.

Your Schengen Visa validity for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa can be 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years depending on the embassy’s decision but the duration of stay can be a maximum of 90 days.

How Can I Check My Schengen Visa Validity?

The Schengen Visa validity is mentioned on the visa sticker affixed to your passport.

In our case, the visa validity was 45 days.

Can I Leave the Schengen Region and Come Back Again With the Visa That’s Still Active?

The Schengen visa allows single entry or multiple entries based on your visa application.

The same is mentioned on your visa sticker.

With a single entry visa, you can enter the Schengen zone only once for a certain period of time while the multiple entry visa allows you to go in and out of the Schengen region freely within the validity of the visa.

I Have Connecting Flights, With a Layover at a Schengen State Airport. Do I Have to Apply For The Transit Visa to Exit the Airport?

You have a Schengen visa valid for entry to all the Schengen states.

You can exit the airport to travel to the Schengen state during the layover.

Can Schengen Visa Be Extended?

Visa can only be extended if you have stayed in the Schengen region for less than 90 days in any 180-day period and the current visa hasn’t expired.

If the reason for the extension isn’t strong and serious enough, it rarely gets through.

What Are the Things to Keep in Mind to Improve The Chances of Success in Scoring a Schengen Visa from India?

• Research.Research. Research. Know the rules from A to Z.
• Write an impressive cover letter.
• Choose the embassy to apply for your visa application wisely. Check the embassy toughness index and plan your itinerary around the easiest-to-get visa embassy.
• Turn down VFS. They know nothing more than the information given on the website and repeat the same in a parrot fashion.
• Plan well in advance.
• Carry additional copies of the documents while submitting the application at VFS to avoid any rush.

Disclaimer : The tips and tricks mentioned in this post are based on my personal experience. Please don’t consider them as a standard for judging or deciding because every case is unique. Also, please note that all the information provided here was true at the time of publishing but may change without prior notice. The visa policies are volatile and the information regarding the visa keeps on changing periodically. We try to keep the post updated, however, there can be certain discrepancies. If you find any, please let us know 🙂

All the best!

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24 thoughts on “Schengen Visa from India: A Complete Guide”

Such an exemplary post with so much of indepth information.. Truly speaking I was waiting for your post to bookmark and now i just need those colorful papers to make this trip come true soon.

Thank you, Mohit. May your dream trip soon be a reality 🙂

What a great detail.. and it’s such an irony that I just submitted all my documents today only to the agent actually .. it’s my first time so applying through agents but your pointers definitely will make me feel much educated about the same. . great post and a helpful one ..infact I would say such detail is going to help so many people have done better insights .

Thanks, Debs. I hope this DIY Schengen Visa Guide inspires more and more people to apply visa on their own without the help of agents.

Wooww.. Amazing informative post with each and every details . Such detailing with every small steps and I am really feeling great and knowlegable after read thoroughly the post. Loved your post and I am going to save it for future reference . ☺?

Thank you so much, Pam 🙂

You nailed it girl.

Thanks, Stuti.

Such an informative article Anjali. You’ve discussed each and every point in such a way that I think no one need an agent to apply for the visa. Lovely read after a long time. You should definitely post more.

Thanks for such kind and encouraging words, Yogesh. I hope this post makes the Schengen visa process a bit easier for Indians.

I have plenty of Indian friends with whom I will share this detailed, informative and helpful article, Anjali. You’ve done an amazing job composing such guide!

Thank you very informative and detailed article exactly the kind i was looking for.Kindly share the cover letter on my email .Thank you.

you nailed it girl, such detailed post on visa guide..bookmarking it for future reference.

Thank you so much, Mayuri 🙂

Superb article which can work as a reference for all. Keep it up..Loved this…

I’m glad you found this helpful, Tanayesh. Thanks!

Would you advise against showing airbnb booking for Schengen visa applications? Also we have planned our whole itinerary and we are spending the most time in Austria. Do you think the difference between French Embassy and Austrian Embassy success rate is enough to justify adding a day to France and removing one from Austria?

Hey, Rhiti! I’d recommend showing Booking.com hotel bookings as you can cancel or change the bookings (if and when needed) without even spending a penny. On Airbnb, they mostly deduct the service fee when you cancel the booking. Also, I don’t think there’s much difference in the Austrian and French Embassy when it comes to the visa-issuing success rate. We applied through Austrian Embessay last summer and got our visa in just 5 days. Just make sure your documents are in place and you’re good to go 🙂

Thank you so much for this great information. i read your article. it was nice and clearly. i can recommend schengen visa flight itinearary .

So, I’ll give you an update. I applied for Schengen visa from Slovenia. I got a call from visa officer asking me to submit non-refundable hotels with proof of transactions. My refundabale hotel was not accepted. However, I mailed him the new hotel on Saturday evening, my passport was stamped on Monday morning. This didn’t happen during my earlier visit to Austria. They accepted refundable hotels.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s helpful to know that the requirements for non-refundable hotel bookings can vary depending on the country and the specific visa officer. Your quick response with the new hotel information certainly paid off. It’s interesting to note the difference in your experience with Austria, where refundable hotels were accepted.

This highlights the importance of checking the specific requirements for each Schengen country when applying for a visa. Thanks again for your update—it will surely assist others in their visa applications.

Thanks for taking the effort to put in so much details. I am sure it will of great help for all those planning to travel to Schengen region.

1. It is really all encompassing.never read such thing from Indian perspective. I have travelled 31 countries but my queries now are for Italy Sicily going 2 days stay in Valetta Malta back to Sicily return from Italy;- 1. Should I add separate Letter to Embassy of Malta in same application since I am going to apply single entry type C schenzen visa. 2. I have schenzen visa from Spain in 2018 for group tour does that help anyway. Should I mention some where. 3. We assume VFS Mumbai to be best from Nashik. Is iVisa and other one better for Italy schenzen. Naturally they will be costlier than VFS. Q4;- Can I complete my form and send to Consulate at Mumbai or they do not process Visas directly. Q5;- I have 3 passports. Do I have to submit coloured pages of all 3 passports or only last one in Use.. Can you quote where it is written in ambassadorial document for visa to Italy. Q6:- Do we have to submit only return confirmed flight ticket or onward as well.. Q7:- Are detail travel daily tickets to be attached for travelling to different places inside Italy( return Ferry ticket Sicily to Valetta in Malta can be enclosed).

Sorry for not replying on time. We were experiencing technical issues with blog comments and missed some notifications. Given that your comment is from August 2023, answering your questions might not be helpful for you now. However, answering your questions could still be beneficial for other readers who might have similar queries, so I’ll address all your points.

First off, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you found the article comprehensive and insightful from an Indian perspective. Now answering your queries:

1. Since you are applying to the Italian embassy for a Schengen visa, you do not need to add a separate letter to the Embassy of Malta. A detailed itinerary that includes your visit to Malta will be sufficient. 2. You don’t need to mention your previous Schengen visa from Spain in 2018 anywhere as you will be submitting your passports that have the stamped visa information. 3. If you are applying on your own, you will need to visit VFS Mumbai and handle the process yourself. However, if you think you can’t do it on your own, you can seek help from agencies like iVisa that assist in submitting the visa applications and ease the process. Of course, they’ll charge an additional fee for their services. 4. You typically need to submit your application through VFS Global or another authorized visa application center, not directly at the consulate. You will need to book an appointment and submit your application in person at the designated visa application center. For more information, you can visit the VFS Global FAQ page and the Schengen Visa Info website ​​​. 5. For your Schengen visa application to Italy, you need to provide color copies of the pages of your current passport that contain personal data, visas, and entry/exit stamps. You do not need to submit copies of your old passports unless specifically requested by the consulate. This information is typically outlined in the visa application requirements provided by VFS Global or other visa service centers. 6. To apply for an Italy Schengen visa, you need to provide proof of both your onward and return flight tickets. This includes a round-trip flight reservation with dates and flight numbers that specify your entry and exit from the Schengen area. Some Schengen authorities accept the flight itinerary when applying for the visa but might request the actual air ticket when the visa is collected​. 7. When we applied, internal travel bookings were not required. However, one of my friends applied for an Italy visa recently and they were asked for all the internal bookings. So yes, it seems that visa application requirements can vary and may have become stricter. To be on the safe side, it’s advisable to include detailed travel itineraries and proof of internal travel arrangements, such as ferry tickets, to demonstrate your planned movements and accommodations within Italy. Providing this documentation will support your application and show that you have thoroughly planned your trip​.

I’ve answered all the questions based on my experience, experiences shared by my friends and family, and some quick research. However, some of the information might have changed. It might be best to check the most accurate and updated information on the official VFS Global website or the Italian consulate’s website

If you’ve personally gone through this experience, as I assume you might have, and there are any discrepancies in my answers, please feel free to update them to help future readers.

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Schengen Visa for Citizens of India

Planning a trip from India to a Schengen country? We're here to simplify the Schengen Visa process for Indian passport holders.

As your go-to source for visa information, we provide easy-to-understand guidance – from eligibility and application steps to fees and required documents. We aim to make your visa journey as smooth as possible. Are you dreaming of watching the northern lights in Finland, strolling through the romantic streets of Paris, or exploring the historical wonders of Rome? We're here to help you secure your Schengen Visa from India and make your European dreams come true. Let's get started on your exciting European adventure!

What is the Schengen visa for Indian citizens?

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows Indian citizens to travel freely within the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone for a maximum stay of up to 90 days per entry within a 180-day period.

The 27 Schengen countries abolished passport control at their mutual borders. They introduced the Schengen Visa to allow tourists to explore multiple European countries easily in a single trip.

The Schengen Visa is primarily meant for short stays for the purpose of tourism, business, or visiting friends and family . However, there are several types of Schengen visas (including transit visas and student visas) depending on the purpose of your visit.

It's important to note that while the Schengen Visa allows free movement within the Schengen Area, the visa approval itself is subject to meeting certain requirements and is at the discretion of the issuing authority.

Types of Schengen Visa in India

A Schengen Visa can be of several types, catering to the specific needs of travelers:

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) include options such as the Schengen Visa for Indian tourists, often classified as a Type C short-term visa. This type also includes the Transit Visa (Type B) and Airport Transit Visa (Type A).

Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV) are only valid for certain Schengen States as specified during the visa application process.

National Visas (Type D) accommodate long-term stays, including the Schengen Visa for Indian students and researchers. These visas primarily permit the holder to live, work, or study in a specific country and allow short-term travel to other Schengen countries.

Special-purpose visas cater to unique situations like medical treatment, official visits, and journalists. Specific categories here include the Schengen Visa for Indian business travelers and the Schengen Visa for Indian citizens with a family member in the EU.

Applying for the correct visa type in line with your travel purpose is essential to ensure a smooth application process.

What Schengen countries can Indian citizens apply to for a visa?

Need a Type C Schengen Visa? You're in luck! We at iVisa have made it easy for you to apply online . For other visas, like long-term or transit visas, just contact the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit.

We've got your back for short-stay Schengen Visas for many countries. Check out the list below and click the appropriate option to apply online for Indian citizens.

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Portugal Schengen Visa

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Want to visit another country? We’ll be adding more countries available for online applications soon. Contact us now by online chat for free travel advice.

Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens

When you apply for a Schengen Visa with us, we will send you the full list of documents you must provide to apply. Some of the documents you need for the application are:

A copy of your valid passport: It must be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date and have at least three blank pages.

Proof of your travel plans: This can be a return ticket to your home country or confirmed hotel reservation(s).

Proof of sufficient funds: Show evidence that you can support yourself during your European stay. You can provide bank statements or a letter from your employer stating your income.

Travel/medical insurance: This travel health insurance must cover medical expenses and repatriation in an emergency.

Two passport-sized photos: Ensure the picture meets all the Schengen Visa photo requirements .

Visa application form: The form should be correctly and honestly filled out, printed, and signed.

You may need to provide additional documents for any dependents traveling with you, such as your spouse or any children.

Those who meet these basic requirements should have no problem getting their Schengen visa applications approved. The government authorities will place your Schengen visa in your passport after approval.

Minimum bank balance required for Schengen Visa - India

As you can see in the list above, you must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses . To meet this requirement, you must present stamped bank statements of the past three months proving you have enough money to support your stay. If a company or another person is paying for your trip, provide their bank statements from the last three months and include a copy of their ID or Tax Identification Number as a supporting document.

The minimum bank balance needed for a Schengen Visa in India differs based on the country you plan to visit , as expenses vary across countries. For example, the cost of a holiday in Croatia might be lower compared to Switzerland. Therefore, it's important to check the specific financial requirements for the country where you intend to use the Schengen Visa.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from India?

We appreciate that the process of applying for a Schengen Visa can sometimes seem daunting. That's why we are here to make it as smooth and straightforward as possible. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Start by completing our user-friendly online Schengen Visa application form, providing your personal details and travel information.

Step 2: Ensure that all the information provided is accurate. Once that's done, pay our processing fee online. Please note that the government fee may be a separate payment directly to the government, depending on the Schengen Visa you’re applying for.

Upon successful payment, you'll receive a comprehensive PDF guide from us. This guide will help you navigate through the rest of the application process, providing step-by-step instructions for the form, an exhaustive list of necessary documents, and invaluable tips for acing your Schengen Visa interview (if required).

• Step 3: Attend your appointment with the embassy or consulate on the day of your interview. Be sure to bring all the required documents.

After submitting your application, you must wait for your Schengen Visa to be approved.

Note: We offer you an application for a multiple-entry visa, but in the end, the Embassy decides if you will receive a multiple-entry visa, double-entry visa, or single-entry visa.

Schengen visa fee and processing time for Indian citizens

At iVisa, we offer standard processing, which takes 30 days for us to process your application. This doesn’t include the time the government may take to schedule the appointment, process your application, and issue your visa.

Our processing fee varies depending on the Schengen visa country you apply for and other services you may add. During the application process on our site, you can add services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, or Embassy Registration.

We also offer an iVisa Fee Protection , which allows us to process a new application for no additional processing fee if you're unable to make your trip, as well as the option to get a flight reservation or itinerary that is valid for two weeks and can be used to apply for a visa, as proof of return to show to immigration officers while traveling, for car rental purposes, etc.

How to book an appointment for a Schengen visa interview from India?

Once you've filled out your visa application form, the next step in securing any Schengen Visa as an Indian applicant is to book an appointment at the appropriate Visa Application Center (VAC). We at iVisa will handle this booking for you and provide all the necessary guidance. However, there are some crucial points to remember.

Before your Schengen Visa appointment:

Ensure all the necessary documents are collated, organized, and ready.

Your visa application must be printed and signed before your appointment.

Remember that the Visa Application Center will retain your passport and documents while processing your application.

Be prepared to travel to the nearest Visa Application Center, even if it is in a different city. Plan your travel logistics.

What to expect during a Schengen visa interview?

Officials will authenticate your application and input your details into their digital system. This process typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If the visa is for a minor (under 18), ensure both parents have signed the requisite forms.

Remember to carry enough cash to pay for the visa fee on the day of your interview.

Tips for a successful Schengen visa application as an Indian citizen

The process of applying for a Schengen Visa can often be complex and detailed. Beyond applying with us, there are some key things you can do to increase your chances of a successful Schengen Visa application as an Indian citizen.

Common reasons for Schengen visa rejections for Indian citizens

Recognizing common reasons for Schengen Visa rejections and avoiding them can help you navigate potential issues:

Incomplete or misleading documentation: Ensure your documents are complete and accurate. Our visa experts will double-check these before submission to the government.

Insufficient means of subsistence: Applicants need proof of enough funds for their stay, like bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsorship letter.

Invalid travel insurance: Confirm your policy covers up to €30,000 for medical emergencies, as per requirement.

Unclear purpose of visit: State your visit's purpose clearly. The relevant proof strengthens your application, whether it's tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.

Overstaying past visas: If you've overstayed a visa, address this honestly and provide a valid explanation. Compliance with past visa rules boosts your credibility.

Considering these points enhances your chances of a successful application. Clarity and comprehensiveness are key.

How to appeal a Schengen visa rejection?

If your Schengen Visa application has been rejected, you must understand you have the right to appeal. Here's how:

Understand the reasons for rejection: The Schengen authorities will provide a refusal letter stating the reason(s) for rejection. Understanding these reasons is the first step in the appeal process.

Write an appeal letter: Draft a letter explaining why you believe the decision should be reconsidered. Provide detailed responses to the reasons given in the refusal letter.

Submit the appeal letter: Send your letter to the embassy or consulate that rejected your application. The time limit to lodge an appeal varies, so it's important to act quickly.

Wait for a response: After submitting your appeal, you'll have to wait for a decision. This can take up to several weeks.

Remember, while rejection can be disappointing, it is not the end of the road. An appeal, especially one backed by a strong case, can turn the decision in your favor. Our team will happily assist you if you’re nervous about appealing or reapplying alone.

Simply contact our expert customer service team for more information! Reach them through our convenient online chat or by sending an email to [email protected] .

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Well, since the summer in Europe often extends beyond August and can last as late as October, one can start planning ahead. If you go by the reports of Schengen Visa Statistics, you will find a variance in visa rejection rates among different countries. Applying to countries with lower rejection rates can enhance an applicant's chances of success. Read less

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More Indians than ever are going on holiday abroad – so where are they heading and why?

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Travel is on the rise again. According to the UN’s tourism agency, international travel for all purposes reached 97% of its pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of 2024. In some regions such as Africa and Europe, arrivals are already surpassing these levels.

Indian travellers, in particular, are adding to this growing trend – no nation’s outbound tourism market is growing faster. In response to this rapidly expanding travel boom, Indian airlines ordered record numbers of new planes in 2024.

The Indian travel market is gigantic, with its middle class now representing 31% of the country’s population . This figure is expected to increase to 60% by 2047, meaning there will be more than 1 billion middle-class Indians by the middle of the century.

For budding Indian tourists, the future of travel looks exciting. But for the many destinations already besieged by overtourism , this new market may be viewed through a more sceptical lense .

Read more: Bali gives a snapshot of what 'overtourism' looks like in the developing world

Nonetheless, Indian tourists spent US$33.3 billion (£25.3 billion) in 2023, and many destinations are recognising their potential. In April, for example, Japan introduced a new e-visa system for Indian tourists in the hopes of increasing arrivals .

Two months earlier, Dubai created a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa tailored to Indian visitors. South Africa’s simplified visa scheme will also start in 2025, while other nations including Malaysia , Kenya , Thailand and Iran have scrapped visa requirements for Indian tourists entirely.

The evidence suggests these schemes work. Tour operator Thomas Cook reported in May that Indian demand for holidays in Georgia has surged by a staggering 600% year-on-year since the country launched its e-visa system for Indian tourists in 2015.

Other European markets have been slower to adjust. Europe’s border-free Schengen zone has introduced a new “cascade” system, which will allow Indian visitors who have used a short-stay visa twice in the last three years to now apply for a two-year, multiple-entry tourist visa.

But, while this is a positive step towards easier travel for some Indian tourists, it will have no effect on new travellers. The Schengen visa process can also still take months, requires significant paperwork, and appointments are notoriously difficult to find.

The story is similar for British visas. Many people in India, as well as other applicants , feel the process is too harsh and can be humiliating . Endless amounts of paperwork are required, including bank statements and invitation letters, and rejections are often not explained.

In a study of travel trends in India, online travel platform Booking.com also found that Indian tourists typically book their trip at the last minute. They spend just 30 days planning a holiday on average, compared with 63 days for Americans and 90 days for Brits. Many simply cannot be bothered with time-consuming visa requirements, and are opting for easier and more welcoming destinations instead.

So, where are they going?

Budget airlines flying to relatively nearby destinations have contributed to India’s tourism rush, with south-east Asia increasingly popular. According to Google Trends , Vietnam was the most-researched destination by Indians in 2023.

That year, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reported a 231% increase in visitors from India compared with 2019. Other south-east Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are seeing similarly huge jumps in arrivals .

Indian travellers are hugely influenced by television and movies, often opting to visit the places they have seen in Bollywood. Despite visa restrictions, the number of Indian tourists visiting Spain jumped by 40% in 2011 after the La Tomatina festival – where participants throw tomatoes at each other – was featured in the popular Hindi movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara .

It has been a similar story for Switzerland. Several Bollywood movies filmed there over the past 50 years have resulted in an Indian tourism love affair with the country. The Swiss tourist board even offers Bollywood tours to the various sites featured in Indian cinema.

While only 9% of Indian travellers focus on long-haul destinations in western Europe, Switzerland has been a top-20 destination for Indian tourists for over a decade.

Other destinations have started using Bollywood actors in their promotional campaigns. Dubai, for example, is promoted by the Indian acting superstar and film producer Shah Rukh Khan . And the heartthrob actor Siddharth Malhotra has been New Zealand’s brand ambassador since 2015.

By 2040, the number of international tourist departures from India could hit 90 million , not far from the 104 million Chinese tourists who travelled in 2019 . However, research suggests that Chinese holidaymakers are increasingly deciding to travel at home, meaning Indian tourists may soon overtake them.

As more people in India flock to airport departure lounges, tourist destinations around the world are jostling for position in the race to take their share.

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Schengen transit visa a must for connecting flights via Europe: Here's why

Indian citizens generally need a schengen transit visa if their flight has a layover in a schengen country.

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B. Required documents

C. additional documents for applications of minor applicants.

• Application form and both declarations under 1)-3) have to be signed by both parents
• Birth Certificate
• Passport copy (biometric and address page) of the applicants mother
• Passport copy (biometric and address page) of the applicants father
• If one or both parents are not submitting the visa application with the child: copy of the visa of that parent
• If only one parent submits the application:  Proof of single custody of that parent either by submittal of the court ruling or submittal of the death certificate of the deceased parent  Or (if both parents have shared custody) submittal of written and signed authorization letter of the parent non-present with passport copy (biometric and address page)

D. Additional documents the applicant wants to submit

Please note that VFS is not authorized to refuse acceptance of documents the applicant wants to submit but are not mentioned on the checklist.

E. Information about biometric data

• Were the fingerprints of the applicant collected in the last 59 months for applying for a Schengen visa in India? If yes, please mention month and year of collection:
• Was the applicant excused from giving fingerprints for biometrics? If so, please specify why!

F. Additional document if application is not submitted by the applicant directly

• Signed authorization letter for the travel agent or the representative
• Copy of passport of the person submitting the application

G. General remarks of the German mission for submittal of a Schengen visa application

 Applications are processed within 15 working days from the day of arrival at the visa section. When submitting your application via VFS application center, please keep in mind that the visa application will need up to two working days to reach the visa section. Public holidays of the German missions as announced on our website will not count as working days.  Please note that individual status inquiries cannot be answered within the standard processing time of 15 working days.  A booked flight ticket does not result in a preferred processing of the application.  All documents, forms and declarations have to be submitted either in German or English. All documents, forms and declarations not in German or English have to be submitted with proper German or English translation. Failing to provide proper translation will result in the document, form or declaration considered “missing”.

H. Special remarks of the German mission for submittal of a Schengen visa application in the respective category

 If you are planning on working in Germany on your Schengen Visa, kindly check with the inviting company whether you need a (Pre-)approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Einvernehmen und / oder Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit!)

The (Pre-)approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Einvernehmen und / oder Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit) has to be obtained by the hosting company / institution directly at the Federal Employment Agency and has to be presented when submitting the visa application. The visa section cannot apply for these documents. Be aware that if your visa category requires a (Pre-) approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Einvernehmen und / oder Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and you cannot provide us with the same in your application, this justifies grounds for rejection!

I Declaration of the visa applicant (signed by the representative if application is submitted by him/her at the VFS VAC on the day of submittal)

I have taken note of the general and special remarks as mentioned under F and G on checklist. I have been informed that VFS Global does not have any influence on the decision about a visa application! I confirm that the VFS officer has noted all documents submitted by me and that I want the application in its present form to be forwarded to the German mission. I am aware that original documents not submitted with a copy will be kept by the visa section.

Name, Surname of the applicant or representative:

Signature of the applicant or representative:

J Confirmation of VFS on the day of submittal

Date of submittal: __________________________ VFS VAC in _____________________ Application submitted: by the applicant / the parents as holders of the custody of minor applications / a representative with proper authorization (please cross what is not applicable)

I confirm that above this checklist has been filled out together with and signed in front of me by the applicant or his / her duly authorized representative at today’s appointment at the above VAC.

VFS Officer Full Name: …………………… Signature: ……………………….….

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Why you may need a schengen visa on your next trip to the us or canada.

Traveling to the US or Canada with layovers in Schengen countries may require a transit Schengen visa. This visa allows passage through airport transit areas without entering the country. Requirements depend on nationality, and failing to obtain it can cause major travel disruptions. Ensure all necessary visas are secured before your journey.

How to Apply for a Transit Schengen Visa

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• Completed Visa Application Form: Obtain and fill out the Schengen visa application form accurately.
• Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity extending three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area.
• Travel Itinerary: Proof of your travel plans, including flight tickets showing your layover and final destination.
• Proof of Visa for Final Destination: A visa or entry permit for the country you are traveling to after your layover in the Schengen Area.
• Travel Insurance: Evidence of travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
• Proof of Financial Means: Documentation showing you have sufficient funds to cover your stay and transit.

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