Let’s agree – we all have once dreamt of that classic Bollywood-style Europe tour. But visa restrictions make it difficult for Indians to travel. Applying for multiple visas and going through the entire visa procedure for each European country is a nightmare for many. However, worry not! Here’s how you can apply for a Schengen Visa from India to visit the most visited continent on Earth!
Schengen Visa: What It Is, Countries Included, And Types
What Is A Schengen Visa?
We begin with the basics – let’s understand what a Schengen Visa is. It is a visa that grants you a short-term travel permit allowing non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area citizens to enter and move freely within countries that fall in the Schengen Zone. This travel permit makes it a lot more convenient for these citizens as they won’t be required to apply for individual visas for the countries they are visiting. They can move freely up to 90 days within a 180-day period and are most commonly used for family visits, tourism, and business purposes.
Countries Included In Schengen Visa
These are the countries you can visit if you have a Schengen Visa:
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Austria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Indian passport holders cannot freely move within the Schengen Zone without a visa. However, with a Schengen Visa, a single visa allows them to freely move within this zone. This makes travel much more convenient, cost-effective, and efficient.
4 Types Of Schengen Visas For Indians
There are 4 different types of visas that Indians can choose from, depending on their purpose of visit.
- Tourist Visa: Ideal for traveling and sightseeing between the countries
- Business Visa: This visa is perfect if you want to attend work-related events, conferences, official meetings, etc.
- Family Visit Visa: If you have a family member living in the Schengen Zone, you’ll have to go with the Family Visit Visa.
- Transit Visa: Having a layover at one of the airports in the Schengen Zone? The Transit Visa is for you.
How To Apply For a Schengen Visa From India?
Find Where You Need To Apply
If you’re visiting only one country, apply at that country’s Embassy/Consulate with the help of VFS Global. This company is responsible for administering visas of many countries across the globe.
On the other hand, if you are visiting more than one country, apply for that country’s visa where you’ll be staying the longest. For example, if you are visiting France for 2 days and then Italy for 7 days, you must apply for an Italian visa.
If you are staying in multiple countries for an equal amount of time, you must apply for a visa of the country that you’ll be entering first. For example, if you are first visiting France, then Germany, Italy, and then Czech Republic each for 5 days, then you must apply for a French visa.
Schedule An Appointment
Once you’ve figured out where you need to apply for a Schengen Visa, you must schedule an appointment for the same. You can do this online on the Embassy, Consulate, or visa application center’s website. The visa appointment will depend on the body that’s authorizing your visa and it also depends on the season. For example, if you’re planning to visit Italy in the summers, you might have to wait for your slot for a longer duration as the country is one of the most visited summer destinations in the world.
Fill Out The Schengen Visa Application Form
Now that you’ve scheduled your visa application, it’s time to duly fill out the application form. You can either do this in an online mode or print the form and then fill it out. Read the instructions carefully and ensure that you make no mistakes.
Prepare The Documents For The Visa Application
Here are the documents required for the visa application form:
- A valid for at least six months and at least two blank pages
- New passport-sized photographs (as per Schengen requirements listed in the subheading below)
- Reservations for flights (tickets do not need to be purchased before the approval)
- Hotel Reservations/Invitation Letter (If staying with friends or family)
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (for unexpected medical expenses)
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) and bank statements (proof of financial stability)
- A cover letter for Schengen Visa that highlights your travel itinerary and reason for the trip
- A completely filled out and signed visa application form
Documents required for minors:
- Birth certificate of the minor
- Certified copies of both parents’ ID or passports
- Visa application form (signed by both parents)
- Family court order, if applicable, proving that one parent has full custody
- Parental authorization if the child is traveling alone, signed by both parents/guardians
Most visa authorizing bodies require you to submit original copies of all your documents, so make sure you have them handy.
Photo Requirements For Visa Application Documents
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Only color photos
- Head should cover 70 to 80% of the photo
- Light, plain background, preferably light gray
- Neutral expression: Close your mouth and do not smile
- Clothes that do not blend with the background
Attend The Schengen Visa Interview
You’ll receive official correspondence for your scheduled interview, so show up on time with all your documents. Here, you’ll be required to submit your biometrics as well. The interviewer will ask you general questions about why you’re going on this trip, your duration of the trip, and other information.
Wait For The Processing And Collect Your Passport
It generally takes about 15 to 30 days for the visa application process to get approved. Ideally, you should submit your application at least 45 to 60 days before departure. Once approved, you’ll be getting your hands on your Schengen Visa!
Schengen Visa Fee India
- As of 2025, the fee for adults is €80 (roughly INR 7,200)
- Children aged 6 to 12: €40 (roughly INR 3,600)
- If you’re child is under 6 years of age, you’ll not be required to pay any fee
- VFS Global Processing Fee: €20-25 (roughly INR 1,800 to Rs 2,200)
Summing Up
Applying for a Schengen Visa might seem a little intimidating at first, but with this comprehensive guide, you’re sure to have an easy time. No more applying for a plethora of visas and spending time in complicated processes! You can now get an all-inclusive visa for your Europe trip!
FAQs
Which Country Has Free Visa For Indians?
These are the countries that have visa-free entry for Indians:
- Thailand
- Macau
- Mauritius
- Bhutan
- Fiji
Do Visa Officers Check ITR?
Yes, absolutely! They check your ITR to assess your financial stability and whether you’ll be able to cover your travel expenses.
Why Is Schengen Visa Rejected?
A Schengen Visa can be rejected on the basis of following conditions:
- Unclear travel purpose
- Invalid passport
- Insufficient monetary funds
- Visa violation history
- Incomplete or incorrect application
