Schengen Visa From India - Visa Types, Fees and How to Apply

From the Northern Lights in Norway, to the sun kissed beaches of Spain, right to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, if you want to travel to Europe, there's an easy way! You can travel to the Schengen Area in Europe by applying for a Schengen visa. 

The Schengen zone is the largest passport-free zone in the European Union (EU). This zone includes several European countries. You can travel across countries in this travel zone with just one visa! The Schengen Visa gives you the freedom to travel to any country within the Schengen zone. With your Schengen visa, you can stay in the Schengen zone for 3 months or 90 days, whether you're here for a holiday, or on a business trip.

What is a Schengen Visa from India? 

If you are an Indian passport holder, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Visa from India to travel within the Schengen zone. You can apply for the Schengen visa from India. 

To apply for the Schengen visa, identify the type of Schengen Visa you need, according to the purpose of your visit, how long the stay will be, and how many times you need to enter the Schengen zone. Generally, standard Schengen or short-stay visas are granted for trips up to 90 days long. If you're planning on staying in the Schengen zone for longer than 90 days, you can apply for a work or study visa. Finally, if you need to travel regularly, you can apply for a multiple-entry Schengen Visa for Indians. 

Schengen Visa Countries List

Eligibility Criteria for Schengen Visa from India

If you are an Indian passport holder, you will need to pass eligibility for Schengen Visa to apply for, and get your Schengen visa approved. This will allow you to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries, whether you're going to work, study, or enjoying a holiday. 

The Schengen visa allows you to travel to the Schengen Area for 90 days. This visa is valid for a period of 6 months. If you're planning several trips to and from the Schengen Area, you can apply for the Schengen Multiple Entry visa. 

What to Know Before Applying for a Schengen Travel Visa 

You should apply for a Schengen visa at least 15 days before your trip, and up to 6 months in advance. Applying 2-3 weeks before your trip is ideal in case your Schengen visa application process goes through the rare delay or other hiccups.

To apply for a Schengen visa, you'll have to 

• Fill out an application form 

• Gather the necessary travel documents

• Go for a visa interview at the consulate, embassy, or visa application center in India

When you attend the Schengen visa interview, keep these tips in mind for a stress-free and simple process! 

• Relax! 

• Answer the question directly without adding extra information 

• Be honest and answers all questions intentionally

• Try to enjoy the interview - it's your gateway to the Schengen Area 

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India

A Schengen visa application process is straightforward and follows standard visa application procedures followed around the world. Follow these simple steps to apply for your Schengen visa! 

1. Identifying the type of Schengen visa you'll need.

2. Find out where you need to apply for a Schengen visa in India. Pay attention to the embassy/consulate/VAC of which country you need to apply at, as well as under the exact jurisdiction of which you fall.

3. Apply for your Schengen visa at least 15 days before you travel. You can apply 6 months in advance, as well. 

4. Gather the travel documents you need to apply for your Schengen visa.

5. Fix an appointment for your visa application interview. You can do this over the phone, online, or in person. 

6. Attend the visa application interview at the embassy or consulate in India. Be prepared with answers to relevant questions that you can find at the end of this article. 

7. Pay the Schengen visa application fee. All Schengen states have fixed and synchronized visa fees. Check out our table to know more about the visa application fees. 

8. Wait for your Schengen visa to be processed! This step is definitely the hardest yet most exciting. You may need to wait around 15 days to know whether your visa was approved or rejected 

Schengen Visa Requirements for Indians 

When you apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to meet certain requirements, which include submitting a variety of documents in order to move your application along. 

General Schengen Visa Documents

• Schengen visa application fully completed and signed.

• 2 recent passport photos, taken within the last 3 months.

• A valid passport that is not older than 10 years.

• The passport should be valid for at least 3 more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.

• Older passports with visas on them (if you have any).

• Round trip reservation, or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.

• 1 photocopy of your passport (A4 size copy).

• Leave letter from your company (if employed).

• NOC from your school or university, if you're a student.

• A travel insurance policy document to prove you have sufficient travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory.

• Your policy should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency such as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death.

• A document that shows Proof of accommodation and where you will be accommodated throughout your stay in Schengen

• Proof of accommodation can be a hostel booking, a rental agreement or a letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will be staying

• Proof of civil status, including marriage certificate, birth certificate

• Proof of financial means, as evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen

  • Bank account statement – that shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement shall be no older than 3 months.

  • Sponsorship Letter – by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.

  • Payslips from the past 3 months or employment contract, if you are an employee 

  • A copy of your business license, and company bank statement of the latest 6 months if you are self-employed 

  • Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Form 16 (Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary)

• Proof of paid visa fee

  • €80 for adults

  • €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old

• For retirees

  • Pension statement of the last 6 months.

• If unemployed and married to an EU citizen

  • Spouse’s valid passport

  • An official marriage certificate

  • Confirmation of Employment letter (not older than 3 months) from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date

Schengen Visa Documents for Minors

If you are the legal guardian or parent of a minor applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to submit further documentation. These documents include:

• The minor’s birth certificate

• Application form signed by both parents

• Family court order, if only one parent has full custody of the child

• Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents

• A notarized parental authorisation signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be traveling alone

Schengen Visa Fee for Indians

Note: Select embassies may have different policies regarding accepting visa fee payments in local and/or Euro currency. Some embassies accept credit card payments. Please refer to the latest information on the embassy's website.

Types of Schengen Visa Available for Indian Citizens 

Type A Schengen Visa 

With a Type A, or Airport Transit Visa, you can transit through, or wait for your connecting flight, at an airport in a Schengen Area country. You need to apply for this visa if you are traveling from a non-Schengen country, including India, to another non-Schengen country, and have to wait for a connecting flight in a Schengen country airport. However, you cannot enter the country with this visa. 

Type B Schengen Visa 

The Type B Schengen Visa is also the Transit Visa. It allows you to transit through more than 1 Schengen country on the way to a non-Schengen country. You can enter the Schengen Area for up to 5 days.

Type C Schengen Visa 

The most popular Schengen visa is the Type C Short Stay visa. Schengen Area country visa service centers (including embassies, consulates, or external providers) are the official visa application providers. With this visa, you can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 6 month duration. 

Check if you need a category C Schengen visa by reading the Schengen visa entry requirements.

According to the purpose of your trip, the short-stay category C Schengen visa can be a:

• Single-entry visa with a number 1 on the visa sticker

  • You can travel to the Schengen area once. Once you exit the Schengen area, your type C visa expires even with a 6 month validity. 

• Double-entry visa marked by a number 2 on the visa sticker

  •  You can travel to the Schengen area twice during the 6 month visa validity. When you leave the Schengen Area the second time, then your visa expires.

• Multiple-entry visa designated by a « MULT » on the visa sticker

  • You can enter and leave the Schengen Area as many times as you need for up to 90 days per entry over the 6 month visa validity. 

Type D Schengen Visa 

You will need the type D long-stay Schengen visa, also known as the national visa, if you want to study, work, or live in a Schengen country for more than 90 days. Whether you work, study, or live in the area, you can do so for up to 1 year. The Type D visa allows you to travel across the Schengen area for 90 days at a time over the 6 months validity of your visa.

You can apply for a Type D visa if you are traveling for: 

• Tourism or private visits

• Business or related activities

• Studying, or to take part in a training program, or complete an internship

• Personal reasons

The Schengen country you plan to stay in will issue the Schengen Type D visa based on their national legislations. You may need to contact the national visa service centers to learn more about the different conditions and formalities that you need to meet. Depending upon your circumstances, you may get a Type D visa either as a single or multiple-entry long-stay visa.

Schengen Visa processing time for Indians 

Waiting for your Schengen visa to be processed is definitely the hardest yet most exciting part of the application process. You may need to wait around 15 days to know whether your visa was approved or rejected. However, in rare instances you may need to wait up to 45 days. 

Schengen Visa Validity for Indians

The Schengen Area Visa is valid for 6 months. Depending on your visa type, you can enter once, twice, or multiple times within this 6 month period. 

A long stay visa issued by a Schengen Agreement State allows you to travel or stay in other countries within the Schengen area during the visa validity period of “short stay visit” (staying not more than 90 days within a period of 180 days). 

Schengen Visa and Travel Insurance

When you apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to include information about your travel insurance policy. This document proves that you have sufficient travel health insurance for traveling across the whole Schengen territory. Your travel insurance should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of

• Any medical emergency

• Illnesses

• Accidents

• Repatriation in case of death

Frequently Asked Questions on Schengen Visa from India

Below are some of the frequently asked questions on Schengen visa

Is Schengen Visa available on arrival for Indian citizens?

No, the Schengen Visa is not available on a visa on arrival basis. As an Indian passport holder, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. 

What are the benefits of applying for a Schengen Visa? 

Applying for, and getting your Schengen visa approved allows you to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries, whether you're going to work, study, or enjoying a holiday.  

How much bank balance is required for a Schengen Visa?

You will need to show proof of income with a bank statement. It should show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months. 

Can I apply online for a Schengen Visa?

Yes, many Schengen countries give you the option of booking an online appointment. For other countries within the Schengen Area, you will need to book an appointment in person, at the embassy, or consulate of your destination country. 

Where do I submit a Schengen Visa application in India?

You can submit your Schengen visa applications to be processed at your destination country's embassy or consulate in India. In addition, if you live in Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, or Kolkata, you can submit your visa applications at any VFS center. The visa application will be forwarded to the relevant Consulate General for a decision. 

How long can I stay with a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Type B visa allows you to travel to the Schengen Area for 90 days. This visa is valid for a period of 6 months. If you're planning several trips to and from the Schengen Area, you can apply for the Schengen Multiple Entry visa.

Is it possible to extend the Schengen Visa?

In order to extend your visa, you must meet the following conditions

• Your stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days in total

• If you stay longer than 90 days, you must explain why you need to extend your stay

Can I travel to more than one country with a Schengen Visa? 

Yes, you can travel on a Schengen visa to all countries in the Schengen area. However, you always have to apply at your destination country's consulate to travel. 

Who doesn't need to pay for a Schengen visa? 

The visa fee is waived for

• Children under six years

• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training

• Researchers as defined in Article 3(2) of Council Directive (EU) 2016/801[1] traveling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research or participating in a seminar or conference

• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organization.

The visa fee can be waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories

• Children from the age of six years and below the age of 18 years;

• Holders of diplomatic and service passports

• Participants aged 25 years or less in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events, organized by non-profit organizations

Can a minor apply for a Schengen Visa?

Yes, a minor can apply for a Schengen visa with their parents or legal guardians. If you are the legal guardian or parent of a minor applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to submit further documentation. These documents include:

• The minor’s birth certificate

• Application form signed by both parents

• Family court order if only one parent has full custody of the child

• Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents

• A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be traveling alone

Who can apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

All Indian passport holders are eligible to apply, along with submitting their relevant documents, and with travel insurance and sufficient funds for their travel and accommodation.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any visa related decisions.

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