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

Planning a trip to Europe? Awesome! Did you know that if you have a Schengen Visa, you can travel to any of the 26 countries within the European Schengen Area without any hassle or paperwork? In this article, we've broken down everything you need to know about Schengen visa for Indians, including the different types, their validity, and much more. Keep reading to find out how you can easily apply for a Schengen Visa with an Indian passport and get ready for an amazing European adventure!

Do Indians need a Schengen visa from India?

Yes, if you are an Indian citizen, you need a visa to enter Europe or any of the Schengen areas. This will allow you to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries, whether you're going to work, studying, or enjoying a holiday. However, keep this in mind that it is still up to the border control in each country to decide whom to allow and whom not.

What are the different types of Schengen visa for Indians?

Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are a few types of Schengen visas for Indians. They are:

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 travelling from a non-Schengen country, including India, to another non-Schengen country and have to wait for a connecting flight to 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 one Schengen country on the way to a non-Schengen country and is valid for 5 days.

Type C Schengen Visa 

The most popular Schengen visa is the Type C Short Stay visa. Schengen Area country visa service centres (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 6 months. 

These are the category C Schengen visa features:

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 will expire, 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, 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 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. According to the purpose of your trip, the type D visa can be:

• a single-entry visa – 

• for those who don’t want to stay in the Schengen country after the specific period,

• a multi-entry visa – 

• for those who want repeated re-entries in the Schengen country,

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

• Tourism or private visits

• Business or related activities

• Studying, taking part in a training programme, or completing an internship

• Personal reasons

The Schengen country you plan to stay in will issue the Schengen Type D visa based on their national legislation. You may need to contact the national visa service centres to learn more about the conditions and formalities 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.

Validity of Different Types of Schengen Visas for Indians

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. 

Qatar Visa Processing Time in India 

Processing a Schengen visa can take a long time, so it is best to start the application process a few weeks ahead. Once an application is submitted, 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. 

Qatar Visa Fees from India

Here are some basic Schengen visa prices for Indians you will need to pay at the time of application, as mentioned in the table below.

*Note these visa fees may change as per different travel agencies and government guidelines.

Schengen Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens - Documents

Here are the documents you need while applying for a Schengen visa:

General Schengen Visa Documents

• Schengen visa application fully completed and signed.

• The passport should be valid for at least 3 more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area and must have two blank pages.

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

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

• A travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency for the whole Schengen territory.

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

• Leave letter from your company (if employed).

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

• Proof of civil status, including marriage certificate and 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 Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement from 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 licence and company bank statement for 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

• For retirees

  • Pension statement for 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 notarised parental authorisation signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be travelling alone.

*Note the list of documents is changeable and the consular office can ask for more necessary documents.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

Here are the key photo requirements you need to follow during your Schengen visa application process.

• Two identical photos. No more than six months old.

• The dimensions of the photo are 35 mm by 45 mm.

• It should be a coloured photo, not black and white.

• The head should take up 70-80% of the image.

• The background should be light. It is suggested that you use light grey. No patterns.

• The applicant should look directly at the camera.

• A neutral look on the face. Closed mouth and no smile.

• Do not use uniforms or colours that match the background.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

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 the country you need to apply to, as well as the exact jurisdiction to 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 synchronised visa 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 

Is there a visa on arrival for Indians in Europe? 

No, a visa on arrival for an Indian passport is still not available for any European countries. However, you can apply for a Schengen visa and easily visit most European countries.

Schengen Visa Countries List

Schengen Visa and Travel Insurance

So, now that you know you need travel insurance to get a Schengen visa, look for a plan that covers everything that could go wrong while you are abroad, not just medical costs. For a budget-friendly option, check out Acko Travel Insurance for Schengen visa to cover accidents, illnesses or medical emergencies. It will also cover you if you lose your passport, money for your trip, and a lot of other things. 

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 enjoy a holiday.  

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 centre. 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] travelling 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 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 notarised parental authorisation signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be travelling alone

Who can apply for a Schengen visa in India?

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

If my application for a Schengen visa is rejected, will I get a refund?

No, the application fee is non-refundable. 

What will happen if I extend my stay beyond my visa's validity?

Overstaying your visa's expiration date may result in severe penalties, and you may also be denied entry into the country in the future.

How many months prior to the trip should I apply for a Schengen visa?

You should apply at least one to two months before the date you want to travel to any of the Schengen countries.

Is it mandatory for Indians to get travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

Yes, having travel insurance is compulsory when applying for a Schengen visa from India. 

References:

https://www.schengen-visa-info.eu/who-needs-a-schengen-visa

https://wise.com/in/blog/schengen-visa-for-indians

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/photo-requirements/

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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