Schengen Visa from India

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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 we've broken down everything you need to know about Schengen visa for Indians, including the different types, their validity, how to apply online and much more. Keep reading to find out how you can easily apply Schengen Visa online 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.

Schengen 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.

Schengen 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.

Adult	Children from 6 to less than 12 years old	Children less than 6 years
€60 (Rs. 5,433)	€80 (Rs. 3,169)	FREE

*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 Schengen Visa online?

Follow these simple steps to apply for Schengen visa online.

Click here and pick the country to visit.
Choose the type of visa.
Give information about yourself, like your name, passport number, and the planned dates.
Upload documents like your passport, Aadhar card, and passport-sized photographs.
After you pay the visa fees, the documents will be checked, and your Schengen visa will be sent to the specified email address.

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 Schengen visa online and easily visit most European countries.

Schengen Visa Countries List

Austria	Belgium	Czech Republic	Denmark
Estonia	Finland	France	Germany
Greece	Hungary	Iceland	Italy
Latvia	Liechtenstein	Lithuania	Luxembourg
Malta	The Netherlands	Norway	Poland
Portugal	Slovakia	Slovenia	Spain
Sweden	Switzerland

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

Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to the Schengen visa for Indians.

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 organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations.

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.