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 everything about Schengen visa application with an Indian passport, and get ready for an amazing European adventure!
Keep reading to find out everything about Schengen visa application with an Indian passport and get ready for an amazing European adventure!
What is a Schengen visa application?
A Schengen visa application is a request for permission to enter the Schengen area for short stays—aka standard Schengen visa—and long stays, for purposes like tourism, business or study. There are currently 29 countries in the Schengen area that share a common legal framework with no checks on the borders.
Do Indians need a Schengen visa from India?
Yes, if you are an Indian citizen, you need a visa to visit any of the 29 countries in the Schengen zone. This applies to Indian passport holders, including those who are permanent residents of the U.K., Australia, Canada, or the U.S., as well as Indian Green Card holders. 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.
Types of Schengen Visas for Indian Passport Holders
Depending on the purpose of the visit, Indians can get different types of Schengen visas. They are:
Tourist Schengen Visa
- Purpose: For leisure travel or visiting friends and family in any Schengen country.
- Duration: Up to 90 days within a 6-month period.
- Restriction: No paid work permitted.
Business Schengen Visa
- Purpose: For conducting business activities.
- Restriction: Specific limitations may be noted on the visa.
Student Schengen Visa
- Purpose: For attending educational programs.
- Restriction: Limited to study purposes; permanent residence is not permitted.
Working Schengen Visa
- Purpose: For employment in a Schengen country.
- Eligibility: Non-EU citizens must apply before entry unless from select countries like the U.S., Canada, or Australia.
Transit Schengen Visa
- Type A (Airport Transit): Restricted to airport transit zones, with no exit allowed.
- Type B (5-Day Transit): For traveling through Schengen countries en route to a non-Schengen destination.
Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
- Single-Entry: One-time entry; re-entry not permitted.
- Double-Entry: Allows two entries within the visa's validity.
- Multiple-Entry: Unlimited entries within 90 days over six months
Limited Territorial Validity Visa
- Purpose: Travel limited to specific Schengen countries for special circumstances like humanitarian needs.
National Visa (Type D)
- Purpose: For long-term activities like studying, working, or research.
- Options: Single-entry for specific needs or multiple-entry for activities requiring repeated entry.
Each Schengen visa type has specific requirements based on the purpose and duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
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
The standard processing time for a Schengen visa application is 15 days. However, this may extend up to 45 days if additional review or supporting documents are needed for a more thorough assessment.
Schengen Visa Fees from India
The table below lists some basic Schengen visa costs for Indians, which you will need to pay at the time of application.
Applicant Category | Schengen Visa Fee (EUR) | Equivalent in INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
Adult (18 years and above) | €80 | ₹7,159 |
Children (12 to 18 years old) | €80 | ₹7,159 |
Children (6 to 11 years old) | €40 | ₹3,579 |
Children (under 6 years old) | Free | Free |
*Note these visa fees may change as per different travel agencies and government guidelines also, they are non-refundable.
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 Schengen visa fee
Proof of paid visa fee
Proof of paid Schengen 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 Schengen Visa Online?
Follow these simple steps to apply for Schengen visa online.
Step 1
Click here and pick the country to visit.
Step 2
Choose the type of visa.
Step 3
Give information about yourself, like your name, passport number, and the planned dates.
Step 4
Upload documents like your passport, Aadhar card, and passport-sized photographs.
Step 5
After you pay the visa fees, the documents will be checked, and your Schengen visa will be sent to the specified email address.
Schengen Visa Countries List
Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria | Croatia |
Czechia | Denmark | Estonia | Finland |
France | Germany | Greece | Hungary |
Iceland | Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein |
Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands |
Norway | Poland | Portugal | Romania |
Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden |
Switzerland | - | - | - |
What if You Want to Extend Your Schengen Visa?
Typically, Schengen Visas cannot be extended mid-trip, except in exceptional cases such as:
A serious medical condition requiring hospitalisation
An unforeseen, compelling reason beyond your control
Generally, you’ll need to leave the Schengen Area for a longer stay and reapply for a new visa to continue your visit.
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.
List of Schengen Visa Embassy and Consulates in India
In India, you can apply for a Schengen visa at either a VFS Global application center or directly at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you wish to visit:
VFS Global Centers
VFS Global has centres in cities including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Embassies and Consulates
Most Schengen countries have embassies in New Delhi and consulates in major cities. For instance, the Consulate General of France in Mumbai handles applications from residents of Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and other regions.
Estonian Embassy in New Delhi
Non-Indian citizens who have resided and worked in India for over a year may apply for a Schengen visa at the Estonian Embassy in New Delhi.
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 lisHere’s a list of common questions and answers related to the Schengen visa application for Indians.t of common questions and answers related to Schengen visa application 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 Schengen visa online?
Yes, you can apply for a Schengen visa online through ACKO. All you need to do is fill out the Schengen visa application form, fill out your details and pay the Schengen visa fee.
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 application?
Yes, minors can apply for Schengen visa application with their parents or legal guardians. 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
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