Schengen visa for Indians

Europe—where castles meet streets, and every corner tells stories of art, history, and adventure. You’ve dreamt of standing before the Eiffel Tower, driving along the Amalfi Coast, or marvelling at the tulip fields of the Netherlands. What if I told you that one simple visa could unlock these experiences? That’s the magic of the Schengen visa. Yes, but what is it and how can you get it? Let’s figure out.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows travellers to visit the Schengen area for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Schengen area comprises 26 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Types of Schengen visas

Uniform Schengen visa (USV)

This visa permits entry into any Schengen area country for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subdivided into:

1. Type A (airport transit visa): Allows travellers to transit through the international zone of a Schengen country airport without entering the Schengen area. This is mandatory for citizens of certain countries.

2. Type C (short-stay visa): Grants permission for short-term visits. Depending on the number of entries, it can be:

Single-entry visa: Allows one entry into the Schengen area. Once you exit, re-entry is not permitted, even if the visa is still valid.

Double-entry visa: Permits two entries into the Schengen area. After the second exit, re-entry is not allowed.

Multiple-entry visa: Allows multiple entries and exits within the visa's validity period, respecting the 90/180 rule.

Limited territorial validity visa (LTV)

This visa restricts travel to the specific Schengen countries mentioned on the visa sticker. Entry to other Schengen countries not listed is not permitted.

National visa (Type D)

Issued for long-term stays in a specific Schengen country, typically for purposes like study, work, or permanent residency. It can be:

• Single-entry: For a one-time stay in the issuing country.

• Multiple-entry: Allows multiple entries into the issuing country and, under certain conditions, short stays in other Schengen countries.

Purpose-based Schengen visas

Tourist visa: For leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.

Business visa: For attending business meetings, conferences, or professional engagements.

Student visa: For short-term courses or educational training not exceeding 90 days.

Medical visa: For medical treatments in a Schengen country.

Transit visa: For transiting through the Schengen area to a non-Schengen destination.

Selecting the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose is crucial for a successful application. Ensure you meet all requirements and provide accurate documentation to facilitate a smooth visa process.

Schengen visa application process

Step 1: Determine your main destination

The main destination is the Schengen country where you plan to spend the most time or where your primary activity will take place. Apply at the consulate or visa application centre of this country.

Step 2: Decide on the type of visa

Choose the type of visa based on your travel purpose (e.g., tourist, business, transit).

Step 3: Collect required documents

Prepare all necessary documents as per the requirements of the consulate you’re applying to. Here's a checklist:

1. Visa application form: Filled and signed.

2. Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages.

3. Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs (as per Schengen visa specifications).

4. Travel insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.

5. Flight itinerary: Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit.

6. Accommodation proof: Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host.

7. Proof of financial means:

Bank statements for the last three months.

Income tax returns (ITR) or salary slips.

8. Cover letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit and itinerary.

9. Proof of employment (if applicable):

Employment letter or NOC from your employer.

Business registration documents for self-employed individuals.

10. Additional documents: Based on the visa type (e.g., invitation letter for a family visit).

Step 4: Schedule an appointment

Book an appointment at the consulate, embassy, or visa application centre (VAC) of your main destination. Popular VACs in India include VFS Global and BLS International.

Step 5: Attend the visa appointment

Visit the application centre on the scheduled date. Submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee.

Step 6: Wait for visa processing

The processing time for a Schengen visa is usually 15 working days, though it can take up to 30-60 days during peak travel seasons.

Step 7: Collect your visa

Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa’s validity and conditions before travelling.

As of June 2024, the Schengen visa fees for Indian applicants are as follows:

• Adults: €90 (approximately INR ₹8,125)

• Children aged 6 to 12 years: €45 (approximately INR ₹4,060)

• Children under 6 years: No fee

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and additional service charges may apply when applying through visa application centres. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you intend to visit.

Pro tip: The cost of visa fee, in case of visa denial by the embassy is reimbursed to the insured, provided the insured has opted for the cover before or at the time of applying for visa.

Conclusion

The Schengen visa isn’t just a stamp on your passport—it’s the beginning of a journey that takes you beyond borders, where every step is a story, and every destination offers a new perspective. It’s the late-night conversations in a Parisian café, the breathtaking view from a Swiss mountaintop, and the quiet awe of standing in front of art that shaped history. So, why wait? Start your story today, because Europe is ready to welcome you, one adventure at a time.