If you are dreaming of exploring the historical wonders and stunning sights of the European Schengen Area, you must be aware of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens.
The Schengen Area consists of 29 countries that are open to visiting with a single visa. You just have to fulfil the requirements of Schengen visa documents for Indian citizens before submitting an application to the Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre.
To help you plan better and prepare for your next visa application for Schengen countries, we have created a detailed guide about the different Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens.
Eligibility Criteria for a Schengen Visa
Valid Indian Passport - The first eligibility check for a Schengen visa is a valid passport. To be eligible, you must have a passport with a validity of at least 3 months and 2 blank pages.
Travel Insurance - To travel to any of the Schengen countries, you must have valid travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical expenses.
Sufficient Funds - You need to have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your trip. Please note that the minimum funds required for an application can differ from country to country.
Clear Purpose of Visit - You must have a clear purpose for the visit. Regardless of which Schengen visa category you apply for, your intent needs to be conveyed with proper proof to be eligible for approval.
No Criminal History - Ensure you have no criminal history in India, as this can impact your eligibility for a Schengen visa.
Types of Schengen Europe Visa for Indians
Types of Schengen Visa |
Purpose |
Processing Time |
Type A | Airport transit | 1-2 days |
Type B | Transit visa | 1-2 days |
Type C | Short-term visits for business, tourism, education, etc. | Minimum 11- 15 days (Can go up to 45 days due to application or documentation issues) |
Type D | For anyone looking to work, study, or relocate to any of the Schengen countries | 2-4 weeks (Depending on the type of long-term visa) |
Schengen Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Whether you wish to explore
European countries open to travel for tourism, business, employment or education, you must understand the different Schengen visa documents for Indian citizens per visa category.
Let's examine the different document requirements for Schengen visa categories below based on the purpose or duration of the visit.
Schengen Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens - Type C Visa
Application Form—To apply for a visa, you must submit a duly filled and signed Schengen visa application form online or offline. The option of downloading or submitting the form online varies from country to country. Check for availability online or submit it online with accurate personal and trip information.
Passport - You must submit your current and previous passports with your visa application. Your current passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your return date and have 2 blank pages. If you have any previous Schengen visas, submit copies of them with your application.
Photographs - 2 clear, high-resolution photographs in size 35 mm x 45 mm (width x height) taken no later than 6 months before the date of your visa application. Your face should be covering at least 80% of the photograph and no accessories should be worn.
Proof of Funds - You must provide your bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months to prove sufficient funds in your account to cover your expenses during the trip. Without this proof, your Schengen visa application will not be processed for approval.
Cover Letter - All applicants must provide a cover letter with their visa application form clearly highlighting their intent and duration of the visit to any of the Schengen countries. Moreover, the cover letter should also mention the details of the trip itinerary.
Flight Tickets - You must include your flight tickets to and from the applicable Schengen country with your application. This is a crucial visa requirement as it allows the approving authorities to validate your stay period against your cover letter.
Proof of Accommodation—You must submit proof of your accommodation booking with the application form, as per the stay duration mentioned on the cover letter. If you are staying with a family member or friend, you will be required to submit the necessary proof for the same for approval.
Travel Insurance Certificate -
Travel insurance for Schengen visa. Your visa application will be considered incomplete without the submission of a valid travel insurance certificate. Moreover, it helps cover medical expenses during health emergencies.
Biometric Information - When you submit your visa application, you must also provide your biometric information (fingerprints) at the Visa Application Centre, Embassy, or Consulate. This applies to all first-time applicants or applicants who apply for a Schengen visa after 5 years from the last date of visa issuance.
Schengen Student Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens - Type D Visa
Along with the above-mentioned Europe tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, there are some additional requirements for a student visa if you wish to study in any of the Schengen countries.
The list includes -
Proof of Enrolment—You must submit proof of acceptance at a university or institute for a visa to any Schengen country. It can be an acceptance letter, an enrolment letter, valid ID documents provided by the respective institution, etc.
Proof of Student Fees Payment—Some Schengen country visa applications might request proof of payment of education fees for a predetermined period to permit a student visa.
Language Proficiency - An English language proficiency test might also be required for a Type D student visa application in specific Schengen countries.
Academic Qualifications - You might be asked to submit additional proof of academic qualifications along with your visa application form and mandatory documents. This requirement varies from country to country.
Schengen Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens - Type D Visa
Along with the above-mentioned Europe tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, there are some additional requirements for a work/employment visa if you wish to study in any of the Schengen countries.
The list includes -
Letter of Invitation - If you are travelling to any Schengen country for an employment opportunity, you must submit a valid letter of invitation from a Schengen employer to confirm the job.
Itinerary of Business Activities—If you plan to travel to any Schengen country to carry out your own business activities, you must submit a detailed itinerary clearly stating what tasks or operations will take place.
No Objection Letter from Indian Employer - If you are being sent to a Schengen country by your Indian employer to complete necessary formalities and operational duties, you must submit an NOC from the Indian employer stating your job role and responsibilities during the trip.
Need for Travel Insurance for Europe from India
The Schengen Region covers a significant portion of Europe, and thus, understanding and complying with the Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens is mandatory for a stress-free travel experience.
One of the most crucial requirements for any Schengen visa application is travel insurance. In addition to being a compulsory document for visa applications, travel insurance provides ample financial protection during unexpected emergencies before and during your trip to Europe.
Reliance General Insurance offers a range of specialised plans for different locations, like Schengen travel insurance, Asia travel insurance, international travel insurance, etc. All our plans offer financial coverage for flight delays or cancellations, personal accidents, third-party liabilities, lost baggage and more.
Conclusion
Understanding the Schengen visa documents for Indian citizens per visa category allows you to plan your trip better by ensuring proper visa application and timely approvals.
The list of documents changes based on the type of Schengen visa you apply for. Thus, you must choose the correct visa depending on your stay purpose and duration to avoid last-minute cancellations or delayed visa approvals.
Moreover, remember to buy the necessary travel insurance before your next trip to any Schengen country to not only comply with the visa requirements but also to travel with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa?
You can apply for a Schengen visa by visiting the country’s Embassy or Consulate(s). Additionally, some Schengen countries allow you to apply online via the VFS Global platform and submit the documents at the nearest Visa Application Centre, offering maximum convenience and application tracking support.
Can I apply for a visa to any of the Schengen countries, as it allows visa-free travel to all?
No, you cannot apply to any Schengen country when planning a trip to explore a few. You must apply to the mission of the country where your stay is for the longest duration. In case that is not possible yet, you can apply to the mission of the country, which is your first point of entry into the Schengen countries.
When should I apply for a Schengen short-stay visa for my next trip?
You must apply for a valid visa at least 15 days before your planned departure from India. For earlier applications, you cannot apply for a visa earlier than 3 months from the date of departure. Thus, plan well and obtain the Schengen short-term visa in time to avoid trip cancellation.
Do I just submit the original Schengen visa documents for Indian citizens with my visa application form?
When applying for a Schengen visa, you must provide the original documents along with clear copies of each at the time of form submission. The original documents are returned, except the passport, and the copies are kept for evaluation purposes.