Schengen Visa for Indians

Every travel enthusiast dreams of a trip to Europe. However, Europe is a vast continent with numerous stunning nations, making it nearly impossible to choose a single country for an overseas trip.

But how about covering multiple European countries and tourist attractions with a single visa? Yes, that’s possible. All you need is a Schengen Visa.

The Schengen visa allows you to travel to European​ countries that belong to the Schengen Area. The best part is that it boasts a higher acceptance rate than other foreign visas.

In this guide, we will walk you through the complete process of obtaining a Schengen visa, including how to get a Schengen visa for Indians, what are the documents required, what is the visa fee, where and when to apply, and more.

​What is a Schengen Visa and Who Needs It?

The Schengen visa for Indians is a unique type of visa that allows y​ou to travel to 29 countries that are a part of the Schengen Area.

For those who don’t know, the Schengen Area countries share mutual borders and have abolished border controls after signing the Schengen Agreement. According to this agreement, these nations issue a common short-stay visa, known as the Schengen Visa.

Thus, any person who wants to visit any or all Schengen Area countries f​or tourism, business, or any other thing needs to apply for a Schengen Visa from their home country. Check out the next section for an updated list of Schengen Area countries in 2024.

List of Countries That Require Schengen Visa 2024

As of 2024, there are a total of 29 countries that are a part of the Schengen Area. If you are planning to visit any of these countries, you need to obtain a Schengen visa from the respective embassy or visa application centre of the country in India.

1. Austria

2. Germany

3. Italy

4. Netherlands

5. France

6. Belgium

7. Norway

8. Denmark

9. Switzerland

10. Finland

11. Greece

12. Hungary

13. Slovakia

14. Slovenia

15. Romania

16. Luxembourg

17. Liechtenstein

18. Czech Republic

19. Estonia

20. Malta

21. Portugal

22. Iceland

23. Latvia

24. Lithuania

25. Spain

26. Croatia

27. Bulgaria

28. Sweden

29. Poland

Do Indians Need a Schengen Visa from India?

Yes. Indians mandatorily require a Schengen visa prior to visiting any Schengen Area country. This visa allows you to travel to all 29 countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day validity period.

Is There a Visa-on-Arrival available for Schengen Visa for Indians?

No. As of now, there is no Europe visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers visiting the Schengen Area. This implies that you need to obtain a Schengen visa in India before your scheduled departure date.

Please note that if you are not an Indian resident, then you can apply for a Schengen visa from India only if you are legally present in India instead of your home country. In addition, you must also present a legal justification for filing your visa application from India.

Which is the Easiest Schengen Visa from India?

The answer to which Schengen visa is easy to get from India depends on various factors such as the type of visa, purpose of travel as well as on the individual case of the visa applicant.

As per recent ​reports, Iceland, Finland, Lithuania, Switzerland and Italy are among the countries that offer higher visa acceptance rates. The rejection rate for these Schengen nations is around 10% (approximately).

Eligibility Criteria for Schengen Visa for Indians

The eligibility criteria for securing a Schengen visa depend on various factors such as your purpose of visit, duration of stay, type of visa, and so on. Here are the common requirements you must meet in order to obtain a suitable Schengen visa:

• You must be a citizen of a non-European country.

• You must be able to justify your purpose of staying in the Schengen Area.

• You must provide travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

• You must have a clean criminal record and have no active legal cases against you.

• You must be above 18 years of age.

• You must have a clean medical history.

• You must have enough funds to sustain your stay in the Schengen country you are visiting.

Types of Schengen Visa - Which Schengen Visa Should I Apply For?

Let’s briefly discuss the purpose of each Schengen visa type.

Schengen Tourist Visa

A Schengen tourist visa is issued to foreign citizens who want to visit any Schengen Area country for the purpose of tourism. You can apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa from India at the respective embassy or consulate office. Alternatively, you can also apply for a Europe tour visa from India at a registered visa application centre.

Moreover, it is a short-stay visa (Type-C) with a validity and stay duration of 180 days and 90 days, respectively. This means you can stay for up to 90 days within a validity period of 180 days.

Schengen Business Visa

As the name suggests, this visa is granted for foreign nationals looking forward to visiting the Schengen Area for business purposes such as attending conferences, meeting business partners, and so on.

It is also a type of Schengen Short-Stay Visa with a 180-day validity and a 90-day stay duration.

Schengen Student Visa

If you want to visit any Schengen Area country to participate in an educational program, then you need to apply for a Student Schengen Visa based on your duration of stay. For a stay duration of up to 90 days, you can apply for a Short-Stay (Type-C) Visa.

However, if you are planning to attend a full-time course, you need to obtain a National Long-Term Visa for the particular country. It is valid for one year or up to the duration of your course.

Schengen Transit Visa

This type of visa is granted for the purpose of transit. You need to obtain this visa if you have a layover in a Schengen nation on your way to some other country.

Visa Types Based on Purpose of Travel

Schengen visas are also issued based on the purpose of your travel.

Type - A

It is an airport transit visa required if you have a layover for up to 24 hours at the airport of a Schengen Nation. This visa allows you to stay in the designated international transit area of the Schengen airport for a period of up to 24 hours. Please note that you are not allowed to leave the airport and enter the country with a Type-A visa.

Type - B

If you have a layover in a Schengen Country and you want to explore the country during this time, you need to obtain a Type-B Visa. This visa allows you to leave the airport and explore the nearby attractions. It comes with a validity period of five days.

Type - C

Type-C is another name for the Schengen Short-stay visa. It is a common visa granted for short-visits for various purposes such as tourism, business, work, education and more.

With this visa, you can stay in your desired Schengen country for up to 90 days within a period of 6 months or 180 days. Depending on your requirements, it can be either a single-entry, double-entry or multi-entry visa.

Type - D

Type-D is another name for the Schengen Long-Term National Visa. The long term Schengen visa for Indian citizens comes with a maximum stay duration of one year and can be obtained for the purpose of education, work, research, medical treatment, etc. in a particular Schengen country.

Depending on your requirements, the Type-D visa can also be issued as a single, double, or multiple-entry visa.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

As its name suggests, the Limited Territorial Validity visa allows you to only visit the country or countries you have specified at the time of lodging your visa application. It is mostly issued for humanitarian purposes.

Documents Required for Schengen Visa from India

The documents required for filing the Europe visa application depend on the type of visa, purpose of visit, and individual cases of the applicants. Here is a breakdown of the most common documents you need with the application for schengen visa from India:

• Valid Passport

  First and foremost, you need a passport with a minimum validity of three months. Make sure that your passport has at least 2 empty pages, and it must not be torn or damaged.

• Visa Application Form

  Next, you need to submit a complete and signed visa application form. Before submitting your form, make sure that all the details are correct and there are no spelling errors.

• Passport-size Photos

  You need to provide at least 2-3 passport-size photos per the given specifications. Check out the section below for Schengen visa photo requirements.

• Return Tickets

  For short-visit Schengen visas, you need to provide a copy of your confirmed return air tickets. Ensure that your airline name and flight number are clearly mentioned on the tickets.

• Travel Itinerary

  In addition to return flight tickets, you need to provide a detailed itinerary for your travel to the Schengen Area. Ensure that your itinerary includes the destinations you plan to visit and the dates.

• Proof of Accommodation

  You must provide a copy of your hotel reservations or Airbnb bookings for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is a critical document for obtaining a Schengen visa. You need to provide a travel insurance certificate with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Make sure that your travel insurance is adequate and acceptable in the Schengen nations you are planning to visit.

• Leave Letter

  If you are employed, you need to submit a leave letter approved by your employer.

• NoC from School/University

  If you are a student visiting the Schengen Area for a short period, you must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your school or university.

• Proof of Financial Sufficiency

  You must provide proof of sufficient funds to demonstrate your ability to financially sustain yourself in the Schengen country. For this, you can submit the following documents:

• Pay Slips for the Last 3 Months

  If you are employed, you can submit your pay slips for the last three months.

• Bank Statements

  You can also provide your bank statements as proof of financial sufficiency.

• Sponsorship Letter

  In case you are unemployed, you can submit a letter of sponsorship stating that your sponsor will financially cover your stay in the Schengen Area. In addition to the letter of sponsorship, you must also provide the bank statement of your sponsor, not older than the last 3 months.

• Income Tax Return Form

  In addition to the above documents, you may also submit your ITR form or Form 16 as proof of funds.

For Retirees

You need to submit your pension statement for the last 6 months.

For the Spouse of an EU Citizen

If you are unemployed and married to an EU citizen, you must provide a marriage certificate accompanied by your spouse’s passport, ID/address proof, and bank statements.

Documents Required From Minor Applicants

If you are a parent or legal guardian of a minor filing a Schengen visa application, then you need to submit a few additional documents as follows:

• Birth certificate of the minor child.

• Complete the visa application form signed by the parents/guardian.

• Family court order in case only one parent has the legal custody of the minor applicant.

• Attested copies of ID proofs or passports of both parents/guardians (if travelling alone).

• A notarised parental authorisation form signed by parents/guardians (if travelling alone).

How to Apply Schengen Visa from India?

Applying for a Schengen Visa from India is not as difficult as it sounds. All you need to do is learn about the requirements and follow the right procedure for Schengen visa from india. Here is how to get a EU visa for Indian:

Step 1: Choose the Visa Type

Begin by selecting the right Schengen visa based on your travel purpose. If you are visiting for tourism, business activities or any activity that requires a stay of up to 90 days, then apply for a Schengen Short-Stay visit visa (Type-C).

Otherwise, apply for another suitable visa type.

Step 2: Fill the Application Online

If the Embassy/VAC offers online services, you can submit your application online and upload all the supporting documents. If the online application option is not available, proceed with the below steps.

Step 3: Book an Appointment

The next and most important step, schedule the visa appointment and learn about the requirements. You can do so online by visiting the official website of the respective Schengen Embassy or Visa Application Centre.

Alternatively, you can also request an appointment by calling the concerned department on the given contact details.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees

Next, pay the visa fees (if submitting your application online) and download the acknowledgement receipt.

Step 5: Visit the Embassy/Visa Application Centre to Submit Documents

On the scheduled date, visit the VAC, Embassy or Consulate along with the specified documents and attend the visa interview.

Make sure to reach the venue at least 20 minutes before the interview time after preparing well in advance.

Attend the interview and submit the documents after ensuring they are correct. During this time, you may also be asked to submit your biometric information.

Step 6: Track Your Application​

After your visa application is submitted, you will be provided with an application reference number.

Save this number and use it to track the progress of your application. If you are unable to track the application status, contact the concerned authorities without any delays.

Step 7: Collect Passport

Once your visa decision is out, you can visit the Embassy/Consulate or VAC to collect your passport and stamped visa.

If you are applying through a visa application centre like VFS Global, you can request the online delivery of your documents by paying an additional fee.​

How to Book a Schengen Visa Appointment?

To obtain a Schengen visa from India, you need to book an appointment with the Embassy/consulate or visa application centre for the purpose of visa interview and biometrics.

You can easily schedule the appointment online by visiting the official website of the Embassy, consulate office, or visa application centre (VAC), depending on your preferences.

In case any Schengen nation embassy does not offer online services through their website, you can check the Schengen visa appointment availability via call or email on official details.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

• Submit at least 2-3 passport-size, coloured photos of excellent quality. Please note that black and white photos are not acceptable for Schengen visa applications.

• Dimensions of photos should be 35 mm x 45 mm.

• Your head should cover 80% of the photographs.

• There should be neutral expressions with no smiling, no frowning, or display of any emotion.

• The background should be solid (preferably white or any light colour).

• Ensure that your dress contrasts the background.

• Photos should not be torn or damaged.

• Photos should not be delivered overexposed or underexposed.

• Avoid wearing accessories or clothing that obstruct your face. This includes sunglasses, hats, caps, etc.

• Headwear is only allowed for religious purposes.

• Eyeglasses/lenses are permitted only if medically prescribed.

• Both of your eyes and ears should be clearly visible.

Photos should not be older than 6 months. If your physical appearance has gone through a significant transformation due to extreme weight loss, surgery, accident, or any such events, consider getting your photos retaken.

Passport photos must be taken in a professional setting to ensure better clarity and quality.

Useful Link:ICAO Standards for Schengen Visa Photo

Processing Time and Cost of Schengen Visa for Indian

Europe Visa Cost from India

Note: Visa fees and INR equivalent taken on 3/06/24 @5:00 PM (IST).

Apart from the visa fee mentioned above, there can be some additional service charges of the visa application centre or consular office. Also, note that the Schengen visa fee is non-refundable. So, make sure to check your visa application carefully before making the visa fee payment.

Schengen Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a EU visa for Indians can range from 15 days to a month based on factors such as type of visa, efficiency of VAC or consular office, individual case of the visa applicants, and so on. To expedite the processing, initiate your visa application as soon as possible, and follow the right procedure to avoid any delays.

When to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India?

As mentioned above, a Schengen visa processing time can vary from a few weeks to months. Hence, it is recommended to apply at least two-three months prior to your scheduled departure. This will provide you with enough time to deal with any delays in the visa processing.

Also, you must not apply for a Schengen visa in India prior to more than 6 months or less than 15 days before the planned departure.

Where to Apply Schengen Visa from India?

You can apply for a Schengen visa in India at the respective Embassy or Consulate office of the Schengen country you are planning to visit.

If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, apply for a visa for the country you will visit first or where you will spend the maximum number of days.

Moreover, if the Schengen nation you are visiting does not have an Embassy or Consulate in India, you can apply through an approved third-party visa application centre such as VFS Global. They are available in all the major cities across the country.

To help you a bit more, here is a list of available Embassy/Consulates along with VFS Global links for your added convenience.​

How to Check Schengen Visa Application Status?

Submitting your Schengen visa application is just one part of the process. You also need to stay updated regarding its status to ensure that your vis​a gets processed without any delays or obstacles.

Thankfully, checking the Schengen visa status is easy and simple. You can either track your visa application online via the VFS visa tracking system or at the official website of the Embassy you applied to.

Alternatively, you can also learn about your visa application status by either visiting the consular office or contacting the concerned authorities via email or phone call.

Schengen Visa Application

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Submitting Incorrect Documents

Most Schengen visa applications are rejected due to the submission of incorrect or forged documents.

If you want your Schengen visa application to process faster and more successfully, submit the correct documents as per the specific instructions.

Incomplete Visa Application

Avoid submitting an incomplete visa application, as it can cause unwanted delays in your visa processing.

This usually happens when you apply in a hurry due to a shortage of time. It is highly recommended that you apply for your Schengen visa at least 2-3 months before your scheduled departure date.

This will provide you with enough time to meet the requirements and submit your application in a timely manner.

Insufficient Travel Insurance

Submitting inadequate or unacceptable travel insurance is among the biggest causes of visa application rejections and delayed processing.

To avoid this grave mistake, ensure that your travel insurance offers a minimum coverage of €30,000 and is well-recognised in the Schengen nations you are planning to visit.

The best way to ensure this is by purchasing our Schengen Travel Insurance. Our insurance plans are recognised worldwide and offer cashless hospitalisation.

Submitting Wrong Visa Photos

Visa photos are perhaps the most overlooked requirement for a Schengen visa application.

However, it should be noted that submitting the wrong visa photos can also lead to delays and cancellations of visa applications.

Hence, submit the correct passport-size photos after understanding the Schengen visa photo requirements.

Missing Deadlines

Most visa applications are approved on a first-come-first-serve basis. It means, if you miss the deadlines, your application may not be processed.

To avoid this, stay updated about the visa application submission dates and process within the specified timeframe.

Poor Medical Report

Your medical history also plays a crucial role in your visa decision.

If you are found with a poor medical history or have a medical condition that can pose a risk to the destination country, your visa application will not be rejected.

While you can not avoid a medical problem, you can definitely prevent it by following a healthy lifestyle.

Engaging in Criminal Activities

Similar to other foreign countries, Schengen nations are also very strict about visa applicants' criminal histories.

If you are found with any active legal case against you, your visa will be cancelled. Thus, ensure a clean criminal record by submitting a Police Clearance Certificate.

Opting for the Wrong Visa

Sometimes, your Schengen visa can also be delayed or even rejected if you choose the wrong visa category.

​​Always remember that each visa type has its own eligibility criteria and requirements. Thus, opt for the right visa that strictly matches your travel purpose.

Unclear Travel Plans

Providing an unclear travel itinerary can also hamper your Schengen visa application.

To avoid this mistake, submit a clear travel itinerary that includes all the places you plan to visit, along with the dates, accommodation, and transportation details.​

Secure Your International Trip with Reliance Schengen Travel Insurance

As discussed in the above sections, Travel Insurance is indispensable when applying for a Schengen visa from India. It is a mandatory requirement without which your visa application can not be processed further.

So, if you want to expedite your visa process and embark on a memorable journey abroad, consider getting our Schengen Travel Insurance.

Purchasing travel insurance for a Schengen visa from Reliance General Insurance will help you meet the visa requirements and ensure a safe journey by covering you against potential mishaps.

Our international travel insurance plans offer up to €50,000 coverage for medical emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances. We also offer coverage for trip cancellations, baggage delays, passport loss, personal liabilities, and more.

Worried about premiums? You can purchase our international travel insurance at a starting price as low as ₹306!

Final Words

Schengen visa is a powerful document that makes it possible to explore European destinations without having to obtain a separate visa for each.

With a maximum stay duration of 90 days and a higher acceptance rate, it has emerged as one of the highly sought-after foreign visas, especially for tourism purposes.

This guide on “How to get a Schengen visa for Indians” will help you start your visa application and get it approved by following the correct procedure. We hope it helps!

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do If my Schengen visa is rejected?

Schengen visa applications have a rejection rate of less than 10%. Your visa application will only be rejected if the documents and application submitted by you are incomplete or incorrect. In case your visa application is rejected, follow the below steps:

• Learn about the reason behind the rejection.

• Once you are certain about the issues in your application, apply again after rectifying the mistakes.

• If you are not satisfied with the reason behind your visa rejection, get in touch with the respective authorities.

What should I do if the Schengen country I want to visit does not have an embassy or consulate in India?

In this case, you can apply with a registered visa application centre like VFS Global. They have multiple branches across the country in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc.

Is the Schengen visa fee refundable?

No. The Schengen Visa fee is non-refundable. If your visa is rejected, you must reapply after paying the fee again.

Do I need to apply for a Schengen visa separately for my toddler?

Yes. You need to apply for a separate visa for your accompanying children. However, there is no visa fee for children under 6 years old.

Should I apply for a Schengen visa online or offline?

While both are efficient procedures and do not impact your visa approval, applying for a Schengen visa online is easy and convenient.

You can either apply on the official website of VFS Global or the respective Embassy (if they provide consular services online).

Who is exempt from paying Schengen visa fees?

Children under 6 are exempt from paying visa fees. Moreover, children between 6 and 11 have to pay only 50% of the visa fee, i.e. €45 instead of €90.

Is a travel insurance plan mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Yes. Travel insurance is critical for obtaining a Schengen visa from India. In the absence of a suitable travel insurance plan, your visa application can not be processed.

In fact, it can be rejected for the same reasons. Hence, make sure to submit an applicable travel insurance policy. Check our Reliance Schengen Travel Insurance for more information.

Disclaimer: The information available on this page is taken from reliable official and third-party sources. However, the visa process and requirements can change anytime at the discretion of the Schengen Council and the concerned immigration department. Hence, it is advisable to confirm the details from respective visa authorities before proceeding.​