If you’re planning a European holiday, you must apply for a Schengen visa. You can submit your application for any country in the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel seamlessly across multiple European nations. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders, creating a zone where people can move freely across borders without needing multiple visas or permits.
The Schengen Area includes popular countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Greece. This makes this visa highly desirable for travellers wishing to explore multiple European countries during one trip.
Securing a Schengen visa appointment can be challenging due to high demand and limited slots. VisaFast streamlines this process by assisting you in booking appointments within the promised timeframe, ensuring a smoother visa application experience.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Yes, Indian nationals are mandated to obtain a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area. This visa, designated as Type-C, grants temporary access to the Schengen Zone, encompassing 29 participating countries. The Schengen visa facilitates short-term visits for purposes including tourism, business activities, or family visits.
Schengen countries list:
Romania
What are the Schengen visa requirements for Indians?
To successfully apply for a Schengen visa, Indian nationals need to prepare a well-documented application that meets the standards set by the embassies and consulates of Schengen countries. Here is an expanded and detailed explanation of each document required:
1. Original and Old Passports
Current Passport: Applicants must submit their original passports to the visa application centre. The passports must be valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date from the Schengen Area and should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Old Passports: Applicants should also provide all old passports, if available, to help demonstrate a travel history. These documents will be used to verify previous travel and serve as proof of lawful travel behaviour.
2. Completed Visa Application Form
The Schengen visa application form, available here, requires completion and signature by the applicant. Precise and consistent information across the form and supporting documentation is essential to prevent processing delays or application denial.
3. Document Submission Appointment
Applicants are required to present a confirmation letter issued by the visa application center upon submitting documents. This letter confirms an appointment for document submission and the collection of biometric data, including fingerprint and photographic scans.
4. Cover Letter (Signed by the Applicant)
The cover letter must be directed to the consulate and detail the reason for the visit, the planned itinerary, and particulars concerning lodging arrangements for the duration of your stay. It must explicitly state the applicant’s travel dates, intended destinations, and confirmation of the applicant’s intention to return to India following the approved period of stay.
You may find the VisaFast Schengen cover letter generator helpful for generating a cover letter.
5. Passport Photographs
Applicants must provide two recent passport photographs conforming to Schengen photo standards.
Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
Background: A plain white background, free from shadows.
Facial Coverage: At least 70% of the image must depict the applicant’s full face.
Image Quality: Photographs must be printed on matte or semi-matte paper, without reflections or imperfections.
To ensure a successful application, all submitted photographs must be current—taken within the last six months—and fully compliant with these specifications.
6. Passport Page Reproductions
- Applicants are required to submit photocopies of both the principal (front) and final pages of their valid passport. These copies serve to confirm the applicant’s identity and associated personal information.
- Furthermore, reproductions of all stamped pages within the passport – encompassing visas and border control stamps – must be provided. This documentation establishes a record of the applicant’s prior travel activity.
7. Aadhaar and PAN Card Copies
Aadhaar Card: A photocopy of your Aadhaar card serves as verification of residency. This document confirms the applicant’s address information and provides an additional form of identification.
PAN Card: A photocopy of your Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is also necessary. The PAN card assists in identifying the applicant and is specifically useful for assessing financial status during the review process, including documentation such as bank statements and tax returns.
Required Supplementary Documentation for Schengen Visa Applications
Beyond the standard requirements, applicants are obligated to furnish travel-specific documentation.
8. Accommodation Confirmation
Required Documentation: Applicants are required to submit a valid hotel reservation confirming their intended accommodation within the Schengen Area. This confirmation serves to demonstrate a secure place of residence throughout the duration of their visit.
Essential Information: The reservation documentation must include the hotel’s full name and precise address, alongside complete booking details, specifically the planned check-in and check-out dates. For applicants intending to reside at various locations, individual reservations are necessary for each accommodation.
Acceptable Alternatives: In instances where an applicant will be residing with a host, a formal invitation letter from the host is required. This letter must be accompanied by official proof of the host’s residency status.
9. Flight Tickets (Including Internal Transportation)
Round-Trip Flight Reservation: Applicants must submit flight ticket reservations covering travel to and from the Schengen Area. This documentation serves to confirm the intended dates of entry and exit from the Schengen Area, ensuring compliance with permitted duration limits.
Internal Travel Tickets: Documentation of any internal flights or train travel within the Schengen Area is required if applicable. The consulate necessitates evidence of pre-booked travel segments to demonstrate a structured and adequately planned trip, including all portions within the Schengen Area.
Note: Confirmation of flight tickets is not always mandatory prior to visa approval. Some applicants utilize refundable bookings or flight reservation services to provide necessary documentation without initial commitment to non-refundable purchases.
10. Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for Schengen visa applications. The insurance policy must demonstrate coverage not less than €30,000 and must specifically cover medical emergencies experienced during your stay within the Schengen Area. This includes, but is not limited to, situations involving illness and accidents, as well as arrangements for repatriation.
11. Proposed Itinerary
A detailed itinerary is required to illustrate your intended activities and travel plans throughout your stay. This document must outline your daily schedule, encompassing planned visits, meetings, accommodation details, and transportation arrangements.
The following information is necessary: the itinerary must specify dates, locations, significant points of interest or activities, and your chosen method of transport when travelling between locations. A comprehensively prepared itinerary demonstrates diligent planning and favorably influences visa consideration.
Requirements for Salaried Traveller:
Last 3 months’ salary slips.
NOC with leave approval on company letterhead, stamps, and signatures.
For the last three months, the salaried account statement has been issued with a bank stamp and signature (not older than one week).
Additional savings account statements (if applicable) for the last 3 months, recently issued with bank stamp and signature (not older than one week).
Personal ITR acknowledgement for the last 3 years. (If submitting only two years of ITR, the applicant must provide a notarized consent letter (by a CA or lawyer) explaining the reason for the limited submission.)
Optional additional financial documents (FD, mutual funds, etc.).
Note: An Employer ID card may be required only if you’re retired and don’t have any official documents from your previous employer.
Documentation Requirements for Self-Employed Applicants:
- Original GST certificate, providing all pages.
- Certified copies of the company and personal Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the most recent 3 years tax year.
- Stamped and signed bank statements for the company and personal accounts, covering the last 3 months months, with a maximum age of one week.
- Supporting financial documents, such as Fixed Deposits or mutual fund statements, may be provided as supplementary evidence.
- A formal cover letter, utilizing company letterhead and bearing appropriate stamps and authorized signatures, is required.
For Business Partners:
- A certified copy of the partnership deed.
For Company Directors:
- MOA of the company.
For Freelancers:
Earnings statement for the last 6 months (month-wise).
The savings account statement for the last 3 months is stamped and signed (not older than one week).
Personal ITR acknowledgement for the last 3 years.
Student Application Requirements:
- Applicants must submit a Bonafide Certificate or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their educational institution.
- A copy of the student’s identification card is required.
If Retired:
- Documentation demonstrating retirement status.
- Provision of a pension statement covering the last 3 months.
When Sponsored/Invited:
- Submit evidence of sponsorship or private accommodation, alongside a completed national form and a sponsorship letter originating from a Schengen State.
Presenting these documents furnishes Schengen authorities with detailed information regarding the applicant’s circumstances, identity verification, and demonstrated financial resources. Diligent preparation and organized submission of application materials substantially enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome for a Schengen visa application.
What is the Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens?
The Schengen visa fee for Indians is:
Adults (12 years and above):€90 (approximately ₹8,035)
Children aged 6 to 12 years: €45 (approximately ₹4,017)
Children under 6 years: No fee
Applying for a Schengen Visa from India: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of applying for a Schengen visa from India necessitates careful attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages involved:
Step 1: Document Collection: Assemble all required documentation, including a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, comprehensive financial statements, a detailed travel itinerary, and supplementary documents pertinent to the specific purpose of your trip. Maintain meticulous organization and ensure all documents are current.
Step 2: Visa Application Form Completion: Accurately complete the Schengen visa application form. Any inaccuracies or omissions may result in rejection, so conduct a thorough review before submission.
Step 3: Appointment Scheduling: Secure a visa appointment at the nearest visa application centre. Appointment slots are often limited, particularly during peak travel seasons, therefore flexibility with your schedule is crucial. Booking your Schengen visa appointment is simplified with VisaFast which facilitates securing an appointment within a guaranteed timeframe.
Step 4: Attendance at Appointment: On the scheduled date, arrive punctually at the visa application centre with all necessary documents. You will be required to submit your documents, provide biometric data, and potentially participate in a brief interview.
Step 5: Application Status Monitoring: After submitting your application, track its status online. Processing times typically range from 15 to 30 days, though this can fluctuate depending on processing volume.
Step 6: Visa Collection: Upon approval, you will receive notification via your specified contact method. Subsequently, collect your passport bearing the affixed Schengen visa sticker from the visa application centre.
Explore Schengen visa countries with higher approval rates to improve your application’s prospects.
Delivery of Your Schengen Visa
Upon approval, your Schengen visa will be issued as a sticker and affixed to your passport. You have the option to collect your visa from the application center where you initially submitted your application, or, if you selected this service, the visa will be delivered directly to your specified address.
For tracking purposes, you may utilize the services provided by VisaFast tools to monitor the status of your visa application.
What information is included on a Schengen visa?
The following is a representative example of a Schengen visa:
Estimated Processing Time for Schengen Visa Applications by Indian Nationals
Schengen visa processing times generally range from 15 days to 30 days business days. However, processing durations may be longer, potentially reaching up to 60 days, particularly during peak application seasons or when experiencing application backlogs. To mitigate potential delays, applicants are advised to submit their applications several weeks prior to their intended travel dates.
Schengen Visa Duration
The validity period for a Schengen visa is established by the issuing embassy and can differ based on individual circumstances.
Is a Consular Interview Required for a Schengen Visa Application?
No. A consular interview is not a requirement for Schengen visa applications. However, an interview may be necessitated by the visa officer if the submitted application is deemed incomplete or contains inaccuracies. Applicants must schedule an appointment and attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to present their documents, undergo biometric data capture (fingerprints and photographs).
What are the countries included in the Schengen area?
The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 EU states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, it includes non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Key Information Regarding Your Application
The Schengen visa provides access to 29 European nations, facilitating unrestricted travel amongst them without necessitating supplementary visas or border control checks. Further details regarding this free movement principle can be found here.
During the application process for a Schengen visa, the intended primary destination of your journey must correspond to the country where you are submitting your application.
Visa extensions are uncommon and are typically issued solely in extraordinary circumstances, including documented medical emergencies or force majeure events.
A Schengen visa does not authorize employment within the Schengen Area; it is specifically intended for tourism or business-related visits only.
You are obligated to depart the Schengen Area prior to the expiration date of your visa to mitigate the risk of penalties, which may negatively impact future visa applications.
Final Considerations
Securing a Schengen visa as an Indian passport holder necessitates diligent preparation and adherence to specific requirements. While the application process can appear intricate, a systematic approach, combined with precise documentation and the strategic use of resources such as VisaFast for appointment scheduling and monitoring, significantly enhances the probability of success. Initiating the application well in advance, maintaining meticulous organization, and ensuring all submitted materials are current and accurately reflect your circumstances are crucial factors.