Schengen Visa Requirement for Indian Tourists
- 24/07/2023
- 11min Read
30sec Snapshot
These are some of the requirements for Schengen countries visa from India:
- Valid passport with photocopies of previous visas.
- Completed Schengen visa application form.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of travel itinerary.
- Proof of financial means to cover the trip expenses.
- Proof of travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements.
- Employment-related documents are required for a Schengen visa, such as employment letters, salary slips, pay stubs, or business registration certificates and GST returns.
- Proof of ties to the home country.
The Schengen Area might just be one of Europe’s best achievements. The Schengen Area refers to a passport-free zone covering 26 countries where you can visit multiple countries from India without going through border control. And yes, this includes the Eiffel Tower and Rome’s Colosseum. They were right about Europe – it can never just be about one country. But! You need one essential permit to gain this access – the Schengen Visa.Â
A trip to Europe can be exciting but also overwhelming because there’s so much to explore, given how close the borders are. Coming prepared is the key to a great trip – especially when trying to meet the Schengen visa requirements. Only certain countries are included. So what are the Schengen countries? They range from France to Finland, including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Iceland, Norway and the Netherlands. Of 26 countries, 22 are a part of the European Union (EU).
In 2022, India had the second highest rate of Schengen Visa applications denied. A Schengen visa mandates documents, like a passport, photographs, itinerary, financial proof, etc. This guide addresses concerns on obtaining a Schengen visa, such as:
- How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
- What is a Schengen visa?
- How to efficiently apply for a Schengen visa to smooth your travel experience without any fuss or delays.Â
Understanding the Schengen Visa Requirements from India: What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen Visa Application from India: Eligibility and Requirements
When filling out a VFS Schengen visa application, it is crucial to ensure that the Schengen visa online application is completed appropriately. Several factors must be considered to establish your eligibility for a Schengen visa, such as your nationality and the purpose of your intended visit. Adhering to the Schengen visa rules is imperative in determining your eligibility.
While the specific requirements for Schengen visa eligibility may vary based on the specific country you are applying to, here are the general criteria to consider:
- Valid Passport: For access to be granted to the Schengen area, it’s imperative to have an Indian passport with at least three months of validity remaining after your expected departure date. Verifying that your passport meets this obligation is a crucial Schengen visa requirement and may pave the way for a seamless application process. Once you obtain a passport with the mandatory validity, you can confidently proceed with the application process.
- Purpose of Visit: For those interested in obtaining a Schengen visa from India, declaring your reason for travelling is paramount in the Schengen visa online application. Whether it’s leisurely pursuits, engaging in commercial activities, academic endeavours, or simply transiting through Europe — you must articulate your intent honestly. Ensuring your proposed purpose is one of the valid categories described within the Schengen visa rules is essential.
- Financial Stability: Providing evidence of financial capability is critical in securing a Schengen visa. Accepted documents include income tax returns, bank statements, sponsorship documents or employment proofs. Documents proving financial stability can differ depending on your occupation.Â
- For employees:Â
- An employment contract/letter (issued by the employer) and certificate of annual leave from the employer. Some embassies may seek a no-objection certificate about the planned travel to the Schengen region.
- Personal bank statements for six months (can include both savings and deposits)
- Personal Income Tax returns for three years (showing income amount and tax paid)
- For self employed/freelancer:
- Business licence and tax registrations
- Business bank statements for six months
- Business tax filings
- Personal bank statements for six months (can include both savings and deposits)
- Personal Income Tax returns for three years (showing income amount and tax paid)
- For student:
- Certificate of registration at a University, school or college
- Student ID or copy of registration certificate
- Evidence of financial support from parents
- Proof of employment contract or proof of financial resources to support you during your stay
- For retired individuals:
- Bank statements showing pension received for past 6 months
- Personal Income Tax returns for three years (showing income amount and tax paid)
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- Insurance: A Schengen visa travel insurance from India that sufficiently covers unforeseen medical emergencies, including repatriation, is a prerequisite for pursuing a university education. It is imperative that such coverage amount to at least EUR 30,000. Please ensure you obtain comprehensive Schengen visa travel insurance that meets this requirement. Applicants must have valid travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen circumstances during their stay. Secure travel insurance from a reputed provider that meets the Schengen visa requirements and adequately covers your trip.
- Ties to Home Country: Applicants need to illustrate strong ties to their home country as part of the visa application process. Another one, as part of the Schengen visa rules, is to enter and depart on time (in all previous travels). To improve their chances of getting approval for a Schengen visa application, applicants must provide compelling evidence of their connections to their native land, which will affirm their commitment to return to India, thus complying with the Schengen visa requirements.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Applicants should provide recent colour photographs that meet the specifications set by the respective embassy or consulate. Please follow the guidelines regarding the photograph size, background, and quality to ensure compliance.
- Travel Itinerary: To secure a Schengen visa, you must present a thorough travel itinerary that includes flight reservations, hotel bookings, and planned activities. If using transport services between two or more countries, it’s also good to share the tickets (such as bus bookings, internal flights, Eurail Pass, etc.)
- Proof of Accommodation: Documents confirming accommodation arrangements, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host, should be provided. Ensure that you have confirmed accommodation arrangements for the duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
An invitation letter is written by the person you are visiting in the Schengen area. The person is inviting you and is thus guaranteeing that you will not stay illegally in the country. The invitation letter must include the specific dates you are visiting and the host must describe their relationship with you and their ability to financially support you if you are unable to. Some Schengen countries have a specific format for these invitation letters and are commonly referred to as a Formal Obligation Letter or Formal Invitation Letter. This letter is obtained by your host and then sent to you for submission along with your visa application form. - Purpose of Visit: Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required, such as business letters, conference invitations, or acceptance letters from educational institutions. It is advisable to keep all relevant documents supporting your visit’s purpose, whether for tourism, business, education, or transit, on hand.
In a Nutshell
The documents required for schengen visa from India are:
- Valid Passport
- Purpose of Visit
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Insurance
- Ties to Home Country
- Recent Passport Sized Photograph
- Travel ItineraryÂ
- Proof of Accomodation
- Purpose of Visit
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Schengen Visa Checklist for Indians:
When applying for a Schengen visa, applicants must submit supporting documents. While the specific documents may vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the applicant’s circumstances, the commonly required documents include:
- Valid passport with photocopies of previous visas.
- Completed Schengen visa application form.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of travel itinerary, including flight reservations and hotel bookings.
- Bank statements or proof of financial means to cover the trip expenses (income tax returns boost credibility).
- Proof of travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.
- Employment-related documents are required for a Schengen visa, such as employment letters, salary slips, or business registration certificates and GST returns.
- Proof of ties to the home country, such as property ownership, family relationships, or employment contracts in India.
- Additional visit-specific documents include invitation letters, conference registrations, or acceptance letters from educational institutions.
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The Schengen Visa Application Process
The journey to Europe begins with an Embassy! The application process for a Schengen visa typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Determine the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Application Centre: Find out which embassy, consulate or a visa application centre that is responsible for processing Schengen visa applications in your country of residence. Some visa centres may represent other Schengen countries if they do not have representative bodies in India. Visit their official website for accurate and up-to-date information about the application process. You can visit the VFS website or BLS (for Spain) to apply for the visa online.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, like the Schengen visa application form, per the requirements specified by the embassy or consulate.Â
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the embassy, consulate or visa application centre to submit your application and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee, which can vary depending on the applicant’s age, nationality, and type of visa. The Schengen visa cost from India is €80 (about ₹7,210.25). Children between the ages of six and twelve only need to pay €40 (about ₹3,605.13) for a Schengen Visa. The Schengen visa cost is totally waived off for children under the age of six.
Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview (if applicable): Some embassies or consulates may require applicants to attend an interview as part of the visa application process. Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and the documents required for a Schengen visa, and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit. It is important to answer all questions with honesty and integrity.
Step 6: Schengen visa processing time for Indians: Although the approval period for applicants can differ, the usual Schengen visa wait time is about 15 calendar days. But occasionally, it could take longer. Be patient and wait for the outcome of your visa application before making any non-refundable trip plans. The amount of work at the consulate or embassy and the season can affect how quickly a Schengen visa application from India is processed.
In a Nutshell
There are several Schengen visa requirements. The step-by-step process of schengen visa application is:
- Step 1: Determine Embassy/Consulate/Visa Application Center
- Step 2: Collect Required Documents
- Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
- Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
- Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview
- Step 6: Consider the Schengen visa processing time for Indians
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Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa Application from India
To ensure a smooth and successful Schengen visa application process, consider the following tips:
- Start Early: Begin the visa application process well in advance to allow ample time for gathering documents and completing the necessary formalities. Delays in obtaining required documents or appointments are quite possible, so give yourself sufficient time to avoid any last-minute stress.
- Thoroughly Review Requirements: Carefully review the embassy or consulate’s requirements and instructions to ensure you provide all the necessary documents and meet the criteria. Make a checklist of the required documents and double-check them before submitting your application.
- Double-Check Documents: Verify that all the documents are complete, accurate, and up to date before submitting your application. Ensure the information on the Schengen visa application form matches the supporting documents.
- Seek Professional Assistance (if needed): Consider getting help from visa advisors or immigration attorneys if you find the visa application procedure burdensome or have any particular worries. They could help you through the procedure, review your paperwork, and offer knowledgeable counsel.
- Be Truthful and Clear: Provide accurate and truthful information in your application. Be clear and concise when explaining your purpose of visit and ensure that all the information you provide aligns with the supporting documents.
- Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate regarding the application process, appointment scheduling, payment of fees, and any additional requirements. Failure to comply with these instructions may delay or reject your application.
- Maintain Communication: Keep track of your application status and any updates the embassy or consulate provides. Respond promptly if any additional information or clarification is requested.
In a Nutshell
Follow these tips for a Schengen visa for tourist from India:
- Start Early
- Thoroughly review requirementsÂ
- Double check documents
- Seek professional assistance
- Be truthful and clear
- Follow instructions
- Maintain communication with the embassy, consulate or visa application center
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Note: Traveling abroad is a thrilling adventure, but it’s crucial to do it lawfully and responsibly. We strongly discourage any illegal immigration practices. Avoid trusting agents who promise high-paying jobs, attractive student programs, investment schemes, or shortcuts to Western countries. Always research thoroughly, and help educate fellow Indian travelers to steer clear of such traps. Legal travel enhances the reputation of our passports.
Key Takeaways
- The Schengen region is a goldmine of tourism hotspots, and a Schengen visa is your permit slip! So take this opportunity to visit several European countries with one Visa.
- Recognising the Schengen visa requirements and cost is pivotal if you are considering touring around the Schengen region.Â
- Now that you know how long it takes to get a Schengen visa, acquiring information about different kinds of visas available along with the Schengen visa eligibility criteria set forth by consulates/embassies streamlining your application process will be easier.Â
- Moreover, by meeting all the requirements for a Schengen visa application from India may escalate the approval rate.
- Ensure you have planned everything well beforehand, as numerous formalities are involved, such as adhering strictly to their protocols, fulfilling the Schengen visa requirements, checking how to apply for a Schengen visa, etc. This will eventually help with uninterrupted travel and meeting the Schengen visa requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Schengen visa is a document that allows non-EU citizens to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries. It permits multiple entries and allows stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
The Schengen Area in Europe is made up of countries that joined hands for a common goal—making travel easier between borders. Today there are about 26 countries in this arrangement, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Greece which are popular tourist destinations.
To apply for a Schengen visa from India, download the application form from the embassy’s website and accurately fill in the required information.
The timeline for obtaining approval on a Schengen visa is challenging to predict definitively because there are many variables involved in the process.
The four main types of Schengen visas are Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV), National Visa and Airport Transit Visa (ATV).
