Schengen Visa | Apply for Schengen Visa from India 2025

Planning for a European adventure? The Schengen Area, comprising 28 stunning European countries, attracts with its rich history, vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes. But before setting on this exciting journey, you will need a Schengen visa if you hold an Indian passport.

This visa allows you seamless travel within the Schengen Zone, avoiding border hassles.

This comprehensive blog and guide simplifies the Schengen visa application process for Indian citizens and provides you with all the necessary information to explore it smoothly.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa is a single visa that works as your gateway to explore the Schengen Area. With this visa, you can travel freely within the 27 Schengen member states without requiring separate visas for each one.

Types of Schengen Visa

Type A (Airport Transit Visa): This allows you to wait for a connecting flight at a Schengen Area airport without entering the country.

Type B (Transit Visa): Valid for five days, this visa lets you transit through multiple Schengen countries en route to a non-Schengen country.

Type C (Short-Stay Visa): The most popular, visa permit stays within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in 180 days. It further has subcategories:

Type D (Long-Stay Visa): If you plan to study, work, or reside in a Schengen country for an extended period, you'll need this visa.

Schengen Visa Countries List

This list highlights 28 stunning countries within the Schengen Zone, each of which offers unique experiences:

Schengen Visa Documents Requirement

Schengen Visa Application Form: Filled out accurately and signed.

Valid Indian Passport: With at least three months validity beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Zone and two blank pages for visa stamping.

Recent Passport-Size Photographs: Two identical photos meeting Schengen photo specifications (35mm x 45mm, coloured, light background, neutral expression, full-face view).

Travel Insurance: A minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies throughout the Schengen Area.

Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings, hostel reservations, or a letter of invitation from a host in the Schengen Zone.

Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Round-Trip Flight Booking: Confirmation or itinerary with your entry and exit dates from the Schengen Zone.

Leave Letter from Employer (if employed).

No Objection Certificate from School/University (if a student).

Proof of Civil Status (if applicable): Marriage certificate, birth certificate.

Visa Fee Payment Receipt.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from India

Step 1: Check if You Need a Visa

Confirm whether you need a Schengen visa based on your nationality and travel plans.

Step 2: Determine Where to Apply

Depending on your main destination or the country you will spend the most time in, find the appropriate embassy or consulate. For instance, the embassies and consulates of Schengen countries are located in major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Goa.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Book an appointment with the embassy or consulate. This can often be done online through their official websites.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the Schengen visa application form accurately. The form is available on the official websites of the embassies.

Step 5: Collect Required Documents

Valid passport (minimum six months validity from the date of departure, with at least two blank pages)

Recent passport-size photographs

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter)

Round-trip flight reservation

Travel health insurance with coverage of at least EUR 30,000

Proof of financial means (bank statements for the last three to six months)

Cover letter detailing the purpose of the visit and itinerary

Civil status documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate)

Step 6: Attend the Visa Interview

Submit your application and documents, and attend the interview at the embassy or consulate.

Step 7: Pay the Visa Fee

The fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6-12. Certain categories, such as children under six and students traveling for educational purposes, may be exempt from the fee.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

Processing time typically takes around 15 working days, but it can take longer in some cases.

Step 9: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.

Schengen Visa Interview Process

Be prepared for an interview at your appointment. Answer questions honestly and confidently, providing details about your travel plans, purpose of visit, and financial situation.

Schengen Visa Processing Time

Processing times typically range from 15 to 45 days, depending on factors like application complexity and workload.

Schengen Visa Processing fees 

The standard visa fee for adults is €80, and €40 for children aged 6-12. However, fees may vary slightly, so check with the embassy/consulate.

Schengen Visa Validity

Schengen Visa Type C (Short-Stay Visa): This is the most common visa for tourism, business trips, or short visits. It permits a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180 days. This is often referred to as the 90/180-day rule.

Visa Validity Period: The specific timeframe you're allowed to stay in the Schengen Area will be clearly stated on your visa sticker under the section "Duration of Visit." This period can be less than 90 days, depending on the issuing embassy/consulate and your specific travel plans.

Multiple Entries: Even with a multiple-entry visa, the 90/180-day rule applies. You can enter and exit the Schengen Zone multiple times within the validity period, but the total number of days you stay cannot exceed 90 days in any 180 days.

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Getting a Schengen visa from India requires more than just a filled-in application form. Travel insurance is an essential element that acts as your financial safety net during your European adventure.

Why is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen Visa?

Look for a policy that offers:

How to Choose the right plan:

What if My Schengen visa Application Gets Rejected?

Visa applications can be rejected for various reasons. You'll receive a rejection letter outlining the specific reason(s). Here are your options:

Appeal the Decision: If you believe the rejection was unfair or due to a mistake, you can appeal the decision with the concerned embassy/consulate. This often involves submitting additional documentation to support your case.

Reapply for the Visa: Address the issues that led to the initial rejection and reapply when you have the necessary documentation.

Documents required for minors to travel to the Schengen area

How can Triple I Business help you get a Schengen Visa?

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FAQ’s

1.) What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a single visa that acts as your gateway to explore the Schengen Area. With this visa, you can travel freely within the 27 Schengen member countries without needing separate visas for each one.

2.) Which countries are in the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area includes 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. Croatia

3.) What are the requirements for a Schengen Visa?

Generally, you'll need a completed application form, valid passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, flight booking, and possibly more depending on your situation. Check with the embassy/consulate for specifics.

4.) What is the Schengen Visa fee?

The standard visa fee for adults is €80, and €40 for children aged 6-12. However, fees may vary slightly, so check with the embassy/consulate.

5.) How long does it take to process a Schengen Visa?

Processing times typically range from 15 to 45 days, depending on factors like application complexity and workload.

6.) What kind of travel insurance is required for a Schengen Visa?

Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies throughout the Schengen Area is mandatory for a successful visa application. It should be valid for your entire stay in the Schengen Zone.

7.) Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen Visa from India.

8). Can I get a Schengen visa without travel insurance?

No, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen Visa from India.

9.) What are the Schengen Visa photo requirements?

Two identical photos meeting Schengen photo specifications (35mm x 45mm, coloured, light background, neutral expression, full-face view).

10.) Can I get a multiple-entry Schengen Visa?

Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry Schengen Visa, allowing multiple entries within the visa's validity period, and adhering to the 90/180-day rule.

11.) Can I get travel insurance after applying for a Schengen Visa?

12.) Is a Schengen Visa available on arrival for Indian citizens?

No, a Schengen Visa cannot be obtained on arrival. You need to apply for it in advance from the embassy/consulate of your destination country in India.

13.) What are the benefits of applying for a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen Area countries for tourism, business, or studies, eliminating the need for separate visas for each country.

14.) Who can apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

All Indian passport holders can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and submit the necessary documents.

Conclusion

Getting a Schengen visa from India may seem like a complicated process, but with proper planning, preparation, and this comprehensive guide, you can complete it with confidence.

Remember, applying in advance, ensuring complete and accurate documentation and presenting a clear travel purpose is key to a successful application. Now, go ahead and explore the fascinating world of the Schengen Zone.

For more information related to a Schengen visa or any other visa Call or WhatsApp: +91 859 574 4633 or Email: [email protected] 

Also, read the amazing FAQ for Permanent Residence Visa below!🔽