A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows the holder to travel for tourism or business purposes within the Schengen area for up to 90 days per entry. The visa is valid for multiple entries, enabling travelers to freely traverse the Schengen countries during the validity period.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

Citizens of non-Schengen countries generally require a Schengen visa to visit any Schengen member state. However, certain nationalities are exempt from the visa requirement, typically those belonging to the European Union or countries with established visa-free agreements.

Types of Schengen Visas

• Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): The most popular Schengen visa, good for short-term study, business, travel, and family visits.
• Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV): Issued for travel to specific Schengen countries within the validity period.
• Airport Transit Visa (ATV): Allows travelers to pass through a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen area.
• National Visa: Issued for stays exceeding 90 days within a Schengen country, typically for research, work, or long-term studies.

Applying for a Schengen Visa From India

The Schengen visa application process typically involves the following steps:

1. Determine your visa type: Identify the appropriate visa based on your travel purpose and duration of stay.
2. Check visa requirements: Visit the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you intend to enter as your main destination. Gather the required documents, which may include a passport, application form, visa fee, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means.
3. Schedule a visa appointment: Contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for visa submission and biometrics collection.
4. Attend the visa interview: Prepare for a brief interview at the embassy or consulate, where you may be asked questions about your travel plans and supporting documents.
5. Await visa processing: Processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate workload. Once approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport.

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

You must fall into one of the following categories in order to be qualified to submit your visa application at the Indian visa application centers (VACs) or Schengen embassies/consulates:

• holders of Indian passports.
• citizens of third-world countries who are either temporarily or permanently residing in India and need a visa in order to enter Europe.

What Kind of Indian Citizens Can Apply For A Schengen Visa?

Depending on why you are visiting, you can apply from India for any of the following kinds of Schengen visas:

• Tourist visa.
• Visitor visa.
• Business visa.
• Medical visa.
• Student visa.
• Visa for Official Visits.
• Cultural exchange visa.
• Transit visa.

What Is the Schengen Visa Processing Time in India?

In India, obtaining a Schengen visa typically takes 15 days. We will process your application starting on the day it is submitted during this time frame.

The typical processing time for a visa is 15 days, but in peak times, it can take up to 30 days. It could take up to 60 days in more complicated cases or in situations where there is a backlog of applications, so it is best to apply as soon as possible.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

Applicants cannot submit their documents at whichever embassy/consulate of a Schengen country they wish to.

The Schengen area has rules in terms of where to submit your visa application, and according to these rules, depending on the number of countries you visit and the number of days you spend in each, you will have to apply at one of the following:

What Documents Are Essential for Indian Citizens Seeking a Schengen Visa?

Indian passport holders must prepare these Schengen visa application documents:

1. Schengen visa application.
   1. The Schengen visa application form must be completed with all required information.
   2. Download the form from any Indian visa center or embassy website, fill it out, and sign it.
2. Your Indian passport (original and copy).
   1. You must present your original Indian passport and a copy with a three-month validity period after leaving Schengen.
   2. Your passport must have two blank pages and be from the last decade.
3. Identity photos.
   1. The Schengen visa photo requirements require two identity photos taken within six months.
4. Civil status certification.
   1. Provide civil status documents like birth, marriage, family, or death certificates.
5. Accommodation proof.
   1. Hotel reservations, Airbnb reservations, or family/friend stays must be shown.
6. Round-trip Flight plan.
   1. Reserved flights from India to the EU and back. Include internal flight tickets too.
7. Travel health insurance.
   1. A Schengen-compliant travel health insurance certificate is also required.
   2. You require medical coverage of EUR 30,000 (₹ 30000 as of November 2023) for unexpected illnesses or injuries.
8. Visa payment proof.
   1. Your application will be denied unless you include the visa fee receipt.
9. Cover letter.
   1. In India, your Schengen visa application may require a cover letter.
   2. The cover letter must explain why you want a visa, what you’ll do, how long you’ll stay in the Schengen Area, etc.
10. Schengen visa copies (if applicable).
    1. Copy of previous Schengen visas are required when applying for a new visa.
11. Certificate of birth and parental consent (if applicable).
    1. If traveling alone or with one parent/legal guardian, minors must include their birth certificate and parental consent with their Schengen visa application.
    2. Minors must have both parents/legal guardians sign the application form (one is acceptable if extenuating circumstances apply).
12. Proven financial capacity.
    1. In India, you must submit original bank account statements from the last three to six months and the account balance or proof of regular income to get a Schengen visa.
    2. You must also submit these documents, depending on your employment status:
    3. Provide an employment contract and annual leave certificate from your employer if employed.
    4. For self-employed/freelancers: Business license (if applicable).
    5. Bank statements for businesses.
    6. If a student: Registration certificate from university, school, or college.
    7. Your student ID card, faculty registration certificate signed and stamped by the university, and grades transcript.
    8. Parental financial stability proof.
    9. Proof of employment or sufficient funds to stay.
    10. A bank statement showing the pension received for the past six months if retired.

What Causes Indian Schengen Visa Rejection?

The following are common Schengen visa rejection reasons:

1. Your criminal record violates Schengen security.
2. Your application lacks crucial documents.
3. You lied on your application.
4. You can’t afford your Schengen trip.

Schengen Visa Fees from India.

Applicants Exempted From Paying the Fee?

In addition to Indian children under the age of six, the following categories of Indian visa applicants are also exempt from paying the Schengen visa fee:

• Indian holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports travelling to Europe for official purposes
• A family member of an EU/EEA national
• Indian pupils, graduate and postgraduate students and their children travelling to Europe for educational training and study purposes
• Indian researchers travelling to perform scientific research

Can an Indian citizen residing in the United Kingdom apply for a Schengen visa from the United Kingdom?

Only Indian passport holders with a valid UK residence permit and more than three months of legal residency in the UK can apply for a Schengen visa. Indian tourists and travelers who want to stay in the UK for three months should apply for a Schengen visa in India. Indian passport holders in the US can apply for a Schengen visa.

Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa Application

To increase your chances of visa approval, consider these tips:

• Apply well in advance: Plan your application process early, as processing times can vary.
• Complete the application accurately: Provide clear, consistent information and ensure all required documents are attached.
• Maintain a positive attitude: Present yourself professionally and confidently during the interview.
• Demonstrate genuine travel intentions: Clearly explain your travel plans and provide supporting documentation.

Can i get refund for Your Schengen , if application denied ?

Your Schengen visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether you receive the visa or not. Any extra service fee you may incur at visa application agencies are also non-refundable

Is Schengen visa single entry or multiple entry?

All Schengen visas (single or multiple entry) are the same price. The duration of your visa is determined by the Schengen embassy or consulate in India, so even if you receive a 7-day visa and another applicant receives a 90-day visa, you both pay the same fee.

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Reference to EU website

how to check status of Schengen Visa in india

• Tracking your visa application via VFS Global
  • All Schengen states outsource the processing of visa applications in many countries, with the firm VFS Global operating a network of visa application centers in countries including China, the U.S., and India, where you will submit your application, supporting documents, and provide biometric data. They provide a tracking service via their website (vfsvisaonline.com) allowing you to check on the status of your application. To obtain information about your application, you will need to provide your last name and the reference number that was given to you when you applied.
• Tracking French Schengen Visa applications
  • France has its own visa application tracking tool for travelers who applied via a French embassy or consulate rather than a visa application center. To obtain information about the status of your visa application, you will need to input the reference number you were given when making your application and your date of birth into their website tracking tool (pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/VisaNET-Consultation-Internet/html/frameset/frameset.html)
• Tracking Schengen Visa applications made at a CAPAGO visa application center
  • If you made your application at a CAPAGO visa application center, you can use the CAPAGO online application tracking tool. To obtain information about your application, you will need the reference of your file and your email address.”https:>
• Tracking Schengen Visa applications made at a TLS visa application center
  • Another firm that handles visa applications is TLScontact. If you applied for your Schengen Visa at a TLS application center, then you can use the online tracking tool on their website (tlscontact.com) to track your Schengen Visa application. To obtain information about your status, you will need to log into the TLS account you set up when you made your initial application.
• Tracking Schengen Visa applications made at a BLS visa application center
  • BLS is an outsourcing firm that is favored by Spain. It handles visa applications for their embassies in some countries. You can track your application via their website (blsspainvisa.com) by inputting the reference number you received when making your application and your date of birth.
• Tracking your application if you applied via a Global Visa Services visa application center
  • Greece’s official visa applications partner – although they do not act for them in all countries – is the firm Global Visa Services. If you have applied for a Schengen Visa via one of their application centers, you can track your application via their website (gvcworld.eu/page/our-services) and online tracking tool. You will need to input an application ID and your date of birth to obtain this information.