Schengen Visa From Indian

A Schengen Visa is an authorisation issued by a Schengen country allowing foreign nationals to visit the Schengen area. Thus, a Schengen visa is a permit that allows Indians and other foreign nationals to visit and stay in a Schengen nation for a specific time. Being the most common visa applied for visits to European nations, the Schengen Visa enables its holder to enter, travel across and exit the Schengen Area within the timelines described in the visa.

In 2023, 10.3 million Schengen visa applications were received by the Schengen nations. The statistics indicate the popularity of European nations all across the globe. A Schengen visa is usually issued for a short-term stay of 90 days. However, if your intended stay in the Schengen Area is expected to be longer than 90 days, you are required to apply for a long-term Schengen Visa, also referred to as the Uniform Schengen Visa for a particular nation.

-What is The Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area comprises 29 countries that have abolished visas for crossing their international borders for the nationals of the member states. As a result, the movement of people within the Schengen Area has become smoother, easier and safer, and the complexity of the visa application process has been reduced.

Romania and Bulgaria are also expected to enter the Schengen nation’s list on January 1, 2025.

Recognised as the world's largest visa-free zone, the Schengen Area covers a majority of nations in the European Union and even some non-EU nations, for instance, Norway and Switzerland. The Schengen Visa Regime is a product of an agreement signed in the year 1985 in Luxembourg, Europe, named the Schengen Agreement.

With the removal of travel restrictions within the Schengen Area, not only is it easy for the citizens of various Schengen nations to travel across the Schengen Area but also for tourists who are spared the hassle of having to apply for separate visas for different Schengen nations. Here is the full list of the nations that are a member of the Schengen Area.

Countries to Visit With A Schengen Visa

One can visit all the 29 Schengen member states with a Schengen visa. However, it is always advisable to visit the official Embassy website of the country you want to visit and learn about the exact visa requirements. If a separate visa is needed to enter a particular country, you must comply with the regulations.

Apart from the EU Nations, you can also visit some non-EU nations with a Schengen visa, which include Colombia, Romania, Belarus, Bulgaria and Serbia, to name a few.

There are various Schengen Visa categories depending on the nature and purpose of an individual's visit to the Schengen Area. You must be mindful of selecting the right category of Schengen Visa to apply for. Here are the different types of Schengen Visas available for visitors in a tabular form for simple understanding.

Here is a table of the visa sub-categories under the types of Schengen visas.

The C category or airport transit visa is further divided into the following types:*

-Single-entry Category C Schengen Visa: A single-entry Category C visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area nation once during the validity period. The maximum number of days you can stay in the Schengen Area is clearly mentioned in this visa. You must not exceed the duration of the permissible stay as mentioned in the visa without applying for an extension of the same.

-**A single-entry Category C Schengen Visa also specifies the list of countries that you can visit with said visa.

-Double-entry Category C Schengen Visa: A double-entry Category C Schengen Visa is quite similar to a single-entry Category C Schengen visa. In contrast to its single-entry counterpart, though, it allows you to enter the Schengen Area twice during the validity period of the visa.

If you exit the Schengen Area for a second time during the validity period of your double-entry Category C Schengen Visa, you shall not be allowed to enter the Schengen Area again on the same visa.

-Multiple-entry Category C Schengen Visa: With a multiple-entry Category C Schengen Visa, you can enter the Schengen Area multiple times during the validity period of the visa.

However, you must be mindful of adhering to the 90/180 rule, which states that your stay in the Schengen Area cannot exceed a period of 90 days across the 180-day validity period of your Category C Schengen Visa. If all the conditions are met, a C-category visa may be granted for 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years.

*Note: The visa fee mentioned in Euros is subject to change as per the exchange fluctuation rate and the fees fixed by the relevant authorities. It may increase or decrease from time to time.

VFS Global Service Charges

If you are applying through VFS Global, you may have to pay an additional service fee as below. You may also have to pay additional fees to avail yourself of their optional services.

Optional Services:

A Schengen visa application can be submitted through VFS Global, the official visa partner for Schengen visas. Before you proceed with the Schengen countries visa from India, you must determine the Schengen area you wish to visit and the type of visa you require.

• Follow the steps below to apply for a Schengen visa successfully.

• Navigate to VFS Global’s official website.

• Locate the “Apply for a Visa” tab and click on “Start Now.”

• Choose the first option, “Identify visa type”, to determine the visa type you require.

• If you already know the type of visa you need, click on the second option, “Begin your Application.”

• Download the visa application form and fill it out with accurate details as required.

• Once you have filled out the visa application form, proceed to schedule an appointment at the visa application centre.

• To book an appointment, you must create an account and register on the website.

• Choose the application centre that falls within your jurisdiction.

• Fill out the personal details of the applicant/s.

• Choose a day and time that works for you.

• Proceed to pay the application fee and service fee as indicated.

• After payment completion, you will receive a confirmation email.

• Take a printout of the payment receipt and preserve it.

• On the scheduled day, visit the VAC with the application form, payment receipt and other necessary documents.

• Complete the biometrics and other processes at the VAC.

• The VAC will forward your application to the Embassy for verification.

• After successful verification, you will receive the visa.

• You can also track your visa application on the VFS Globals website using the reference number.

-Useful link: Short stay Schengen visa application form Long stay or National Schengen visa form

Besides the citizens of the member countries of the Schengen Area and the citizens of nations that have a visa-free agreement with Schengen nations, every other visitor to the Schengen Area is required to have a pre-approved Schengen Visa of the right category in accordance with the purpose of their visit.

Here is a list of some of the nations whose citizens require a Schengen Visa to travel to the Schengen Area.

Apply for a Schengen visa well in advance before your departure so you may receive it on time. The Schengen visa wait time in India varies between 15-45 days. Hence, all applicants must apply for a visa on time.

A Schengen visa application may be made at least 15 days before the intended date of departure. However, one must not apply for a visa more than 6 months in advance.

When applying for a Schengen tourist visa from India or any other visa, it is crucial to submit all the required documents as per the visa authority’s instructions. The essential documents and the visa application forms enable the authorities to verify your identity. Here are the documents one must submit:

• Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your intended date of entry into the Schengen Area (this passport must not be older than 10 years).

• Two latest passport-sized photographs with a light background measuring 35mm x 45 mm.

• A print-out of your Schengen visa application form duly filled and signed.

• Travel insurance for Schengen Visa containing a medical cover of at least €30,000 and covering medical evacuation and repatriation.

• The proof of your intended accommodation during your stay in the Schengen Area.

• Your flight itinerary to and from the Schengen Area.

• The proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

• A cover letter describing your purpose for visiting the Schengen Area.

• The proof of your civil status, including your marriage certificate and, if applicable, the birth certificate of your children..

• A signed declaration (for business visa)

• Copy of address page and biometrics

• Certificate from a doctor confirming the treatment requirement (for a medical visit)

• Copy of mother’s and father’s passport (in case of minor)

To be eligible for a Schengen visa, one must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

• An applicant must be a citizen of the non-European country

• Must have a valid passport.

• One must possess sufficient financial capacity to fund the stay expenses in a Schengen country.

• Having travel insurance is compulsory.

• It is mandatory to have proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, etc.

• All the relevant and required documents must be submitted.

A Schengen visa may get rejected for one or more reasons. It is essential to be aware of the reasons for visa rejection so you can avoid the mistakes.

• An incomplete or inaccurately filled visa application form is one of the primary reasons for Schengen visa rejections.

• Not having travel insurance or having travel insurance of less than €30,000.

• Not submitting sufficient proof of your hotel and flight reservations.

• Having a weak financial background.

• An expired passport or a passport with insufficient validity can also be rejected.

-Prague Castle in the Czech Republic: The magnificent Prague Castle is a must-visit attraction if you love the stories of heroic knights. The gorgeous castle also includes St.Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, beautiful gardens and much more.

-Venice Canals in Italy: If you are a die-hard romantic at heart, the Venice Canals in Italy must be at the top of your travel list. You can have a fantastic experience riding a gondola in the Canals while watching the breathtaking sunset. You can also explore the stunning architecture around the canals.

-Matterhorn in Switzerland: Matterhorn is a mountain in the Alps filled with natural beauty. It offers a paradise-like view and is located at a height of 4478 metres. This place is suitable for peace lovers and adventurers alike. One can simply soak in the natural beauty or indulge in cable car rides, hike on the slopes or enjoy a train ride.

-Alhambra Palace in Spain: This magnificent palace and fortress is located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It is one of the best preserved Muslim Medieval Cities, with amazing palaces, awesome architecture and impressive Islamic art.

The Court of Lions is a very famous place in the Alhambra Palace. It consists of 12 lions throwing jets of water and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic Art in the world.

-Lake Bled, Slovenia: Nature lovers cannot get enough of this picturesque lake, which consists of a church in the middle of the island. It is a perfect destination for hiking, enjoying breathtaking views and visiting the oldest church. You can also have a wonderful time eating lunch or dinner at the castle’s restaurant or rowing a rented boat on the lake.

The Schengen nations are beautiful and enchanting countries with mesmerising views and thrilling activities. However, international travels are filled with as much uncertainty as excitement. Besides, the cost of healthcare and other facilities is sky-high. Thus, travel insurance is a must-have to prevent financial strain in a foreign land.

Moreover, travel insurance is mandatory if you want to visit the Schengen areas. You can fulfil this requirement with TATA AIG travel insurance Schengen, which offers extensive protection. Our insurance plan provides financial support in case of medical emergencies, accidents, flight cancellations, passport loss, luggage loss or delays, and many such unfortunate instances.

Our travel insurance plans start at just ₹40.82 per day with a host of features and benefits such as online purchase and renewal, high claim settlement ratio, 24/7 assistance, coverage of up to $5,000,000, and much more. TATA AIG lets you buy travel insurance online without any hassle of a pre-medical check-up and also get covered for COVID-19.