Comprehensive Guide to Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay (Type C) visa that allows Indian citizens to travel to and within 29 European countries that comprise the Schengen Area. With a single Schengen visa, you can visit multiple countries without needing separate visas for each nation.

The 29 Schengen Countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria (starting 2025), Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania (starting 2025), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Schengen Area has abolished internal border controls, meaning you can move freely between member countries once you enter. Your visa is valid for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period — this is known as the "90/180 rule."

Do Indian Citizens Need a Schengen Visa?

Yes, Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter any Schengen Area country for tourism, business, family visits, or certain other short-term purposes.

India is not on the Schengen visa-free list, which means all Indian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Europe. This applies regardless of:

• Your purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting family/friends)
• Whether you hold valid visas for other countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)
• Your previous travel history (first-time travelers also need a visa)
• Whether you're a resident of another country (unless that country has a separate visa waiver agreement)

Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens (2025)

The Schengen visa fee structure for Indian applicants is standardized across all member countries. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Applicant Category	Visa Fee (EUR)	Approximate Cost (INR)	Notes
Adults (12 years and above)	€90	₹8,000 - ₹9,500	Standard fee for most applicants
Children (6-11 years)	€45	₹4,000 - ₹4,800	Reduced fee for children
Children (under 6 years)	€0	Free	No visa fee required
Airport Transit Visa	€90	₹8,000 - ₹9,500	If you need to transit through Schengen
Students & Researchers	€0	Free	For scientific research or study purposes
NGO Representatives	€0	Free	Non-profit organizations under 25

Additional Costs to Budget For

• VFS Global Service Fee: ₹1,800 - ₹2,500 (varies by country)
• Travel Insurance: ₹1,500 - ₹5,000 (minimum €30,000 coverage required)
• Photographs: ₹200 - ₹500
• Document Photocopies: ₹200 - ₹500
• Travel to VFS Center: Varies by location

Total Estimated Cost for One Applicant: ₹12,000 - ₹16,000 (including all fees and charges)

Payment Methods

Visa fees can be paid in Indian Rupees at VFS Global centers. Most centers accept:

• Cash (Indian Rupees)
• Debit/Credit Cards
• Online payment during appointment booking

Note: Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.

Schengen Visa Types for Indian Citizens

1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) - Most Common

This is the standard visa most Indian tourists and business travelers apply for. It allows:

• Single Entry: One entry into the Schengen Area (90 days max)
• Double Entry: Two entries into the Schengen Area
• Multiple Entry: Unlimited entries within the visa validity period

2. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

Rarely issued to Indian citizens, this visa is valid only for the specific country that issued it and cannot be used to travel to other Schengen nations.

3. Airport Transit Visa (ATV)

Required if you are transiting through a Schengen airport without passing through border control. However, Indian citizens are not generally required to have an ATV.

New 2024 Schengen Visa Rules for Indians

✅ Improved Visa Access for Indian Travelers

On April 18, 2024, the European Commission adopted new rules specifically benefiting Indian nationals. Under this new "cascade regime," qualified Indian applicants can now obtain longer-validity multiple-entry visas more easily.

The New Cascade Regime for Indians

Your Travel History	New Visa Validity You May Receive
First-time applicants	Single or double entry visa (valid for planned stay)
Previously used 1+ Schengen visas	Multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year
Used 2+ Schengen visas in last 3 years	Multiple-entry visa valid for 2 years
Used 3+ Schengen visas in last 5 years	Multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years

 

Key Benefit: Once you have a 2-year multiple-entry visa, you can travel to Schengen countries multiple times without reapplying each time — similar to visa-free nationals. This saves both time and money!

Important: The maximum validity of your visa cannot exceed your passport's validity. If your passport expires in 2 years, you'll receive a 2-year visa even if you qualify for a 5-year one.

Complete Document Checklist for Indian Applicants

Required Documents for All Applicants

• ✓Valid Passport:Issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen
• ✓Completed Application Form:Online application form with unique code (or printed form if completing manually)
• ✓Recent Photographs:2 biometric photos, 35×45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months
• ✓Travel Medical Insurance:Minimum €30,000 coverage, valid for all Schengen countries and entire trip duration
• ✓Flight Itinerary:Confirmed round-trip flight reservation (not necessarily purchased ticket)
• ✓Proof of Accommodation:Hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter from host
• ✓Proof of Financial Means:Bank statements for last 3 months (bank-stamped)
• ✓Cover Letter:Explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and ties to India

Additional Documents Based on Employment Status

For Salaried Employees:

• Leave approval letter from employer
• Employment contract or appointment letter
• Last 3 months' salary slips
• No Objection Certificate (if applicable)

For Self-Employed / Business Owners:

• Company registration certificate
• GST registration documents
• Company bank statements (last 3 months)
• Business license or partnership deed

For Students:

• Enrollment certificate from educational institution
• Leave permission letter from college/university
• No Objection Certificate (if required by institution)

For Retired Individuals:

• Pension statements for last 3 months
• Proof of regular income (property rental, investments, etc.)

For minors (under 18):

• Birth certificate
• Consent letter from both parents/guardians
• Passport copies of parents/guardians
• School enrollment certificate (if traveling during academic year)

⚠️ Mandatory: ITR or Form 16

Indian applicants must provide either:

• ITR (Income Tax Return) acknowledgment for the last 2 assessment years
• OR Form 16 (Certificate of Income Tax Deducted at Source)

Step-by-Step Application Process

1 Determine Your Main Destination

Identify which Schengen country you will spend the most time in. If visiting multiple countries with equal duration, apply to the first country you'll enter. This determines which consulate processes your application.

 

2 Gather Required Documents

Collect all documents listed in the checklist above. Ensure bank statements are bank-stamped and no older than 1 month at the time of application submission.

 

3 Complete Online Application

Fill out the official visa application form on the destination country's visa portal. You'll receive a unique application code — do not use someone else's form.

 

4 Book Appointment at VFS Global

Schedule your visa appointment online through VFS Global. Pay the service fee at booking. Appointments can be booked 6 months in advance.

 

5 Visit VFS Center for Biometrics

Attend your appointment with all documents. Submit your application, pay the visa fee, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). First-time applicants must appear in person.

 

6 Track Your Application

Use the tracking number provided to monitor your application status online. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days from receipt at the consulate.

 

7 Collect Your Passport

Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS center or opt for courier delivery. Check the visa sticker for correctness before leaving.

VFS Global Centers in India

Schengen visa applications from India are processed through VFS Global, which has centers across the country:

New Delhi

Mumbai

Bangalore

Chennai

Kolkata

Hyderabad

Pune

Ahmedabad

Chandigarh

Cochin (Kochi)

Jalandhar

Lucknow

 

Key Information: For certain countries like Germany, you can submit your application at any VFS center in India regardless of your place of residence. The application will be forwarded to the respective consulate for processing.

Processing Time for Indian Applicants

Processing Scenario	Timeframe	Notes
Standard Processing	15 calendar days	From date of receipt at consulate
Extended Processing	30-45 days	When additional verification is needed
Complex Cases	Up to 60 days	Rare, exceptional circumstances
Transit Time to Consulate	1-6 days	Time for VFS to forward application

When to Apply

• Earliest: 6 months before travel date
• Recommended: At least 6-8 weeks before travel
• Latest: 15 working days before travel

Peak Seasons to Avoid

Processing times may be longer during:

• Summer (June-August): Peak vacation season
• December-January: Holiday season
• April-May: Summer travel bookings begin

Pro Tip: Apply at least 2 months before your travel date to account for potential delays.

How to Choose Which Country to Apply To

Rule of Thumb

Single Country: Apply to that country's consulate

Multiple Countries: Apply to the country where you'll spend the most nights

Equal Duration: Apply to the country of your first entry

Country Comparison: Ease of Application

Based on approval rates and processing efficiency (2024 data):

Country	Processing Time	Relative Difficulty	Notes
Lithuania	7-15 days	✅ Easier	Higher approval rates, less documentation
Estonia	7-15 days	✅ Easier	Efficient processing, good for first-timers
Switzerland	10-15 days	✅ Easier	Popular choice, reliable processing
Germany	15-20 days	🟡 Moderate	Centralized processing in Mumbai
France	15-25 days	🟡 Moderate	Popular destination, can be busier
Italy	15-20 days	🟡 Moderate	Good for tourism-focused applications
Sweden	20-30 days	🔴 More Complex	Higher rejection rates for first-timers
Norway	20-30 days	🔴 More Complex	Strict documentation requirements

 

Important: While some countries may have "easier" processing, you must apply based on your actual travel itinerary. Applying to a country you don't intend to visit can result in visa rejection.

Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection

Top Reasons Indian Applications Are Rejected

1. Incomplete Documentation: Missing documents, expired passports, or unstamped bank statements
2. Insufficient Funds: Bank balance not adequate for trip duration
3. Weak Ties to India: Consulate doubts you'll return after your visit
4. Unclear Travel Purpose: Vague cover letter or inconsistent itinerary
5. Invalid Travel Insurance: Coverage below €30,000 or not valid in all Schengen countries
6. Previous Visa Violations: Overstaying in Schengen before
7. False or Forged Documents: Immediate rejection and potential blacklisting
8. Mismatch in Application: Information inconsistent across documents

How to Avoid Rejection

✅ Tips for First-Time Applicants

• Apply with a clear, detailed itinerary
• Show strong ties to India (employment, property, family)
• Maintain sufficient funds in your account for 3-6 months
• Book refundable flights and accommodations
• Get travel insurance from a reputable provider
• Be honest and consistent in all documents

Travel Insurance Requirements

Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applicants from India. Your insurance must meet specific criteria:

Requirement	Specification
Minimum Coverage	€30,000 (approximately ₹2.7 lakh)
Validity	Valid in ALL Schengen countries
Duration	Covers your entire trip period
Coverage Type	Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation

 

Insurance Cost Estimate: For a 15-day trip, expect to pay ₹1,500 - ₹3,000 for adequate Schengen travel insurance.

Note: Some credit cards offer travel insurance, but verify it meets Schengen requirements before relying on it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I work in Europe with a Schengen visa?

No. A Schengen visa (Type C) is for short-term visits only (up to 90 days). If you want to work or study in Europe long-term, you need a separate national visa (Type D) from the specific country.

Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Europe?

Rarely. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal emergencies). You cannot extend just because you want to stay longer. Apply for an extension at the local immigration office of your current Schengen country.

Do I need to book actual flights or just reservations?

You only need flight reservations, not purchased tickets. Many travel agencies and online services offer confirmed flight reservations for visa applications. These are typically refundable or valid for a limited period.

What if my Schengen visa application is rejected?

You will receive a rejection letter explaining the reason. You can either:

• Appeal the decision (within 2 weeks to 1 month, depending on the country)
• Reapply with a stronger application addressing the rejection reasons

The visa fee is not refunded in case of rejection.

Can I use my Schengen visa to enter the UK or Ireland?

No. The UK and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area. You need separate visas for these countries, even with a valid Schengen visa.

What if I have previously traveled to Schengen countries?

Previous Schengen travel history is beneficial for your application. Under the new 2024 rules, if you've used at least 2 Schengen visas in the last 3 years, you may qualify for a 2-year multiple-entry visa. Your passport may also contain previous visa stamps and entry/exit records.

Is the 90-day limit per country or total?

The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not individual countries. The 180-day rolling window is calculated from your most recent entry date. Use the official EU Visa Calculator to track your remaining days.

Do I need to show my Indian residence permit if I live abroad?

If you are an Indian citizen legally residing in another country (e.g., USA, UK, Canada), you can apply from that country with valid residence permit. However, you must justify why you're applying from there instead of India if you're not a citizen.

Quick Reference: 90-Day Rule Explained

Understanding the 90/180 Rule

The 90-day limit means you can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period.

Example:

• You enter France on January 1 for 30 days
• You leave on January 30
• You can return anytime, but your total stay until June 29 (180 days from first entry) cannot exceed 90 days

Calculation: Count backwards from your planned entry date — any 180-day window must show 90 days or fewer of previous Schengen stays.

Expert Tips for Indian Applicants

✅ Before Applying

• Start gathering documents at least 2 months before travel
• Check your passport validity (should be 3+ months beyond return)
• Ensure bank statements are stamped by the bank
• Book VFS appointments well in advance (especially during peak seasons)
• Compare insurance options to get best coverage at lowest cost

✅ At the VFS Appointment

• Arrive 15-30 minutes early
• Bring all documents in original and copy
• Have your application form code ready
• Double-check all documents before submission
• Keep your tracking number safe

✅ After Submission

• Track your application regularly
• Don't book non-refundable flights until visa is approved
• Be prepared for possible additional document requests
• Collect your passport promptly once notified

Sources and Official Information

This guide has been compiled using information from the following official sources:

• European Commission - Schengen Visa Policy
• EU Delegation to India - New Visa Rules 2024
• VFS Global - Schengen Visa Information
• German Embassy New Delhi - Visa Processing
• Netherlands Worldwide - Schengen Visa India