Schengen Visa from India
Europe has always been the most preferred destination for Indian people. Be it to tour, work, business, study or settle, Europe is among one of the most chosen continent by Indians. Moreover, the number of Schengen visa applications is highest from India among all the countries. Precisely, India is among one of the most important tourist markets for European Union with above 10 million travelers to Europe every year.
Do Indian Citizens need a visa to enter in Europe (EU) region?
Yes, to be eligible to enter in any European country an Indian citizen (passport holder) needs to have a valid Schengen visa to enter the Schengen area. India is out from the list of visa exempt countries for European Union. Thus, Indian nationals must apply and have a valid Schengen visa to travel to any county in Europe before they plan their travel. Precisely a few countries in Schengen area may allow Indian diplomatic and official passport holders to enter without a visa.
Key Factors Before applying for Schengen Visa from India
Before making an application for Schengen Visa from India there are certain key factors which one must keep in mind. These factors will definitely help you prepare and submit an even more effective, impressive and correct Schengen Visa application that may lead to positive outcome. Following below are those key points to be considered:
Who is eligible to apply for Schengen Visa in India?
EU countries have their Embassies, Visa Application Centers and Consulates in India. They responsibly handle and process the Schengen Visa applications made by Indian passport holders. However, everyone can not apply for a Schengen Visa from India.
Only the following applicants are eligible to submit their visa applications at the respective Schengen embassies or consulates or VACs in India:
- Indian passport holders, or
- Nationals of any third countries, who are required to obtain European Visa and are living in India under a permanent or temporary residence permit.
When should you apply for a Schengen Visa from India?
The time period allowed to apply for a Schengen visa from India is as follows:
- The earliest you can file a visa application is at maximum three months before you start your planned trip.
- The latest you can file a visa application is at maximum 15 working days before you plan to travel to Europe.
- The most recommended time to file a visa application is at least three weeks before you plan your trip.
Where should you apply for a Schengen Visa in India?
Almost Countries under the Schengen area have their Embassies, Consulates and Visa Application Centers (VACs) in India. Mostly, applications for Schengen Visa are submitted at processed by VACs. However, you can also submit your Visa application directly at the Embassy or Consulate General respective of the jurisdiction you fall under. Most importantly, note that there is no Embassy of Liechtenstein in India. As a result, in such case, the Swiss Embassy is responsible for the visa applications of Liechtenstein.
Which Country should you apply?
There are different types of Schengen Visa depending upon the purpose of travel. Once you have decided the Schengen Visa type you are applying under, you than need to decide upon the country you should be applying to. Although, entire Schengen area acts as one single state, your visa will be issued by a particular Schengen country which is your destination country depending on following conditions:
1).Schengen Visa Destination Rules for Indian
Destination country should be decided keeping following points in mind when applying for a Schengen Visa from India:
- You must make your application to the particular destination country in case if you are travelling to only one county in Schengen area.
- If you are visiting to multiple countries, submit your application:
- To the country where you will stay most days, ( In the case of an unequal amount of days in each), or
- To the country of your destination (port of entry)
- If there is no diplomatic mission of your destination country, you must apply to the embassy/consulate of the country to which the destination country has outsourced the application.
2). Schengen Visa Rules for First Port of Entry
Port of Entry is basically your destination country. However, if you plan to visit and stay in multiple countries of Schengen area in that case your first destination of visit in the Schengen area will be your Port of entry.
To Illustrate: If you are travelling to Lucerne from India, spending 15 days in Switzerland, and then travelling to France to spend 15 days there, you must apply to the Swiss embassy in India as Lucerne in Switzerland is your port of entry.
3).Duration of Stay
You should apply to the country where you plan to stay for the longer period of time.
For Example: if you travel to Lucerne in Switzerland and stay there for 15 days and later you travel to Spain where you plan to stay for 20 days. You should apply to Spain Embassy in India.
Which Schengen countries can Indians visit with a Schengen Visa?
Indian passport holders having a valid Schengen visa are allowed to visit any of the following 26 Schengen countries as below:
| 1. Austria | 2. Hungary | 3. Norway |
| 4. Belgium | 5. Iceland | 6. Poland |
| 7. Czech Republic | 8. Italy | 9. Portugal |
| 10. Denmark | 11. Latvia | 12. Slovakia |
| 13. Estonia | 14. Liechtenstein | 15. Slovenia |
| 16. Finland | 17. Lithuania | 18. Spain |
| 19. France | 20. Luxembourg | 21. Sweden |
| 22. Germany | 23. Malta | 24. Switzerland |
| 25. Greece | 26. Netherlands |
Types of Schengen Visa for Indian citizens
The very first thing that you need to decide upon is type of Schengen Visa you should apply for. Your Schengen Visa type must be based on your purpose of Travel to Schengen area. You need to be very precised and particular while deciding upon the Schengen visa category and applying for the visa with correct purpose of travel as wrong category may lead to visa rejection. Different types of Schengen Visa are as mentioned below:
- Transit
- Tourism
- Business
- Visiting family/friends
- Cultural/Sports/Religious events
- Official visits
- Study
- Medical reasons
What is Schengen Visa Fees for Indian passport holders?
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*The applicable government visa fee in INR is as per the current exchange rate. Visa fees are subject to change without prior notice.
What documents I must bring with me when travelling on a Schengen Visa?
All Indian citizens travelling to European Union (EU) can be requested to show set of certain documents that may substantiate your purpose of visit. You must have sufficient funds and means of subsistence for the period of time you plan to travel and stay. Furthermore, your means of subsistence must be enough for our return to India or for travel to any other EU state.
How long will it take to get a Schengen Visa in India?
Usually the standard processing time for Schengen Visa in India is 15 working days from the actual date of application submission. It may extend up to 30 days if there are any additional requirements made or to maximum extent of 60 days in rare cases.
Is a Visa Appointment needed in order to submit my Application?
Yes, as an applicant from India for Schengen Visa you need to book an appointment prior with the respective Embassy or Consulate depending upon your city of residence in last 6 months.