Schengen Visa for Citizens of India

Planning a trip from India to a Schengen country? We're here to simplify the Schengen Visa process for Indian passport holders.

As your go-to source for visa information, we provide easy-to-understand guidance – from eligibility and application steps to fees and required documents. We aim to make your visa journey as smooth as possible. Are you dreaming of watching the northern lights in Finland, strolling through the romantic streets of Paris, or exploring the historical wonders of Rome? We're here to help you secure your Schengen Visa from India and make your European dreams come true. Let's get started on your exciting European adventure!

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What is the Schengen visa for Indian citizens?

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows Indian citizens to travel freely within the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone for a maximum stay of up to 90 days per entry within a 180-day period.

The 27 Schengen countries abolished passport control at their mutual borders. They introduced the Schengen Visa to allow tourists to explore multiple European countries easily in a single trip.

The Schengen Visa is primarily meant for short stays for the purpose of tourism, business, or visiting friends and family. However, there are several types of Schengen visas (including transit visas and student visas) depending on the purpose of your visit.

It's important to note that while the Schengen Visa allows free movement within the Schengen Area, the visa approval itself is subject to meeting certain requirements and is at the discretion of the issuing authority.

Types of Schengen Visa in India

A Schengen Visa can be of several types, catering to the specific needs of travelers:

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) include options such as the Schengen Visa for Indian tourists, often classified as a Type C short-term visa. This type also includes the Transit Visa (Type B) and Airport Transit Visa (Type A).

Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV) are only valid for certain Schengen States as specified during the visa application process.

National Visas (Type D) accommodate long-term stays, including the Schengen Visa for Indian students and researchers. These visas primarily permit the holder to live, work, or study in a specific country and allow short-term travel to other Schengen countries.

Special-purpose visas cater to unique situations like medical treatment, official visits, and journalists. Specific categories here include the Schengen Visa for Indian business travelers and the Schengen Visa for Indian citizens with a family member in the EU.

Applying for the correct visa type in line with your travel purpose is essential to ensure a smooth application process.

What Schengen countries can Indian citizens apply to for a visa?

Need a Type C Schengen Visa? You're in luck! We at iVisa have made it easy for you to apply online. For other visas, like long-term or transit visas, just contact the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit.

We've got your back for short-stay Schengen Visas for many countries. Check out the list below and click the appropriate option to apply online for Indian citizens.

Want to visit another country? We’ll be adding more countries available for online applications soon. Contact us now by online chat for free travel advice.

Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens

When you apply for a Schengen Visa with us, we will send you the full list of documents you must provide to apply. Some of the documents you need for the application are:

A copy of your valid passport: It must be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date and have at least three blank pages.
Proof of your travel plans: This can be a return ticket to your home country or confirmed hotel reservation(s).
Proof of sufficient funds: Show evidence that you can support yourself during your European stay. You can provide bank statements or a letter from your employer stating your income.
Travel/medical insurance: This travel health insurance must cover medical expenses and repatriation in an emergency.
Two passport-sized photos: Ensure the picture meets all the Schengen Visa photo requirements.
Visa application form: The form should be correctly and honestly filled out, printed, and signed.

You may need to provide additional documents for any dependents traveling with you, such as your spouse or any children.

Those who meet these basic requirements should have no problem getting their Schengen visa applications approved. The government authorities will place your Schengen visa in your passport after approval.

Minimum bank balance required for Schengen Visa - India

As you can see in the list above, you must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses. To meet this requirement, you must present stamped bank statements of the past three months proving you have enough money to support your stay. If a company or another person is paying for your trip, provide their bank statements from the last three months and include a copy of their ID or Tax Identification Number as a supporting document.

The minimum bank balance needed for a Schengen Visa in India differs based on the country you plan to visit, as expenses vary across countries. For example, the cost of a holiday in Croatia might be lower compared to Switzerland. Therefore, it's important to check the specific financial requirements for the country where you intend to use the Schengen Visa.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from India?

We appreciate that the process of applying for a Schengen Visa can sometimes seem daunting. That's why we are here to make it as smooth and straightforward as possible. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Start by completing our user-friendly online Schengen Visa application form, providing your personal details and travel information.
Step 2: Ensure that all the information provided is accurate. Once that's done, pay our processing fee online. Please note that the government fee may be a separate payment directly to the government, depending on the Schengen Visa you’re applying for.

Upon successful payment, you'll receive a comprehensive PDF guide from us. This guide will help you navigate through the rest of the application process, providing step-by-step instructions for the form, an exhaustive list of necessary documents, and invaluable tips for acing your Schengen Visa interview (if required).

Step 3: Attend your appointment with the embassy or consulate on the day of your interview. Be sure to bring all the required documents.

After submitting your application, you must wait for your Schengen Visa to be approved.

Note: We offer you an application for a multiple-entry visa, but in the end, the Embassy decides if you will receive a multiple-entry visa, double-entry visa, or single-entry visa.

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Schengen visa fee and processing time for Indian citizens

At iVisa, we offer standard processing, which takes 30 days for us to process your application. This doesn’t include the time the government may take to schedule the appointment, process your application, and issue your visa.

Our processing fee varies depending on the Schengen visa country you apply for and other services you may add. During the application process on our site, you can add services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, or Embassy Registration.

We also offer an iVisa Fee Protection, which allows us to process a new application for no additional processing fee if you're unable to make your trip, as well as the option to get a flight reservation or itinerary that is valid for two weeks and can be used to apply for a visa, as proof of return to show to immigration officers while traveling, for car rental purposes, etc.

How to book an appointment for a Schengen visa interview from India?

Once you've filled out your visa application form, the next step in securing any Schengen Visa as an Indian applicant is to book an appointment at the appropriate Visa Application Center (VAC). We at iVisa will handle this booking for you and provide all the necessary guidance. However, there are some crucial points to remember.

Before your Schengen Visa appointment:

Ensure all the necessary documents are collated, organized, and ready.
Your visa application must be printed and signed before your appointment.
Remember that the Visa Application Center will retain your passport and documents while processing your application.
Be prepared to travel to the nearest Visa Application Center, even if it is in a different city. Plan your travel logistics.

What to expect during a Schengen visa interview?

Officials will authenticate your application and input your details into their digital system. This process typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
If the visa is for a minor (under 18), ensure both parents have signed the requisite forms.
Remember to carry enough cash to pay for the visa fee on the day of your interview.

Tips for a successful Schengen visa application as an Indian citizen

The process of applying for a Schengen Visa can often be complex and detailed. Beyond applying with us, there are some key things you can do to increase your chances of a successful Schengen Visa application as an Indian citizen.

Common reasons for Schengen visa rejections for Indian citizens

Recognizing common reasons for Schengen Visa rejections and avoiding them can help you navigate potential issues:

Incomplete or misleading documentation: Ensure your documents are complete and accurate. Our visa experts will double-check these before submission to the government.
Insufficient means of subsistence: Applicants need proof of enough funds for their stay, like bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsorship letter.
Invalid travel insurance: Confirm your policy covers up to €30,000 for medical emergencies, as per requirement.
Unclear purpose of visit: State your visit's purpose clearly. The relevant proof strengthens your application, whether it's tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.
Overstaying past visas: If you've overstayed a visa, address this honestly and provide a valid explanation. Compliance with past visa rules boosts your credibility.

Considering these points enhances your chances of a successful application. Clarity and comprehensiveness are key.

How to appeal a Schengen visa rejection?

If your Schengen Visa application has been rejected, you must understand you have the right to appeal. Here's how:

Understand the reasons for rejection: The Schengen authorities will provide a refusal letter stating the reason(s) for rejection. Understanding these reasons is the first step in the appeal process.
Write an appeal letter: Draft a letter explaining why you believe the decision should be reconsidered. Provide detailed responses to the reasons given in the refusal letter.
Submit the appeal letter: Send your letter to the embassy or consulate that rejected your application. The time limit to lodge an appeal varies, so it's important to act quickly.
Wait for a response: After submitting your appeal, you'll have to wait for a decision. This can take up to several weeks.

Remember, while rejection can be disappointing, it is not the end of the road. An appeal, especially one backed by a strong case, can turn the decision in your favor. Our team will happily assist you if you’re nervous about appealing or reapplying alone.

Simply contact our expert customer service team for more information! Reach them through our convenient online chat or by sending an email to [email protected].

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