Schengen Visa for Indians

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa issued to non-EU citizens who intend to stay in the Schengen region for a short period of time. The Schengen region is a group of 29 countries that have signed an agreement to allow travellers with a Schengen visa to visit these countries visa-free.

Simply put, when you apply for a Schengen visa, you get access to travel to the 29 Schengen region countries without having to apply for separate visas to these countries. Read through to learn about the list of countries in the Schengen visa.

List of Countries in the Schengen Region

As of May 2024, the Schengen region comprises 29 countries, among which 25 are European Union member states and 4 are non-EU countries. Mentioned below is the complete list.

While the Schengen visa allows you to travel to multiple destinations, you must meet certain requirements. Keep reading to understand the types, eligibility requirements, fees, documents, processing time, and more about a Schengen visa application.

Types of Schengen Visas You Can Apply For

There are three main types of Schengen visas based on the purpose of your visit.

The Uniform Schengen Visa

With a Schengen Visa application, you can travel to any of the 29 Schengen region countries for a short stay of up to 90 days, every six months. Based on the purpose of your visit, Uniform Schengen Visas are further classified into the following categories.

• Category A: Also known as “Airport Transit Visas”, these types of Uniform Schengen Visas are for Individuals who wish to transit in a Schengen region country when they travel from one non-Schengen region country to another. The type A  visa is typically offered for people who do not wish to set foot in a Schengen region country.
• Category B: If you are travelling from one non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country via a Schengen region country, and wish to stay in the country for a short while, you can apply for a Type B Schengen visa. However, you must note that the stay under B-type visas can not last for more than 5 days.
• Category C: C-type Schengen visas are short-term visas with a maximum validity of 90 days every six months. Based on your frequency of travel to the Schengen region, the C-type Schengen visas can have three categories.
  • Single-Entry Visa: As the name suggests, a single-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter any country in the Schengen region once during the visa duration. Typically, you have to apply for a single-trip travel insurance to apply for the visa. The visa expires the day you leave the country.
  • Double-Entry Visa: With a double-entry visa, you can enter and leave the Schengen region twice within the stipulated time on the Schengen visa.
  • Multiple Entry Visa: A multi-entry Schengen visa allows travellers to enter and exit the Schengen region as often as they want. However, under a multi-entry Schengen visa, you cannot exceed your stay for more than 90 days.

Did you know? You can apply for an annual travel insurance to cover your multiple trips throughout the year.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa

A limited territorial validity visa is a visa with limited territorial access. With this visa, you can only visit a list of countries you mentioned at the time of visa application. For instance, if you have applied for a Limited Territorial Visa for Croatia and Greece, you can only travel to these countries for a stipulated period of time.

National Visas

National Visas are long-term visas that allow you to study, work, and/or settle in the Schengen region. Based on your stay purpose, these Schengen travel visas are further categorised into 3 types.

• Schengen Student Visa: If you wish to pursue higher studies in a Schengen region country, you can apply for a student visa for the Schengen region.
• Schengen Work Visa: If you are applying for job opportunities, an EU working visa should be the ideal type of visa you should apply for.
• Schengen Business Visa: A Schengen business visa is issued to individuals who wish to explore business opportunities in the Schengen region.

Eligibility Requirements for a Schengen Visa

The eligibility requirements for a Schengen visa application are as follows:

• You must have a valid passport with a date of expiration of at least 6 months after your visa application.
• You must be a citizen of a non-Schengen country.
• You must justify your reason for travel destination, duration, and stay.
• You must have Schengen travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 coverage for a successful Schengen visa application.

Note: If you travel to multiple countries in the Schengen region, you must choose the country's consulate where you’ll spend the longest time. If you travel to multiple countries and will stay for an equal amount of time, you must apply at the consulate of the country you are to visit first.

Documents Required for Schengen Visa Application

The documents required for a Schengen visa application may vary based on your visa type. Typically, the documents required for a Schengen visa are:

• A duly filled visa application form,
• A valid passport with validity of at least 6 months after your travel date,
• 2 Recent passport-sized photographs,
• Proof of Date of Birth, Bank account statements, Income tax proofs,
• An application explaining the purpose of the visit with valid proof,
• Confirmed round tickets,
• Proof of Accommodation,
• A mandatory Europe Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000,
• Proof of employment is required if you are applying for an EU working visa.
• Business-related proof of applying for a Schengen business visa, and
• Provide proof of enrollment if applying for a student visa.

Processing Time for Schengen Visa

The processing time for the Schengen visa online application may be between 15 and 60 days. For a generic Schengen visa application, processing may take up to 15 business days, whereas for more detailed examinations, Schengen visa processing may take up to 60 days.

Schengen Visa Fees and Payment Methods

According to the European Commission's official website, the cost of an EU visa may vary depending on your nationality and age group. If you apply online, you can pay this amount in cash at the consulate office, or through credit cards or net banking.

Refer to the table below for the basic Schengen visa fee structure for Indians:

Please note that the above information is for reference purposes only. The Schengen visa application fee may change without prior notice! For updates on the visa fee structure, refer to your destination country's official consulate website.

How to Track Your Schengen Visa Application Status?

Travel Insurance Requirements for a Schengen Visa

Did you know that, as per Regulation 810/2009 of the European Union, you must have valid Schengen area travel insurance with a minimum coverage of € 30,000 to apply for a Schengen visa?

Regardless of how strictly you follow your travel plans, the unforeseen may come unannounced and leave you financially drained! Schengen travel insurance ensures that you are not strangled alone in a foreign country and always have emergency funds for medical and non-medical emergencies! The international travel insurance ensures coverage for emergencies such as baggage loss, trip cancellation, hospitalisation, etc.

Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa Interview

Half your battle will be fought once you have completed and submitted your Schengen visa application. You must prepare for a visa interview to win the rest of your battle! Mentioned below are a few tips to ensure a successful Schengen visa interview.

• Dress Smart: When going for a visa interview, dress appropriately. Men can wear neat and ironed smart formals, while women can look presentable in sarees, salwar kameez, or formal dresses.
• Give Appropriate Answers: Rather than beating around the bush, answer the interviewer's questions appropriately and concisely.
• Be Prepared with Your Documents: Collate the documents required during the visa application. Some documents you must keep include a valid passport, Aadhaar, bank statement, income tax proofs, etc.
• Leave a Good Impression on the Consulate Officer: Having good communication skills and maintaining etiquette in front of your consulate officer can add brownie points to your chances of qualifying for the Schengen visa interview.
• Have Proof of Funds Handy: During your interview, your interviewer may ask you for proof of funds to ensure you will not be financially strangled in the foreign land.

What to Do If Your Schengen Visa Is Denied

Your Schengen visa application may be denied for reasons such as incomplete or false information, missing documents, incorrect forms, previous visa violations, or if your interviewer finds you inappropriate for the travel. There’s typically no waiting period for appealing or reapplying for the Schengen visa.

Process of Appealing

Under Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement, you can file an appeal for reconsideration of your existing application. To file an appeal, you must

• Write an Appeal Letter mentioning your personal details, the date and the reason for the rejection. Also, mention why your application must be reconsidered.
• Attach supporting documents along with the appeal letter.
• Submit a detailed travel itinerary.
• A current bank statement that shows you have adequate funds.
• Employment contract and other valid documents if applying for work, student or business visas.
• Once you submit all the required documents with an appeal letter to the Embassy, a higher-ranking officer will again verify your documents. The officials shall then communicate whether your visa is accepted.

Process of Reapplication

When reapplying, you can rectify your previous mistakes and increase your chances of approval. The process of reapplying for a Schengen Visa is generally similar to that of a fresh visa application.

Did you know? If you have a Schengen travel insurance with the “refund of visa fee” add-on, you can avail of a refund on the cost of Schengen visa if it is rejected for no fault of your own.

Top Destinations to Visit in the Schengen Area

A Schengen visa can be your gateway to an expedition into the European culture. Below are a few countries you must visit during your next trip to the Schengen Area.