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, 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

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 Schengen 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.