How To Apply For A Schengen Visa From India?

If you are thinking of going on a trip to one or more of the 29 Schengen countries, then it is best to get a Schengen visa.

This is applicable for all Indian passport holders, Indian citizens who have become permanent citizens of the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Australia, and Indian Green Card holders.

However, the application process requires attention to detail, the right documentation, and proper planning. So, how to apply for a Schengen visa from India?

How To Apply For A Schengen Visa From India: Step-by-Step Guide

It might seem difficult to apply for a Schengen Visa from India, but if you follow these few steps, the process will become easy for you.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need

Tourist Visa – for leisure and sightseeing.
Business Visa – for attending meetings, conferences, etc.
Family Visit Visa – for visiting relatives.
Transit Visa – if you’re passing through the Schengen Zone.

Choose the visa type based on the main reason for your travel.

Step 2: Choose the Right Embassy or Consulate

You must apply through the embassy/consulate of the country you intend to visit:

Spend most days in, or
Enter first if the duration is evenly split between countries

For example, if you’re visiting France for 5 days and Germany for 3, apply at the French consulate.

Step 3: Book Your Appointment

If you want to book an appointment, go to the official embassy website or a visa outsourcing partner. Moreover, some countries have online appointment scheduling, while others might have to make a call or request through email.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Here’s a list of commonly required documents:

Duly filled visa application form
Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date and with 2 blank pages)
Passport-size photographs (as per Schengen standards)
Cover letter explaining your travel plans
Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
Proof of financial means (bank statements for last 3-6 months, ITR, salary slips)
Employment proof (NOC from employer or school/university)
International Travel Insurance (mandatory – more on this below)
Visa fee (usually paid at the time of appointment)

Note: All documents must be in English or translated if required.

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Appointment

On the appointment day:

Reach the centre on time with all original documents and copies.
Submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
Pay the visa fee if not been paid online.

This step is essential and cannot be skipped unless you submitted biometrics for a previous Schengen visa within the last 59 months.

Step 6: Track Your Application

After you have submitted the application, track the visa status online with the reference number they gave you during the appointment.

The time generally ranges from 7 to 15 working days. However, there can be some delays during peak seasons.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once they have processed the visa, they will notify you to collect the passport, or you can choose home delivery if they have that option. If the visa is granted, they will paste it on the passport pages.

Why is Schengen Travel Insurance Mandatory?

One of the most important requirements for a Schengen Visa application is travel insurance.

Here’s why it’s compulsory:

1. Healthcare Is Expensive in Europe

If you fall ill or meet with an accident, medical bills can be overwhelming. Travel insurance ensures you’re not burdened financially.

2. Visa Requirement by Law

As per Schengen regulations, travel insurance must:

Cover a minimum of €30,000
Be valid throughout the Schengen Area
Cover medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation

If your insurance doesn’t meet these criteria, your visa application can be rejected.

3. Peace of Mind During Travel

Apart from medical coverage, international travel insurance often includes benefits like:

Loss of passport or baggage
Trip cancellations or delays
Emergency evacuation

Many Indian insurers offer Schengen-compliant policies at affordable rates. Be sure to purchase a plan from an approved provider and include a printout of your insurance certificate in your application.

Who Are The Applicants That Do Not Have To Pay Any Visa Fee?

Now that you know how to apply for a Schengen visa from India, you should also have an idea about where the fee can be waived. Who are the applicants who are exempt from the visa fee?

Children under the age of six are exempt from the fee.
School students, college students, postgraduate students, and candidates accompanying their teachers for study purposes, or who are going to any kind of educational training.
Researchers from third countries traveling for scientific research or for any conference or seminar.
NGO representatives below the age of 25 are participating in seminars, sports, educational events, conferences, and cultural events organized by NGOs.
Service and diplomatic passport holders.

The amount waived varies by category. You should check the website once, or discuss it when you are applying for the visa.

Tips for a Smooth Visa Approval

To make sure you have a smooth experience during your travels, keep a check on these things:

Apply atleast a month before you are planning to leave.
Always double-check the documents and passport validity.
Check if your travel itinerary matches the flight and hotel bookings.
Be transparent in your cover letter and interview (if required).
Don’t buy actual tickets before visa approval; use temporary bookings instead.
When traveling, keep a copy of all necessary documents with you.

Now that you know how to apply for a Schengen visa from India, the process may be too elaborate. However, if you prepare correctly, you can manage it with ease.

Every step is very important. Therefore, you must review all the international travel insurance documents and select the appropriate consulate carefully.

If you prepare the application well, there is a better chance of getting hassle-free approval. This will be a stress-free kickstart to your European adventures.

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