If you're planning a European holiday, you must apply for a Schengen visa. You can submit your application for any country in the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel seamlessly across multiple European nations. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders, creating a zone where people can move freely across borders without needing multiple visas or permits.

The Schengen Area includes popular countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Greece. This makes this visa highly desirable for travellers wishing to explore multiple European countries during one trip.

Securing a Schengen visa appointment can be challenging due to high demand and limited slots. Atlys streamlines this process by assisting you in booking appointments within the promised timeframe, ensuring a smoother visa application experience.

Do Indians need a visa for Schengen countries? 

Yes, Indians citizens do require a Schengen visa, which is a Type-C visa, to visit the Schengen countries. A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to 29 Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within 180 days for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.

What are the Schengen visa requirements for Indians?

To successfully apply for a Schengen visa, Indian nationals need to prepare a well-documented application that meets the standards set by the embassies and consulates of Schengen countries. Here is an expanded and detailed explanation of each document required:

1. Original and Old Passports

• Current Passport: Applicants must submit their original passports to the visa application centre. The passports must be valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date from the Schengen Area and should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

• Old Passports: Applicants should also provide all old passports, if available, to help demonstrate a travel history. These documents will be used to verify previous travel and serve as proof of lawful travel behaviour.

2. Completed Visa Application Form

The Schengen visa application form must be filled and signed by the applicant. It is crucial to provide accurate information that matches other supporting documents to avoid delays or rejection.

3. Appointment Confirmation

An appointment confirmation letter must be presented at the visa application centre on the day of document submission. This appointment will be for document submission and collecting biometric data (fingerprints and photos).

4. Cover Letter (Signed by the Applicant)

A cover letter should be addressed to the consulate, explaining the purpose of the visit, the itinerary, and details about accommodation during your stay. It should specify details such as travel dates, places to be visited, and information about the applicant's intent to return to India after the permitted stay.

Utilise the Atlys Schengen cover letter generator to easily create your cover letter.

5. Passport-Sized Photographs

Applicants are required to submit two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specific Schengen photo requirements:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm.

• Background: White background, ensuring there are no shadows.

• Facial Proportion: 70-80% of the photograph must include the applicant's face.

• Quality: The photo should be printed on matte or semi-matte paper with no reflections or blemishes.

To avoid any issues with the application, the photograph must be recent, taken within the last six months, and adhere to the required specifications.

6. Copies of Passport Pages

• Please provide a copy of the front and last pages of the current passport. These copies help verify the applicant’s identity and personal details.

• Additionally, copies of all stamped passport pages, including any pages with visas or exit and entry stamps, must be submitted, as this records the applicant’s travel history.

7. Aadhaar and PAN Card Copies

• Aadhaar Card: A copy of your Aadhaar card is required as proof of residency. This helps validate the applicant's address details and provides an additional identification document.

• PAN Card: A copy of your Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is also required. The PAN card helps identify applicants and is particularly useful for verifying financial stability when reviewing other documents (e.g., bank statements and tax returns).

Additional Mandatory Documents for Schengen Visa Application

In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must submit travel-related documents. 

8. Hotel Reservation

• Proof of Accommodation: All applicants must have a confirmed hotel reservation. This reservation must cover their intended stay in the Schengen Area, proving they have a place to stay during their visit.

• Details Required: The reservation should mention the hotel's name and address, along with your booking details, including check-in and check-out dates. If you plan to stay at multiple locations, you must provide reservations for each hotel.

• Alternatives: If you are staying with friends or family, an invitation letter from your host, along with their proof of residency, is required as proof of accommodation.

9. Flight Tickets (Including Internal Transportation)

• Round-Trip Flight Reservation: Submit a reservation for your flight tickets, including entry to and exit from the Schengen Area. This document demonstrates your intended arrival and departure dates, ensuring you plan to leave the Schengen Area within the permitted timeframe.

• Internal Travel Tickets: If applicable, provide reservations for any internal flights or train tickets that are part of your trip. For example, if you plan to travel between different countries or cities within the Schengen Area, the consulate requires proof that all trip segments are well-planned and pre-booked.

Note: It is not always necessary to purchase confirmed flight tickets before the visa is approved. Many travellers make refundable bookings or use flight reservation services to provide the required documentation without fully committing to non-refundable purchases.

10. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an essential requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa. The policy must provide a minimum coverage of €30,000 and cover medical emergencies throughout your stay in the Schengen Area, including illness, accidents, and repatriation.

11. Day-by-Day Itinerary

• Detailed Travel Plan: A day-by-day itinerary is required to give a clear picture of your activities and travel plans during your stay. This itinerary should outline how you intend to spend each day, including planned sightseeing, meetings, accommodation locations, and transport details.

• Information to Include: The itinerary should include dates, locations, key attractions or activities, and even your mode of transportation if travelling between locations within the Schengen Area. A thorough, well-prepared itinerary reflects thoughtful planning and increases the likelihood of visa approval.

Requirements for Salaried Traveler:

• Last 3 months' salary slips.

• Employer ID card and NOC with leave approval on company letterhead, stamps, and signatures.

• Appointment letter.

• The last three months, the salaried account statement was recently issued with a bank stamp and signature (not older than one week).

• Additional savings account statements (if applicable) for the last 3 months, recently issued with bank stamp and signature (not older than one week).

• Personal ITR acknowledgement for the last 2 years.

• Optional additional financial documents (FD, mutual funds, etc.).

Requirements for Self-Employed Business Owners: 

• GST certificate (all pages).

• Company and personal ITR for the last 2 years.

• Company and personal bank statements for the last 3 months, stamped and signed (not older than one week).

• Optional additional financial documents (FD, mutual funds, etc.).

• A cover letter should be on company letterhead with stamps and authorised signatures.

For Business Partners:

• Partnership deed copy.

For Company Directors:

• MOA of the company.

For Freelancers:

• Earnings statement for last 6 months (month-wise).

• The savings account statement for the last 3 months is stamped and signed (not older than one week).

• Personal ITR acknowledgement for the last 2 years.

Requirements for Student:

• Bonafide Certificate or NOC from school/institution.

• Student ID card copy.

If Retired:

• Retirement proof.

• Pension slip for last 3 months.

If Sponsored/Invited:

• Provide proof of sponsorship or private accommodation, along with a completed national form and sponsorship letter from Schengen State.

Submitting these documents ensures that the Schengen authorities have comprehensive information about the applicant’s background, identity, and financial capabilities. Proper preparation and organisation of the application documents will significantly improve the chances of a successful Schengen visa application.

What is the Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens?

The Schengen visa fee for Indians is:

• Adults (12 years and above):€90 (approximately ₹8,035)

• Children aged 6 to 12 years: €45 (approximately ₹4,017)

• Children under 6 years: No fee

How to apply for a Schengen visa from India?

Applying for a Schengen visa from India involves several key steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the process:

• Step 1: Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including a valid passport, recent photographs, financial statements, travel itinerary, and supporting documents specific to your travel purpose. Ensure everything is organised and up to date.

• Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form: Complete the Schengen visa application form accurately. Errors or missing details can lead to rejection, so review the form carefully before submitting it.

• Step 3: Schedule an Appointment: Book your visa appointment at the nearest visa application centre. Appointment slots can fill quickly, especially during peak travel times, so be flexible with your schedule. Securing a Schengen visa appointment can be challenging, but with Atlys you can easily book your appointment within the promised timeframe.

• Step 4: Attend the Appointment: On the day of your appointment, arrive early with all required documents. You will submit the documents, provide biometric data, and possibly attend a brief interview.

• Step 5: Track Your Application: After submission, you can track your application status online. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 days, though it may take longer during busy periods.

• Step 6: Collect Your Visa: Once approved, you will be notified via your preferred contact method. Then, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the visa centre.

Discover countries that are easiest to obtain a Schengen visa from to boost your chances of approval.

How Will I Receive My Schengen Visa?

Once your Schengen visa is approved, it will be affixed to your passport as a sticker. You can collect it from the application centre where you submitted your application, or if you opted for delivery, it would be sent directly to you.

To track your Schengen visa application, you can use the Atlys tools and keep a track of your application.

What does a Schengen visa look like?

Here is a sample of a Schengen visa:

What is the Schengen visa processing time for Indians?

Visa applications typically take around 15 days to process but can extend to 30 days during busy periods. In more complex cases or during application backlogs, processing may take up to 60 days. It's best to apply well in advance to avoid delays.

What is the Schengen visa validity?

The Schengen visa is valid for 180 days and provides you with a stay of 90 days. 

Do I Have to Visit the VAC for a Schengen Visa interview?

No. A consular interview is not mandatory for the Schengen visa application process. However, an interview may be required if the visa officer decides the submitted application is incomplete or incorrect. You need to book an appointment and visit the Visa Application Centre to submit your documents and have your fingerprints and photo taken. This is known as ‘biometric information’.

What are the countries included in the Schengen area?

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 EU states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, it includes non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Important Things to Know

• The Schengen visa grants access to 29 European countries, allowing travellers to move freely between them without the need for additional visas or border checks. Read about the free movement rule to learn more and plan your trip accordingly. 

• When applying for a Schengen visa, the primary destination of your travel must align with the country to which you are applying. 

• Visa extensions are rare and only granted in exceptional situations, such as medical emergencies or force majeure.

•  A Schengen visa does not permit employment in the Schengen Area; it’s strictly for tourism or business visits.

• You must leave the Schengen Area before your visa expires to avoid penalties, which could affect future visa applications.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Schengen visa for Indian passport holders may seem complex, but careful preparation and attention to detail will make the process smoother. By following the steps outlined, ensuring all documentation is accurate and up-to-date, and leveraging tools like Atlys to simplify appointment booking and tracking, you can maximise your chances of successfully obtaining your visa and enjoying a seamless European adventure. Start early, stay organised, and be thorough to make your Schengen travel dreams come true.