Schengen Visa from India - Simplified Application Process

If you're planning a European trip as an Indian, you'll must apply for a Schengen visa. This national visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 countries.

So not only can you travel visa-free to any of the Schengen Visa countries, but you can also see all the EU countries in one trip.

In this post, I will guide you through your next Schengen Visa experience. So let's get to it:

Who Needs A Schengen Visa?

Let's look at the basics of the Schengen visa or European visa. In this section, we will look at who needs a visa and what a Schengen visa is all about it.

Do I Need A Schengen Visa From India?

Yes. Indian citizens must apply for a Schengen Visa if they want to travel to the EU or visit the Schengen Area. Indian citizens can apply for a Tourist, Business, or family and friends Schengen Visa.

Do I Need A Schengen Visa If I'm A US Green Card Holder From India?

Yes. Unfortunately, you need a Schengen Visa if you are a US Green Card Holder from India. Although you enjoy most of the same benefits as US citizens, you do not enjoy visa-free traveling to the Schengen Area.

What Is Schengen Visa From India?

A Schengen visa for Indians is an official travel document that Indian citizens must have to travel to any of the 26 Schengen Visa countries. As a result, there are no border restrictions between the 26 nations that make up the Schengen area ("Schengen States").

This visa permits you to traverse the borders of other member nations without going through identity checks at the border after it has been granted.

Although there may be minor variances in procedures and required documentation, these countries have agreed to eliminate all internal borders and adopt a uniform visa policy.

A Schengen visa is a document issued by a Schengen State that allows you to:

A planned stay of no more than 90 days in any 180 days on the territory of the Schengen States. This visa is also known as a Europe visa for Indians or a short-stay visa.

Travel through the Schengen States' international transit zones at airports ("airport transit visa").

Ultimate Schengen Visa Hack: Apply With Atlys!

The time of scrolling through Embassy websites and searching on google for Schengen Visa agencies is over. Now you can use this easy and accessible app called Atlys.

Atlys’s application process is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible. With Atlys, you can apply for your Schengen visa online and avoid the hassle of standing in long lines at the embassy.

With the Atlys app, you can upload your information, take a photo, schedule your visa appointment with atlysHome, and complete the process. After you've entered your information, leave the rest to us.

Our team of visa experts will guide you through the application process and ensure that all of your documents are in order. We'll also keep you informed every step of the way, so you'll always know what to expect.

Plus, with our premium package, you'll get even more benefits, such as expedited processing and 24/7 customer support.

Don't let the visa application process stand in the way of your dream trip to Europe. Apply for your Schengen visa with Atlys today and start packing your bags!

Things To Consider When Applying For The Schengen Visa?

In this section, I will cover the different types of Schengen Visas, the visa fees, and the Schengen Visa processing time.

What Are The Different Types Of Schengen Visas?

The first part of your Schengen Visa application is to determine your purpose. This is very important because it will determine the type of Europe visa for Indians you will apply for.

Here is a list of visas that are mainly used to visit the Schengen Area:

Schengen Visa For Transit:

If you travel to another country and must transit through a Schengen Country, you must apply for a Transit Visa. The Transit Visa is also referred to as the Type A Visa. In addition, you can enter the airport's international section with a "Category A" USV, sometimes an Airport Transit Visa. For connecting flights, layovers, etc., this sort of visa only allows you to pass through the airport in a Schengen nation. It forbids you from traveling to any Schengen country or region.

Schengen Visa For Tourism:

A Schengen tourist visa is another name for the Schengen visa for Indians. This is because visiting the Schengen Zone for tourism is arguably the most popular reason to do so. Therefore, you must apply for a Europe visa for Indians if you intend to travel to any of the great Schengen Countries to enjoy the fantastic sites, cultures, and locations. This type of Schengen Visa for Indians is considered a Type C Visa.

Schengen Visa For Business Purposes:

You can enter the Schengen Area for business purposes if you have a business Schengen visa. In addition, a multiple entry visa is typically issued to regular travelers to facilitate passage to and from the Schengen Zone.

Business purposes include:

Meeting clients

Attending business conferences

Attending important business meetings, etc.

An invitation letter from the foreign company or a letter of no objection from your employer would be helpful when traveling to the Schengen Area for business. This will support your case for why you are traveling.

Schengen Visa For Medical Purposes:

In some situations, you might need to go to the Schengen Area for medical reasons. Your doctor will draft an official letter asking for medical care within the Schengen Area. You must submit your letter and other necessary Schengen documentation as soon as you receive it. After submitting your application, your Europe visa will be processed as a medical Schengen visa.

Schengen Visa For Visiting Family And Friends:

As the name implies, you can visit family members and friends in the Schengen Area using a Schengen Visa. However, you must include an invitation letter with appropriate documentation while visiting family or friends in the Schengen Area. Essentially, this attests to your invitation to the Schengen Area.

Schengen Visa For Other Purposes:

If you perhaps apply for your Schengen Visa and do not find any of the purposes mentioned above, please check out our guide for other types of Schengen Visas.

For the purpose of this post, I'll explain important information about the Schengen Tourist Visa.

What Are The Schengen Visa Fees?

Now that you can determine what type of visa you must apply for, we must discuss the Schengen Visa application fees. Here is a list of Schengen Visa application fees you must pay when applying for the Schengen Visa:

Schengen Visa fee for adults: 6 700 INR (80 EUR)

Schengen Visa fee for children (6-12 years): 3 400 INR (40 EUR)

Schengen Visa fee for children (younger than 6): Free

What Is The Schengen Visa Processing Time?

The Schengen Visa processing time depends on where you apply and the destination country in the Schengen Area. For more detailed processing times, please check out our guide on the Schengen Visa processing times.

How Long Does It Take To Complete A Schengen Visa Application?

Although I have mentioned that you can wait up to 15 days for your visa to be processed, I suggest you start well in advance.

To complete your Schengen Visa application, you must gather the required documents, which may take time. That's why I suggest you try and apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure date.

Where Must I Apply For My Schengen Visa?

You must apply for your Schengen Visa at any Schengen Country Embassy/Consulate. This depends on where you are traveling or where you will spend most of your time.

I know it sounds confusing, but you can either apply at the Embassy of the main destination you are traveling to or the Schengen Country embassy you will spend most of your time in.

The best when applying for your visa to Europe from India is by getting help using Atlys' Schengen Visa services.

When Do I Need To Apply For My Schengen Visa?

The earliest time you can start applying for your Schengen visa for Indians is 6 months before your departure date. However, I suggest you start your Schengen Visa application at least 2 months before traveling.

What Are The Schengen Visa Required Documents?

Before you begin your visa application, make a document checklist. This works best for me in keeping track of what I've already acquired and still need to acquire.

To that end, the following list of documents is required for your Schengen Visa application:

Schengen Visa Application Form

Valid Passport

2 Passport Sized Photographs

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

A Cover Letter

Flight Itinerary Or Return Flight Ticket

Travel Insurance

Employment information

Additional Required Documents

You can also refer to our dedicated blog on the Schengen visa requirements for more information.

Schengen Visa Application Form

The most crucial document on this list is a completed Schengen Visa application form. An incomplete Schengen Visa application is one of the main causes of a Schengen Visa denial.

I've heard several tales of visas being rejected due to a minor error on the application form. Yes. A simple spelling error in the surname could result in a visa denial.

Don't be afraid to start your application form because you're afraid of making a mistake. If you are, check out our guide on people's most common mistakes during their Schengen Visa application.

Valid Passport

A valid passport should go without saying. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months past the time you want to travel back to your place of origin.

It might be safer to apply for a new passport first, then apply for your Europe visa for Indians if your current passport is about to expire.

If your trip is scheduled for February, for instance, make sure your passport is valid until May or June.

Additionally, ensure your passport is in good shape and includes at least two blank pages.

2 Passport Sized Photographs

This could appear to be a straightforward need at first. However, even something as straightforward as your passport photos must adhere to specific standards.

Two identical photos. Not older than six months.

Photo size: 35x45mm or 2 in x 2 in.

Your photos must be in colour.

Your head should cover most of the photo. There are certain exceptions depending on your religion.

Ensure that your photos have a white background.

I'll provide a link to our blog, which you can consult for more information on photo requirements for a European visa.

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

One of the requirements for a Europe visa for Indians is proof of sufficient funds. Let's look at a list of some Schengen Countries' financial requirements.

Belgium: 95 EUR per day, or 45 EUR per day if you have paid for your accommodation

Denmark: 65 EUR per day, or 48 EUR per day if you have paid for your accommodation

Estonia: 100 EUR per day

France: 120 EUR per day, or 65 EUR per day if you have paid for your accommodation

Germany: 45 EUR per day

Iceland: 29 EUR per day

Norway: 54 EUR per day

Portugal: 75 EUR per day

Remember, the financial requirements for each Schengen Country aren't the same. Therefore, it is hard to explain each Schengen country's financial requirements. So, please check out our guide for more Schengen Visa information on financial requirements for all Schengen Member countries.

Proof Of Accommodation

You must present documentation proving your accommodations during your Schengen Visa interview. This is frequently referred to as proof of accommodation. Here is a list of documents that acts as proof of accommodation:

A hotel reservation/hotel booking

An Airbnb reservation

A letter of invitation (if you plan to visit relatives or friends)

A Cover Letter

A cover letter is nothing more than a letter outlining the reason for your journey. The Embassy wants to know why you're going to the Schengen Region and what you will do there.

Your letter doesn't need to be ornate or formal. It only needs to describe the goal of your journey.

I typically include the following in my cover letters:

My personal details

The date I plan to travel

The date I plan to return to the US

What cities I'll be visiting

An agenda

My flight itinerary

Please check out our Schengen Visa Cover Letter guide for more information and templates.

Flight Itinerary Or Return Flight Ticket

A flight schedule or a return flight ticket is another essential item. The embassy personnel frequently requests documentation demonstrating your intention to return home following your tour. Your visa application will probably be rejected if you cannot provide proof.

An itinerary, reservation, or return ticket for a flight will be enough to demonstrate this.

It is advised that you purchase a flight ticket without paying for it, though. This is because you would have spent money on a flight ticket if your visa application had been rejected.

Travel Insurance

All travelers who need a Schengen Visa are required to have travel medical insurance. You can choose from a variety of health insurance plans. However, to be deemed "legitimate," your travel insurance policy must adhere to a few conditions.

The requirements for valid Schengen Travel Insurance are as follows:

It must provide minimum coverage of €30,000.

It must provide coverage across the entire Schengen Area.

It must cover any medical costs that may arise during your travel. This includes medical emergency treatment, emergency hospital treatment, repatriation, evacuation, etc.

It must be valid for the duration of your stay. (So, in our case, it must be valid for at least 2 weeks).

Employment information

The final document of your Schengen Visa document list is evidence of your employment. The Embassy representative may tell from your proof of employment that you intend to return to work and will not look for work outside the Schengen Zone. The following list of documents can be used as proof of employment:

A formal affidavit from your employer confirming your employment

A letter from your employer - Bank records demonstrating that you get a monthly salary from a US-based business

Please remember that the required documents for the Schengen Business Visa may require you to submit some additional documents. Therefore, please check out our guide on the additional required documents for a Schengen Business Visa.

Additional Required Documents

Although the documents mentioned above are required for your Schengen Visa for Indians application, you must have the following documents, if applicable:

If you are self-employed, you must provide a copy of your Indian business license, company income tax returns from the last two years, and a copy of the firm's most recent three months' worth of bank statements that have been signed and stamped by the bank manager.

You must produce the certificate of company registration (Form B, regulation 5(1) or Form ST3, rule 11) if you are an Indian business owner.

If you are a student, you must provide a copy of the enrollment document, which demonstrates the applicant's intention to enrol in the school or university, and a copy of the institution's No Objection Certificate.

Schengen Visa Requirements For Minors

Minors' parents or legal guardians must present additional documents for the underage applicant when applying for a Schengen visa for Indians. Here is a list of additional requirements for minors:

The birth certificate of the minor.

Both parents must sign the application form.

In circumstances where only one parent has full custody of the kid, a family court decree is issued.

Both parents' certified copies of their ID/passport are required.

If the minor travels alone, a notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/guardians is required.

Please also refer to our guide for minors travelling to the Schengen Area for more details.

How To Apply For A Visa For Europe From India?

Okay, now we've covered the most important Schengen Visa information. One of the last and main things I must discuss is the Schengen Visa Application process.

As I mentioned earlier, applying through Atlys is the fastest and easiest option when applying for your Schengen Visa.

Step 1: Gather The Required Documents

Priorities come first. Gather the necessary paperwork for your visa application. Of course, you can do this later, but gathering your materials ahead of time can help you comprehend the visa application procedure.

To be safe, make copies of all the necessary paperwork in case you misplace something.

Step 2: Complete The Application Form

The second step would be to complete the Schengen Visa application form. I usually complete the application form online. But remember, you must print it out before submitting your application form for a visa for Europe from India.

It's straightforward to complete the application form. You only need to enter personal details like your name, passport, and travel details. After you complete the application form, print it out, and sign it. Then, just add it to your pile of required documents.

Step 3: Schedule A Visa Appointment

Now that you have all the required documents, you must schedule your visa appointment (also known as a visa interview). There are a few ways you can schedule your visa appointment, such as:

Schedule your visa appointment through atlysHome

Schedule your Schengen Visa appointment through VFS

These are the ways you can schedule your visa appointment. Later in this post, I will cover more information about the Schengen Visa Appointment.

Step 4: Attend Your Visa Appointment

After you've scheduled your Schengen Visa Appointment, you'll receive a confirmation for an appointment date and time. On the date of your visa appointment, you must head to the Embassy or Consulate where you made your visa appointment. I suggest you arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled visa appointment.

During your visa appointment, a VFS Visa Center official will ask personal and travel-related questions regarding your trip to the Schengen Area. In addition, you will be asked to submit all your documents during your visa interview. Remember to include a convincing cover letter when you submit your documents.

I almost forgot to mention that I will cover more detailed information about the Schengen Visa Appointment later in this post.

Step 5: Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed

As I mentioned previously, the waiting period for a Schengen Visa is determined by the Schengen Country you are traveling to. However, you can get your Schengen Visa in about 15 days under normal conditions.

During the processing time, the Embassy or Consulate officials check your visa application and do a few background checks. After that, there is nothing to worry about. The last thing you need to do is sit back and wait for your visa to be processed.

Step 6: Receive Feedback That Your Visa Is Approved

As I mentioned, you can expect to wait about 15 days for your visa to be processed. Then, once your visa is approved, you can head over to the Embassy or Consulate to collect it.

If you do not hear anything after 15 days, please contact the Embassy or Consulate to find out your visa status. In addition, some Schengen Visa applications allow you to check your visa status online.

Indian Schengen Visa Appointment

Because there aren't many appointments available, as was already indicated, making a VFS Schengen Visa appointment can be challenging. But now, with atlysHome, your visa appointment can be booked with no stress.

What Is AtlysHome?

AtlysHome is the ultimate convenience when it comes to Schengen visa applications and is also known as Visa At Your Doorstep or VAYD. This visa service is currently available for France, Spain, and Switzerland.

With AtlysHome, you can say goodbye to long lines and embassy visits. Instead, simply choose a nearby location, and an Atlys representative will come to you to collect your biometric information. It's quick, easy, and hassle-free.

Apply for your Schengen visa with Atlys today and experience the future of visa applications!

How To Make Schengen Visa Appointment With AtlysHome?

Using AtlysHome to make visa appointments for your Schengen visa is quick and easy! Here are the steps:

1. Download the Atlys app on your phone and choose the country and travel dates.

2. Start your Schengen visa application on the app and provide all the necessary information.

3. Choose the desired dates for your visa appointment, and select a convenient location near you where you would like to provide your biometric information. You can choose from places like restaurants, bars, or coffee shops during business hours.

4. Pay the visa fees directly through the app.

5. After completing the above steps, an Atlys representative will come to your selected location during your appointment time to take your biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs.

6. Once your biometric data is collected, your application will be processed, and you will receive updates and notifications about the status of your visa application directly through the app.

With AtlysHome, you can avoid the hassle of travelling to a visa application centre and waiting in long lines. Simply choose a location that's convenient for you, and an Atlys representative will come to you to collect your biometric information. It's that easy!

How To Get A VFS Schengen Visa Appointment For Indians?

Filling out the visa application form is the first step in scheduling a France visa appointment. After that, you must visit the [VFS website to schedule your appointment].

Here's an example of how a Schengen Country VFS appointment page looks:

If you have already completed the form online, you must select "View More" for the second option. Then, click "I accept - Book an appointment immediately in India to begin scheduling an appointment."

You must first register an account to schedule a visa appointment with VFS. However, you may quickly log in and begin the booking process if you already have an account.

Click "Start My Booking" in the top right corner of the page to create a reservation. Next, you must select the visa application center (VAC) and the visa category you are requesting. Once completed, it will display the earliest time slot open for that specific visa application center. Once more, this may vary based on VAC and the kind of visa.

You will then need to give information such as your name, nationality, passport, and contact information in addition to the Schengen Country-Visa Registration Number. Finally, you must verify that information and reserve your appointment time at the VFS.

You have the choice to purchase travel insurance at the time of appointment scheduling. If you decide against purchasing travel insurance, you can move on to reviewing your appointment scheduling. The final two stages are accepting the terms and conditions and paying the visa application fees.

To schedule your appointment with VFS for Schengen Visas, you must pay INR 2,588.00 online. Your appointment will be confirmed via email after the fees have been paid.

Things To Know After Getting Your Europe Visa For Indians

In this section, let's look at some of the important information that you should know about after applying for a visa for Europe from India:

What Happens When I Arrive At My Destination?

Although your Schengen Visa application is approved, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't be rejected at the border. At the European border, a Border Patrol official will ask you to present your visa documents. Remember that Atlys can help to ensure you have the correct documents.

Once the Border Patrol official lets you pass, you are free to roam in Europe. But remember, if you stay past your prescribed exit date, you may be liable for a fine or be banned from entering the Schengen Country.

What Happens If My Schengen Visa Is Denied?

There are some cases where a visa for Europe from India will be denied. Sometimes it won't even be the applicant's fault, but don't worry. I will explain everything you can do if your Schengen Visa application is rejected.

In this section, I will explain the most common reasons why a Schengen Visa would be denied, how to appeal a visa decision, and when you'll receive feedback after an appeal.

Also, please stick around because in the last sections of the post, I will cover important visa appointment notes, how to write a convincing cover letter, and more tips for the Schengen Visa application.

What Are The Most Common Reasons Why My Visa Would Be Denied?

Here is a list of the 10 most common Schengen Visa mistakes people make during their application for a visa for Europe from India:

You do not meet the document requirements

The information you provided does not correspond with the information on the required documents

Starting your visa application later than advised

Incorrect sponsorship details in your application

Lack of travel or medical insurance

You do not meet the financial requirements

You have a damaged passport or is unreadable

Submitting documents that are false or forged

You do not provide proof of accommodation

You do not provide enough proof for your visit

How Do I Appeal If My Visa Is Denied?

The appeal process is complicated, so I will give you a quick 8-step list you can follow if you're visa has been denied. However, suppose you want to know more about a template or further information regarding a Visa appeal. In that case, I suggest you check out our guide on how to appeal when your Schengen Visa is denied.

Here is my quick 4-step Schengen Visa appeal process guide:

Step 1: Gather the missing documents

Step 2: Write your appeal letter

Step 3: Attach the required documents

Step 4: Submit your appeal to the Embassy or Consulate

Can I Reapply For My Visa, Or Should I Appeal?

Unambiguously, you have two choices. You have two options: you can appeal the decision made regarding your initial visa application or reapply for your visa. Remember that if your initial application for a Schengen visa was denied, your subsequent application could also be rejected. This is why I decided against reapplying and followed the visa appeal procedure instead.

You can typically reapply as soon as you learn that your Schengen Visa application has been denied. However, there are a few outliers. For example, Switzerland and Finland, two Schengen nations, each have unique regulations on reapplying for a visa following a rejection.

You can only reapply for your visa to Switzerland one month after it was rejected the first time. Finland approaches each case independently. In other words, when you can reapply for your Schengen Visa will be decided by Embassy personnel. This could last anywhere from one to six months.

When Will I Receive Feedback After Appealing The Visa Decision?

Be aware that, unlike a typical visa application, a visa appeal does not have a specific processing period. Simply put, the time it takes to appeal your visa can differ. For example, it typically takes 4 weeks. However, you might have to wait 8 weeks in rare circumstances.

Competent authorities must issue your visa following the processing and approval of your appeal. Since the authorities will be directed to provide your visa after the appeal is approved, this shouldn't take too long. After the appeal processing time, your visa should be issued in 4 to 7 business days.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa?

Generally speaking, unless there are extraordinary circumstances, you cannot extend a Schengen Visa while traveling. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the Schengen Area and get a new visa before returning to prolong your vacation.

However, only extraordinary conditions will allow you to request a Schengen Visa extension.

You can only extend your Schengen Visa if one of the following is true:

Serious incidents occurred in your country of origin while visiting the Schengen zone; therefore, you cannot return there immediately.

Humanitarian considerations are connected to the individual circumstances of the Schengen Visa extension application. For example, this could be due to medical concerns, such as the fact that you or a travelling family member suffers from a major health condition that prevents travel.

For professional reasons, the end of your business in the Schengen Area could not have been possible within the allotted period.

You're Now Ready For The Schengen Experience!

I hope that you enjoyed reading our guide for the Schengen Visa. The next time you travel to any one of the Schengen Areas, I know you have all the information for a successful application process.

If you want to skip all the hassles of applying for your Schengen Visa, I suggest you use Atlys. Also, please check out our FAQ section for more information.

Trusted Sources

This blog is exclusively sourced from government websites, ensuring that all information provided is reliable and authentic. To ensure the accuracy and credibility of the content, we used the following websites:

European Commission