Schengen Visa Guide for Indian Travellers: What You Must Know Before Applying

For Indian travellers planning a trip to Europe, understanding the Schengen visa requirements is crucial. The Schengen visa allows entry to 29 countries across much of Europe, including 25 EU member states and 4 associated countries, enabling travel without internal border checks once admitted.

What is the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa. It allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days during any 180-day period. This means you can travel in these countries for three months but then must wait before returning. If you want to stay longer for work or study, you need to follow the visa rules of the specific country you want to go to.

Types of Schengen Visas

• Uniform Visa (C-Visa): This visa lets you stay up to 90 days in all Schengen countries.

• Limited Visa (LTV): This visa lets you visit only the countries mentioned on the visa.

• Airport Transit Visa (ATV): For some travellers, including some Indians, this visa is needed when passing through airports in Schengen countries without leaving the airport.

  
  

Passport Rules and Multiple Trips

Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave Europe. It should be issued in the last 10 years and have two empty pages for the visa. You can get a multiple-entry visa, which allows you to enter and leave the Schengen Area several times during the 90-day limit.

How to Apply in India

If you live in India, you can apply at the consulate or visa centre of the country you plan to visit first. You can apply up to six months before your travel date but no later than 15 days before. Usually, you will get your visa decision within 15 days, but sometimes it may take up to 45 days.

You will need to give your fingerprints and photo when applying. This data is saved and can be used again for five years.

Documents You Need

You must fill and sign the visa application form and submit it with your passport. You also need to show proof of your travel plans (like flight tickets), where you will stay in Europe, proof that you have enough money for your trip, and health insurance covering at least €30,000 for emergencies and medical care.

Visa Fees and Who Is Exempt

The fee for adults is €90. Children aged 6 to 12 pay €45. Children under 6 years old, students, researchers, and young people under 25 taking part in cultural, sports, or educational activities may not need to pay.

Additional Considerations for Indian Travellers

While possession of a valid Schengen visa facilitates entry to the Schengen Area, it does not guarantee admission. Border authorities retain the right to request additional documentation such as proof of accommodation, financial means, or return tickets to ensure the traveller’s intent and preparedness for their stay.

Once admitted, the Schengen visa provides the possibility to travel across 29 countries in Europe without separate border checks, streamlining travel plans for Indian nationals visiting Europe for tourism, business, or family visits.

For the latest and official information, always check the EU Immigration Portal and the websites of the consulates where you apply.