Applying for a Schengen Visa

What Exactly is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen travel visa lets you move freely between the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area, without going through border checks every time you cross into a new country.

It’s perfect if you’re going on vacation, attending a business meeting, visiting family, or even getting medical treatment — as long as your stay is under 90 days in a 180-day period.

If you’re planning to study, work, or stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a different, long-stay visa (called Type D).

Which Countries Can You Visit?

Your Schengen visa gives you access to these countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

All of them follow the same visa rules and let you travel across borders as if it were one big country.

Types of Schengen Visas

Here are the main categories you should know about:

• Type A (Airport Transit Visa): Needed only if you’re changing flights in a Schengen airport and not leaving the terminal.

• Type C (Short-Stay Visa): The most common. This is what most tourists, business visitors, or families apply for. Lets you stay up to 90 days.

• Type D (Long-Stay Visa): For work, study, or stays longer than 90 days.

For most Indian tourists, Type C is the right choice.

What You’ll Need: Schengen Tourist Visa Checklist

Before you book your appointment, make sure you’ve got these documents ready:

• A valid passport — issued in the last 10 years, with at least 3 months’ validity left after you come back, and 2 blank pages.
• A recent passport-size photo — white background, as per embassy guidelines.
• A completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
• A cover letter explaining your trip and itinerary.
• A no-objection letter from your employer or school/college if applicable.
• Travel insurance — minimum coverage of €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries.
• Flight bookings — both ways, and any internal flights or trains you’ve planned.
• Hotel bookings or proof of where you’ll stay.
• Bank statements (last 3 months), salary slips, or tax returns as proof that you can support your trip.

If you’re applying with your family, you can submit a single set of shared bookings, insurance, and financial proof.

Schengen Visa Fees in India (2025)

Where Should You Apply?

This depends on your itinerary:

• If you’re only visiting one Schengen country, apply at its embassy or visa application center (VAC).

• If visiting more than one, apply at the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time.

• If you’ll spend equal time in multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the one you enter first.

In India, you can book your Schengen visa appointment in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, or other cities, depending on where the embassy or VAC is located.

FAQs: Common Questions Answered

Can I visit more than one country on a Schengen visa?
Absolutely — that’s the whole point of it! Just make sure your visa allows the number of entries you need.

When should I apply?
You can apply up to 6 months before your trip, but no later than 15 days before you travel.

Is travel insurance really necessary?
Yes — it’s mandatory. You’ll need a policy that covers at least €30,000 for emergencies.

What if my passport is expiring soon?
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to return.

Ready to Go?

With a little planning, getting your Schengen visa from India is straightforward. Book your appointment, get your documents together, and soon you’ll be exploring Europe’s most iconic destinations hassle-free.

Start your journey today — and enjoy the freedom of traveling to 29 countries with just one visa!