Europe Schengen
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Visa Guide 2025

Europe Schengen Visa Guide

Schengen Type C Short-Stay Visa โ€” 26 Countries

15โ€“20 business days
Processing
โ‚ฌ90 (โ‚น8,100)
Fee
Single, double, or multiple entry
Validity
Max 90 days per 180 days
Stay Duration

Overview

The Schengen visa allows entry into 26 European countries with a single visa. Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time (or your first entry if equal time). It allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The Schengen zone covers all major Western and Central European destinations including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, and more.

Embassy: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad

Required Documents

Core Application Documents

Valid passport (valid 3 months beyond return date)
Schengen visa application form (signed)
Two passport-size photos (35x45mm white background)
Visa fee payment (โ‚ฌ90 in local currency)
Appointment confirmation letter
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit

Travel Arrangements

Confirmed return flight tickets (complete itinerary)
Travel insurance: min EUR 30,000 medical cover, valid all Schengen countries
Hotel/accommodation bookings for entire stay
Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary
Proof of onward travel (if applicable)

Financial Proof

Bank statements โ€” last 6 months
Minimum โ‚น3,000โ€“โ‚น5,000 per day of travel in account
Salary slips โ€” last 3 months
Income tax returns โ€” last 2 years
Employer certificate / business registration
Forex purchase proof (if applicable)

Ties to India / Other

Leave approval letter from employer
Property ownership / rental agreement
Passport copies of family in India
Previous travel history (older passports if any)
No Objection Certificate (for students)
Sponsorship letter (if sponsored)

Application Process

01

Determine Which Embassy

Apply at the embassy of the Schengen country where you'll spend the most days. If multiple countries with equal time, apply at the first country of entry.

02

Book Biometric Appointment

Book appointment at VFS Global or the specific embassy's visa centre. Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are mandatory and taken at the time of appointment.

03

Prepare Documents

Compile all required documents. Travel insurance must cover the full duration and all Schengen countries. Ensure bank balance meets the daily fund requirement.

04

Submit Application

Attend your VFS appointment. Submit documents, give biometrics, and pay the visa fee (โ‚ฌ90 adults, reduced for children). Keep the receipt carefully.

05

Application Processing

Embassies process in 15โ€“20 business days. Some take longer during peak season. You may be asked for additional documents (additional request) โ€” respond promptly.

06

Collect Passport

Collect from VFS centre (courier or walk-in). Check visa sticker details carefully โ€” entry/exit dates, number of entries, and countries.

Do's

  • Apply at least 5โ€“6 weeks before travel
  • Ensure travel insurance covers EUR 30,000 minimum
  • Book hotels and flights before applying (but make cancellable bookings)
  • Show consistent bank balance over 6 months
  • Provide a detailed and believable travel itinerary
  • Include all previous travel history to strengthen application

Don'ts

  • Don't apply with less than EUR 30,000 insurance coverage
  • Don't book non-refundable flights until visa is approved
  • Don't overstay your 90-day Schengen allowance โ€” ban follows
  • Don't enter a different Schengen country if your visa specifies another
  • Don't apply at the wrong embassy (wrong country of intended visit)
  • Don't submit photocopies without originals being available

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Can I visit all 26 Schengen countries with one visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa from any one member country allows travel to all 26 Schengen states. However, apply at the embassy of the country you'll visit most or enter first.

Q.What is the minimum bank balance required for Schengen?

Embassies typically expect โ‚ฌ50โ€“โ‚ฌ100 per day of travel. For a 15-day trip to France, showing at least EUR 750โ€“1,500 equivalent is advisable, with a consistent 6-month statement.

Q.How far in advance should I apply for a Schengen visa?

You can apply up to 6 months before travel and no later than 15 calendar days before. We recommend applying 6โ€“8 weeks before your travel date.

Q.Is UK included in the Schengen zone?

No. The UK requires a separate visa. So does Ireland, Switzerland (it's Schengen but not EU), and several Balkan countries.

Q.What if my Schengen visa is refused?

You will receive a refusal reason. The most common reasons are insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or missing travel insurance. You can reapply with strengthened documents.

Expert Visa Help

Our visa consultants have a 95% approval rate. Let us handle your Europe Schengen visa application.

95% Schengen approval rate by our team
Complete document checklist per country
Travel insurance arrangement
Itinerary building assistance
Appointment booking support
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Visa rules and fees can change without notice. Always verify with the official embassy website before applying. Last updated: March 2025.

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