How to Apply for Schengen visa from India?
What is Schengen visa?
Schengen is a zone in the European Union, constituted of the 26 countries that follow a common visa policy. All in union, they have officially diluted the use of passports within themselves. Schengen is known as the world’s largest visa free zone for countries which form a part of it. The Schengen welcomes all locals as well as visitors from across the globe. Although there are select countries who are allowed to travel without a visa to any of the Schengen countries, India does not fall under this category. Therefore, all Indian passport holders are required to apply for a Schengen visa in case they wish to travel to one or more of the 26 Schengen countries, for work, transit, travel and other purposes.
Is Schengen visa available on arrival?
Nationals of a few countries holding ordinary passports are allowed to get a visa on arrival in Schengen, but India does not fall in that list.
Indians can get a Schengen visa for up to 90 days of stay, which is valid for 6 months. For the Schengen Visa, you may need a Multiple Entry visa if you’re looking to travel to more than one country in one trip.
List of 26 Schengen Countries
A group of 26 countries that form the largest Schengen area. Out of these 26 countries, 22 makes for the European Union Member State and the remaining 4 Non-European Union countries are majorly a member of EFTA. These 4 non-EU countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Documents required for a Schengen visa from India?
If you want to visit only one of the Schengen countries, then you will have to apply for a visa for that particular country only. But in case you plan to visit more than one of the Schengen countries, then apply for a Schengen visa and state the country which will be your primary destination.
Proof of status whether an employee/student/self-employed.
a. For employed, then you should submit an employment contract, leave permission, Income Tax Return.
b. For Self-Employed, a copy of your business license, the company’s bank statement for the last 6 months, Income Tax Return.
c. For Students, proof of enrolment and NOC from university or college.
For minors, a letter signed by the guardians will suffice.
How to apply for a Schengen Visa from India?
The process to apply for a Schengen Visa is simple. You may proceed as:
- Browse the website of Schengen Embassy for visa application form. Download the form.
- Complete the details in the form and submit it after signing it.
Schengen visa processing time?
It will take 15 working days to process the Schengen visa. So, keep this in mind before you apply for your visa.
Benefits of Schengen Visa
Schengen is a group of 26 countries and acquiring this visa has its own benefits:
- It will allow tourists to travel to multiple countries with just one visa.
- It saves time and effort to acquire and pay for separate visas for each country.
- You just need a single stamp on your passport and hence less time spent on the bureaucratic processes.
Is Travel Insurance mandatory for Schengen Visa application?
Yes, a Travel Insurance is almost mandatory for a Schengen visa application. This is because, as part of the Schengen visa requirements, every tourist must have a health insurance or medical policy that covers them up to €30,000.
Now, if you don’t have health insurance policy that covers you beyond India- then opting for a travel insurance makes sense as it not only protects you in case of medical emergencies but also protects you in the case of other unforeseen situations such as:
