A DETAILED GUIDE ON SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

Schengen Visa from India: Apply Online, Types, and Fees

Are you planning for a European gateway or business trip from India? Or is your travel itinerary including countries like Germany, France, Spain, or Italy? Then you will definitely need a Schengen visa. This visa enables Indian passport holders to roam freely across 29 European countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. No matter whether you are travelling for tourism, attending conferences, visiting family, or simply exploring places, Schengen visa simplifies access to multiple European nations with just one visa.

Moreover, for Indians, though the application process of Schengen visa from India involves a lot of steps, it becomes simpler with Quickinsure, a leading travel insurance provider. With the help of such providers, you can explore affordable Schengen travel insurance plans that ensure hassle-free coverage during your Europe trip.

A Brief on Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that is granted to non-EU or EEA or Swiss citizens, including the Indian citizens, to travel to any of the 29 countries across the Schengen Area.  According to the Schengen Agreement, individuals can visit all these countries for tourism, business, or family purposes. With the help of this visa, travellers can visit the most visited countries, such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and many others, for a period not more than 90 days within 180 days.

Eligibility Criteria of Schengen Visa for Indians

●        To apply Schengen visa, Indian citizen must meet the following requirements:

●        You should have a valid Indian passport with a minimum of two blank pages and a validity of three months from your intended stay in the Schengen Area.

●        You should have a clear and valid purpose for your visit, such as business, tourism, study, or medical treatment.

●        In addition, the traveller should demonstrate whether he has enough financial means to cover your expenses during the stay in the Schengen Area.

●        You also have valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of a defined amount.

●        Most importantly, you must not have any criminal record or any threat to public policy, public health, internal security, or international relations of any of the Schengen member states.

Documents required for Schengen Visa from India

Here are a set of documents that you need to apply for Schengen visa:

Visa Application Essentials

●        Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

●        Two recent passport-size photographs with a defined size of 35mm x 45mm, along with a white background

●        Valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity of at least three months beyond intended stay

●        Copies of passport data page and all previous Schengen visas

●        Cost for Schengen Visa from India

Personal Documents

●        Proof of accommodation like hotel bookings or invitation letter from host

●        Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements for last 3 months, Income Tax Returns, pay slips, or sponsorship letter

●        Travel medical insurance with minimum defined coverage valid for entire stay

●        Proof of return or onward travel, like confirmed return flight ticket or itinerary

●        Employment or education proof, such as employment contract, employer’s letter, or student certificate

●        Marital status proof, such as marriage certificate, divorce decree (if applicable)

●        Family ties proof such as birth certificates, family book (if applicable)

Supporting Documents

●        Cover letter explaining trip purpose and itinerary

●        Educational or professional qualifications, like diplomas, certificates, (if applicable)

●        Invitation letter from business partner or conference organizer (if applicable)

●        Proof of relationship with sponsor, like marriage or birth certificate, (if applicable)

Types of Schengen Visa

Before you plan to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries, you should first understand different types of Schengen visa. Each of these visa types are designed to serve a specific purpose of travelers whether it be tourism, study, transit, or business. Below table represents the clear breakdown of the types of visa that help you choose visa for your travel needs:

Cost for Schengen Visa from India

The Schengen visa application process involves specific fees, which vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, age, visa type, and duration of stay.

1.    Visa Application Fee

The application fee of the regular Schengen visa for adults, older than 12 years is approximately EUR 80. However, the fees vary for certain categories of applicants, including children, ages from 6 to 12. 

2.     Visa Processing Fee

Along with the visa application fee, applicants may also need to pay a processing fee at the visa center or consulate. This fee covers the administrative costs of handling the application.

3.    Biometric Data Fee

As part of the visa application process, applicants must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. Some visa centers also charge a separate biometric fee, usually between EUR 5 and EUR 15.

4.    Optional Services

Some are fond of various additional services that visa application centers offer, such as premium processing, assistance for filling out the forms, or availing courier services. For these services, they need to pay a supplemental fee.

5.    Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

This fee is considered under the visa fee structure. While applying for the visa, applicants should provide travel insurance to cover their medical costs, emergency medical evacuation, or in the case of repatriation. The fee of availing travel insurance during their stay depends on the sum insured, the insurance company, and sum insured. With Quickinsure, you can get wide affordable travel insurance fees to avail for visa smoothly.

What is the Processing Time for a Schengen Visa for Indians?

The processing time for Schengen visa mainly depends on the duration of stay in the Schengen countries:

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India?

While you are applying for a Schengen visa from India, you need to follow several steps to avail the visa smoothly. Here are some following steps that would assist you:

●        Determine the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism) and select the appropriate visa type.

●        Identify your main destination. If you visit multiple Schengen countries, this will be the one where you spend the most time.

●        Find the embassy or consulate of your main destination country in India via its official website.

●        Check the official website of the Visa Application Centre (VAC) that handles Schengen visa applications for your chosen country.

●        Download and complete the Schengen visa application form from the VAC’s website, ensuring all details are accurate and complete.

●        Gather all the required documents listed earlier. Make sure they are originals or certified copies and either in English or in the official language of your main destination country.

●        Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre to submit your application in person. At this stage, you’ll also need to pay the visa fee and the VAC service fee.

●        Attend your appointment on the scheduled date. Submit your completed application along with all required documents and provide biometric data such as fingerprints and digital photographs.

●        Track your application online using the reference number provided by the VAC. You may also receive updates via SMS or email if you choose this option.

●        Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the VAC, or have it delivered to you by courier if you opted for this service.

In a Nutshell

Obtaining a Schengen visa from India requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and timely submission. With the right guidance and planning, Indian travellers can enjoy seamless access to multiple European countries. Quickinsure simplifies this process by offering affordable and comprehensive travel insurance plans, ensuring you are fully covered throughout your trip. With Quickinsure, your Schengen journey can become more safer, hassle-free, and truly enjoyable.

So, If you are really looking for a reliable and supportive assistance provider in the journey of availing Schengen visa process, Quickinsure is there to help you in every step!

Read More - Explore 25+ visa-free countries for Indian passport holders. 

FAQs

1. What is a Schengen visa and who needs it?
 A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, including Indians, to travel to any of the 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Indian travellers planning tourism, business, or family visits require this visa to enter Schengen countries.

2. How long does it take to process a Schengen visa from India?
Standard processing usually takes around 15 days. However, it can extend up to 45 days if additional documents or verification are required. It’s recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date.

3. What documents are required to apply for a Schengen visa from India?
Applicants need a valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-size photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, return tickets, and other supporting documents such as employment proof, cover letter, or invitation letters, depending on the purpose of travel.

4. How much does a Schengen visa cost for Indian applicants?
The visa fee varies by age and visa type. For adults above 12 years, the standard fee is around EUR 80. Additional fees may include visa processing charges, biometric fees, and optional services such as courier or premium processing fees.

5. Can Quickinsure help with Schengen visa applications?
Yes, Quickinsure provides affordable and comprehensive travel insurance plans required for Schengen visa applications. Their services help ensure hassle-free coverage and assist travellers throughout the visa process, making the journey safer and smoother.

Published on - 30/09/2015