The Schengen visa is a popular travel document that allows Indian citizens to visit multiple countries in the Schengen Area of Europe, without the need to apply for separate visas for each country. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This visa is ideal for Indians who wish to explore multiple European countries during their trip.
To apply for a Schengen visa, Indian citizens must fulfill specific requirements and follow a specific application process. The visa application process includes providing various documents, such as a valid passport, travel itinerary, etc. The visa application process may vary depending on the country of application, but the basic requirements are the same.
UNDERSTANDING THE SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION PROCESS FOR INDIAN CITIZENS.
Applying for a Schengen visa is mostly standardized between nations. You must first choose which Schengen Visa category best fits your travel needs. This will be determined by the kind and duration of your journey and the frequency with which you intend to visit your destination(s).
The regular Schengen Visa, sometimes known as a short-stay visa, is valid for visits of up to 90 days within any 180 days. Longer stays need a work or student visa. You'll need a multiple-entry visa to visit the Schengen Area often.
Schengen Visa applications must be submitted no earlier than six months and no later than fifteen days before the intended start of travel. However, you should apply at least three weeks before your travel date to account for any processing delays.
As soon as you choose the visa you need, you must gather the required documentation (which more below). The next step is to apply for the position online. After that, you must schedule an interview at the visa processing center, embassy, or consulate.
WHAT IS THE FEE OF A SCHENGEN VISA IN INDIA?
The Schengen visa fee is standard. Therefore, a single Indian adult must pay €80 (about 7,080) for a Schengen visa. Kids between the ages of 12 and 18 also pay the same rate, and the cost is €40 for kids aged 6-11. The Schengen Visa is also free for youngsters less than six years old.
Participants (under 25) in seminars, conferences, athletic, cultural, or educational events, students and teachers on study or training excursions, and researchers traveling for scientific research may also be exempt from paying the Schengen visa cost in certain circumstances.
Remember that, depending on the visa type and where you apply, you may be required to pay a processing charge. If your visa application is denied, you will likely not be refunded the application money.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR INDIANS TO APPLY FOR SCHENGEN VISA
If you are an Indian passport holder planning to travel to any of the Schengen countries in Europe, you must apply for a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa is a type of short-stay visa that allows you to enter and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. To apply for a Schengen visa from India, you will need to submit a set of documents to the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit.
Here are the Schengen visa requirements for Indians:
A completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity period of at least three months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen Area
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Travel itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations
Proof of financial means, such as bank statements for the last three months, to cover your travel expenses and stay in the Schengen Area
Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in the Schengen country you are visiting
Proof of employment, such as a letter from your employer stating your job position, salary, approved leave of absence, or business registration documents if you are self-employed.
It is worth noting, however, that some visa service providers, such as VisaHQ, offer assistance with visa applications and may be able to guide the specific requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa or a visa waiver. If you require assistance with your visa application, you may consider seeking the services of a reputable visa provider.
HOW AND WHERE CAN I GET THE SCHENGEN VISA?
If you are an Indian passport holder planning to visit any of the Schengen countries in Europe, you must apply for a Schengen visa. Here are the steps you can follow to apply for a Schengen visa for Indians:
Visit VisaHQ to apply for a visa for the country you are planning to visit.
Select your citizenship as India and select the country you are traveling to.
Fill out the Schengen visa application form for that specific country.
Gather all the required documents, such as passport, photographs, travel itinerary, travel medical insurance, financial means, accommodation and employment proof, and any other documents as specified by the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to.
Set up an appointment for document delivery either through email or in person.
Show up for the interview, where you will respond to inquiries about your purpose for visiting the country.