Schengen Visa From India

Schengen Visa for Indians: Entry Requirements for 27 European Nations

The Schengen Area is used to describe a group of 27 European nations that have formally abolished all passport checks and other forms of border control at their shared borders. Being a component of the European Union's (EU) larger area of freedom, security, and justice policy, it primarily operates as a single jurisdiction with a unified approach to visa requirements for international travel. The 1985 Schengen Agreement and the 1990 Schengen Convention, both signed in Schengen, Luxembourg, inspired the area's name. You must obtain a Schengen visa from India to enter the Schengen region.

What is a Schengen Visa?

First, determine the type of Schengen visa travel insurance  from India you require before applying for a Schengen Visa. Considering the reason for your trip, the length of your stay, and the number of times you will enter the Schengen region is the best way to determine which kind of Schengen Visa you must apply for.

Standard Schengen or short-stay visas are often issued for journeys up to 90 days. You can apply for a work or study visa to remain in the Schengen area for over 90 days. Finally, if you frequently travel, you can apply for an Indian multiple-entry Schengen visa.

Types of Schengen Visa Available for Indian Citizens

●      Schengen visa Type A

●      Schengen visa Type B (discontinued after 2010)

●      Schengen visa Type C

-        Single-entry visa with a number 1 on the visa sticker

-        Double-entry visa marked by a number 2 on the visa sticker

-        Multiple-entry visa designated by a « MULT » on the visa sticker

●      Schengen visa Type D
The validity of the Schengen Area Visa is six months. Depending on your visa type, you may enter once, twice, or multiple times during these six months.
When the "short-stay visit" visa is valid, you can travel to or stay in other Schengen Agreement States if you have an extended-stay visa granted by one of those nations (staying not more than 90 days within 180 days).

What Are the Fees Applicable for Schengen Visa?

Validity of Different Types of Schengen Visas for Indians

The validity of Schengen visas varies based on the type of visa issued. The short-stay visa (Type C) allows stays up to 90 days within 180 days and can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. The long-stay visa (Type D) is for stays over 90 days and up to a year, intended for work, study, or other long-term activities. The multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times within the visa duration, which can be one, three, or five years.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Schengen Visa?

If you have an Indian passport, you must apply for and have your Schengen visa accepted before travelling to other Schengen countries. This will let you travel to 27 Schengen nations, whether heading there for business, pleasure, or education.

You are granted a 90-day travel visa for the Schengen region. This visa is legitimate for six months, and you can apply for a Schengen Multiple Entry visa if you want to travel to and from the Schengen Area on multiple occasions.

Can a Minor Apply for a Schengen Visa?    

Additional proof is required if you are a minor's parent or legal guardian while applying for a Schengen visa. These records consist of:

●      Birth certificate of the minor.

●      An application form signed by both parents.

●      If just one parent has sole custody of the child, a family court order

●      Certified copies of each parent's ID or passport.

●      If the youngster travels alone, a notarised parental authorisation that both parents or guardians sign.

Schengen Visa Documents for Minors

Additional documents are required when applying for a Schengen visa for minors to ensure the child's safety and compliance with legal guidelines. These include the minor's birth certificate, a visa application form signed by both parents, a family court order if one parent has sole custody and certified copies of both parent's ID or passport. A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents or guardians is mandatory if the minor travels alone.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

Meeting the photo requirements is crucial for a successful Schengen visa application. Applicants must provide two recent passport-sized photos from at least six months of age. The images should have a light background, preferably white, and measure 35mm x 45mm. The applicant's face must cover 70-80% of the photo, with a neutral expression and a closed mouth. The eyes should be open and visible, with no headgear unless worn for religious reasons and no reflections or shadows on the face.

How Can You Apply for a Schengen Visa?

●      Complete the application form

●      Gather the required travel documentation

●      Visit the consulate, embassy, or visa application centre in India to schedule a visa interview.

What Are the Fees Applicable for Schengen Visa?

Different types of Schengen visas have different fees. Ensure to check the latest fees online before applying.

Schengen Visa Countries List

What to Do When Your Schengen Visa Gets Rejected?

You have the right to file an appeal if your application for a Schengen Visa is denied. If your application for a Schengen visa travel insurance from India is denied, the reasons why are provided. A paper outlining the process for filing an appeal for reconsidering your visa application is also included.

You have the right to appeal the decision if you believe the reasons for rejecting your application for a Schengen Visa are unjustified.

Why Is Travel Insurance Essential for a Schengen Visa?

You must provide details about your Schengen visa insurance plan when you apply for a Schengen visa. This document demonstrates that you have sufficient travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa for travelling across the entire Schengen territory. Your travel insurance for a Schengen visa from India should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Obtaining the best travel insurance for a Schengen visa is very easy. And it will cover you across the following scenarios:

●      Any medical crisis

●      Illnesses

●      Accidents

●      Returning home in the event of passing away

What Are the Documents Required to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

General Schengen Visa Documents That Are Required:

●      A complete and signed Schengen visa application.

●      Two recent passport-size pictures.

●      A valid passport not older than 10 years.

●      Reservation for a round-trip flight or an itinerary containing dates and flight numbers indicating entry and exit from the Schengen region.

●      The passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you intend to depart the Schengen region.

●      Visas still attached to older passports (if you have any).

●      If you're a student, a No Objection Certificate from your school or university.

●      A single passport photocopy (A4 size copy).

●      Letter of resignation from your employer (if employed).

●      A statement detailing your lodging place and where you will remain during your whole Schengen visit.

●      A Schengen visa insurance policy document demonstrates that you have adequate travel medical insurance to cover the entire Schengen region.

●      Your cost of travel insurance for a Schengen visa should include a least 30,000 euros in Schengen visa insurance for India coverage for any medical emergencies, including sickness, accidents, and even passing away-related repatriation.

●      Evidence of civil statuses, such as birth and marriage certificates.

●      Hostel reservations, rental contracts, or letters of invitation from hosts whose homes you will be staying at are all acceptable forms of identification as proof of lodging.

Proof of Financial Stability:

●      A recent bank statement (past 3 months) that shows you have enough money to cover the trip.

●      Three months' worth of pay-slip or your employment contract if you're an employee.

●      Form 16 is the Income Tax Return (ITR) form (Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary)

●      If you are self-employed, a copy of your business licence and the most recent six months' worth of company bank statements.

●      Sponsorship Letter — a declaration from a third party that they will cover the cost of your travel to the Schengen area. This letter must accompany the sponsor's most recent three-month bank statement to be considered legitimate.

Other Required Documents:

●      Proof of fees paid towards the visa application of €80 for adults

●      For kids aged 6 to 12, the cost is €45

●      A legitimate marriage certificate

●      If you are unemployed and married to a citizen of the EU

●      The spouse's current passport

●      A letter of employment confirmation from their spouse's workplace, no more than three months old, detailing the position held and the start date

Required Documents for Retired Travellers:

●      Latest six-month pension statement

Is It Possible to Extend My Schengen Visa?

You must adhere to the following requirements to extend your visa:

●      Your total stay in the Schengen Area cannot be longer than 90 days.

●      You must justify your extended stay if it exceeds 90 days.

Schengen Visa Processing Time for Indians

The most challenging but exciting aspect of the application procedure is waiting for your Schengen visa to be processed. It can take up to 15 days to learn whether your visa application was accepted or denied. Yet occasionally, you might have to wait up to 45 days.