Your journey to Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa Applicants in India

A Schengen short-stay visa allows you to stay or transit in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visa applications are processed under the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, last amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155).

The Schengen Area currently includes 29 European countries (25 EU Member States and 4 associated countries) that apply common visa rules and have no internal border checks. The countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

There are three main visa categories:

  • Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): valid for short stays up to 90 days across all Schengen States.

  • Limited Territorial Validity (LTV): valid only for the countries listed on the visa.

  • Airport Transit Visa (ATV): required for certain nationalities transiting through Schengen airports.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure, issued within the last 10 years, and contain at least two blank pages.

Visa fees are EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6–12; children under 6 are exempt. Certain categories (students, researchers, NGO representatives under 25, diplomatic/service passport holders, etc.) are also exempt.

Applications can be submitted no earlier than 6 months before travel (9 months for seafarers) and no later than 15 days before departure. All applicants in India must appear in person to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo), which remain valid for 5 years.

Processing normally takes 15 calendar days, but may be extended up to 45 days if additional checks are required. A visa does not guarantee entry; border authorities may still ask for proof of funds, accommodation, and return travel.

For full details, supporting documents, and appointments, please consult the official website of the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your main destination or first entry. If a country has no representation in India, applications may be lodged through another Schengen State acting as its representative (e.g., Liechtenstein visas are handled by the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi).

Visa Types We Handle

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Tourist Visa

Perfect for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family across Europe.

 
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Business Visa

Ideal for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and professional networking.

 
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Transit Visa

For seamless airport transit through Schengen countries to your final destination.

 
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Medical Visa

Access world-class European healthcare facilities for treatment and medical procedures.

 
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Student Visa

For short-term courses, educational programs, and academic exchanges.

 

1. What is a Schengen Short-Stay Visa?

A Schengen visa allows you to stay or transit within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Applications are processed under the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, last amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155).


2. Which Countries Issue Schengen Visas?

There are 29 Schengen countries, including 25 EU Member States.

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.


3. Types of Schengen Visas

  • Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): valid for all Schengen States, up to 90 days in 180 days.

  • Limited Territorial Validity (LTV): valid only for the country/countries listed on the visa.

  • Airport Transit Visa (ATV): required for nationals of certain countries when transiting through Schengen airports.


4. Passport Requirements

  • Valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure.

  • Issued within the last 10 years.

  • At least 2 blank pages.


5. Visa Validity & Entries

  • 1 = Single entry

  • 2 = Double entry

  • MULT = Multiple entries


6. Who Can Apply in India?

  • Indian nationals.

  • Legal residents of India (foreign nationals).

  • Non-residents may apply if legally present in India with justification.


7. Where to Apply?

  • If traveling to one country → apply at that country’s consulate.

  • If visiting multiple countries → apply at the consulate of the main destination (longest stay or main purpose).

  • If no main destination → apply to the consulate of the first entry country.

  • If a country has no consulate in India → apply via its representing state (e.g., Liechtenstein → Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi).


8. Visa Fees

  • Adults: EUR 90

  • Children (6–12 years): EUR 45

  • Children under 6: Free

Exemptions include:

  • Students & researchers on study trips

  • NGO representatives ≤25 years in cultural/sports/educational events

  • Holders of diplomatic/service passports


9. When to Apply?

  • Earliest: 6 months before travel (9 months for seafarers).

  • Latest: 15 calendar days before travel.

  • Multiple-entry visa holders may apply before expiry if valid ≥6 months.


10. Supporting Documents

  • Completed application form

  • Valid passport

  • Recent ICAO-compliant photo

  • Proof of travel & accommodation

  • Proof of financial means

  • Travel medical insurance

  • Additional documents may be requested; interviews may be required.


11. Travel Medical Insurance

  • Minimum cover: EUR 30,000

  • Must cover all Schengen countries and the entire stay

  • Includes emergency care, hospitalization, repatriation


12. Biometrics (Fingerprints & Photo)

  • Required for all applicants from age 12.

  • Valid for 5 years (can be reused).

  • Exemptions: children <12, physically impossible cases, certain high officials.


13. Processing Time

  • Standard: 15 calendar days

  • Extended: up to 45 days if more checks are needed


14. If Visa is Refused

  • Applicants receive a written refusal with reasons.

  • You may appeal according to the deciding country’s national law.


15. Complaints

You may complain about:

  • Conduct of consular or external staff

  • Visa application processing


16. Travel on a Schengen Visa

A visa does not guarantee automatic entry. At border control, you may be asked to show:

  • Proof of accommodation and purpose of visit

  • Proof of sufficient funds

  • Return or onward ticket


17. Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Eligible family members (spouse, registered partner, children under 21, dependent relatives) benefit from:

  • Faster procedure

  • Exemption from visa fees

Conditions:

  • The EU/EEA/Swiss citizen is living in or moving to another Member State.

  • You are accompanying or joining them.


18. Useful Embassy/Consulate Links in India

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