Schengen Visa: 9 steps to apply for Schengen Visa from India (2024)

Are you planning a European adventure? Imagine exploring France, Italy, Spain, and more with just one application! The Schengen visa is your key to 26 incredible countries. In 2023, over 10 million Indians like you discovered the freedom of the Schengen zone.

This visa simplifies short-term travel for tourism, business, and visiting loved ones.

Knowing your visa type is crucial. Read this Guide to know more about the different Schengen visa types, eligibility, application process, and documents required.

What is a Schengen?

Schengen is a passport-free zone within the European Union, established by the Schengen Agreement on June 14, 1985. Initially signed by five EU countries, it aimed to create a borderless Europe. Today, the Schengen Area comprises 27 countries, facilitating seamless travel without internal borders.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa allows travel to multiple European countries within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within six months. It excludes stays for employment, trade, or business purposes. The Schengen Area comprises 22 European countries and 4 non-European countries.

22 European Schengen Countries:

4 Non-Schengen Countries:

Schengen Visa Types for Short Visits (Europe)

Travel or Short Stay Visa (Type C):

It is also known as the "Schengen Visa," it is for visiting family, for tourism purposes, or to attend sporting events. It allows multiple entries for up to 60 days in 6 months.

A Schengen Visa allows for short stays in any Schengen Area country, with the duration specified on the visa. It may be:

Single Entry:

Permits only one entry into the Schengen Area. Re-entry after leaving is not allowed

Double Entry

Allows two entries into the Schengen Area, with no re-entry after the second exit.

Multiple Entry:

Permits unlimited entries, but is limited to 90 days within six months. The first entry marks the start of the visa's validity, with stays totalling up to 90 days.

Airport Transit Visas (Type A):

This visa type is for connecting flights at Schengen airports, without leaving the airport or entering Schengen territory. This visa category helps you to connect a flight from one non-Schengen country to another international transit area of a Schengen-located airport.

Transit Visa (Type B):

This Visa permits passing through Schengen territory from a non-Schengen country by car, coach, or plane, including leaving the international transit area for up to 5 days. Available for one, two, or multiple transits.

Eligibility for a Schengen Visa:

To qualify for the Schengen Visa, applicants must:

1. Must have a valid Indian passport.

2. Hold a valid Schengen Visa.

3. Obtain medical insurance meeting Schengen Visa requirements.

4. Provide supporting documents that prove your purpose of travel.

5. Confirm return tickets or bank statements with sufficient funds to support your stay during the visiting period.

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Documents required to apply for a Schengen Visa:

·   Filled (error-free) and signed Schengen Visa Application Form.

·   Two recent passport-size photographs that meet the specified requirements for the Schengen visa type you are applying for.

·   A valid Indian passport, not older than ten years, with a validity of more than three months beyond the intended stay in the Schengen area.

·   Provide your itinerary or round-trip flight reservation tickets, indicating the entry and exit dates from Schengen countries.

·   Proof of Travel insurance policy taken with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for the entire Schengen territory.

·   Proof of your accommodation, such as a rental agreement or hotel/hostel booking, for the duration of your stay in Schengen countries.

·   Proof of your financial means (sufficient funds), demonstrated through bank account statements or a sponsorship letter.

Cost of applying for Schengen Visa (2024):

How to apply for Schengen Visa?

Step 1: Know your visa type

Determine which Schengen Visa type you need, based on the purpose of your visit to the Schengen Area. The different types of visas are

• Transit Visa

• Tourism Visa

• Business Visa

• Visa for Official Visits

• Study Visa

• Visa for Medical Reasons

• Visa for Cultural & Sporting Activities

• Visa for Visiting Family or Friends

Step 2: Determine where to file your application 

To apply for a Schengen Visa, you must determine where to file your application. This depends on the country you are visiting within the Schengen Area. There are four options available to you to apply at:

1.       The consulate of the concerned country

2.       The embassy of the concerned country

3.      The embassy/consulate of another Schengen country

4.     A visa application centre of the destination country

Note that according to Schengen rules, the destination country is the one where you are required to submit your visa application.

Step 3: Find the best time to apply

To apply for a Schengen visa, find the best time to file your application. You can file a visa application six months before your planned trip and no later than 15 working days before the trip. It's recommended to apply at least three weeks before your trip to avoid any delay.

Step 4: Fill in the application form

To apply for a Schengen Visa, fill out a visa application form with personal, background, and trip details.

Step 5: Gather all the documents

 The next step in our visa application process involves gathering all the required documents. These documents are classified into two groups - the first group contains documents that are common to all applicants, while the second group contains documents that are specific to your visa case. You can find the list of required documents mentioned above. It is a crucial step that you don't want to miss.

Step 6: Schedule a visa appointment

After you have gathered all the required documents and completed the visa application form, the next step is to book an appointment at the embassy or consulate. Some Schengen countries offer the option to book an appointment online, while for others you may have to book an interview appointment in person at the embassy or consulate.

Step 7: Attend the Visa interview

On the day of your visa interview, make sure to arrive on time. You will meet the visa consular to submit your documents. During the interview, you will be asked several questions, so it's important to answer them firmly and correctly. Typically, the interview lasts for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 8: Pay your visa fee

Paying your Schengen visa application fee is required and non-refundable. The fee is standardized cannot be changed, and must be submitted along with your visa application.

Step 9:  Wait for the response

You'll get a response to your Schengen Visa application within 15 days, but it may take up to 45 days for some citizens.

Schengen visa processing time:

The typical processing time for a Schengen Visa is 7 to 14 days, but it may vary based on the country and verification needs.

How Global Job Assist can help you?

At Global Job Assist, we're India's Best Schengen visa consultant, serving 1K+ customers with 100+ active cases. Our services include:

1.  Profile Evaluation: 

We match your unique profile with visa eligibility requirements to advise on the best visa options.

2. Resume Writing: 

Our resume-writing experts in Hyderabad will guide you in crafting a standout resume as per immigration standards.

3. Document Procurement:

We assist in arranging necessary documents before visa application.

4.  Professional Guidance:

From interview training to language courses, we offer comprehensive support.

1. Dedicated Case Officer: Enjoy personalised assistance throughout the visa process.

2. Post-Landing Services: We help you settle in the country post-visa approval.

Expect a seamless visa journey with Global Job Assist, from evaluation to settlement. Begin your visa application today.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Is it possible to travel to the United Kingdom using a Schengen Visa?

No, the United Kingdom, while being part of the European Union, is not a signatory to the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, you cannot visit the UK with a Schengen Visa.

What sets apart a single-entry from a multiple-entry Schengen Visa?

A single-entry Schengen visa permits one entry into the Schengen Area, with no re-entry allowed. Conversely, a multiple-entry visa allows several entries within a 180-day validity period, totalling up to 90 days stay.

What is the simplest Schengen Visa to acquire?

Lithuania stands out as the easiest country for visa issuance, with an impressive 98.7% approval rate for short-term visa applications in 2018.

Is it possible to visit other Schengen countries with a Single-Entry Schengen Visa?

While you can explore any Schengen country, keep in mind that a Single-Entry Schengen Visa allows only one entry and exit from the Schengen region.