Schengen Visa Guide
from India.
Embassy selection guides, cover letter templates, and the 90/180-day rule explained. Skip the ₹30,000 agent fee.
Schengen / Europe Visa basics for Indians.
The Schengen Short Stay C Visa allows Indian passport holders to visit up to 27 European countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The visa fee is €90 for adults. Applications are submitted at the embassy or consulate of the main destination country.
Types of Schengen visa for Indians.
The Schengen Visa C (Short Stay) covers these purposes:
| Purpose | What’s Allowed | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism (Type C) | Sightseeing, holidays, visiting family across Schengen zone | 90 days / 180-day period |
| Business (Type C) | Meetings, conferences, trade fairs — no paid work | 90 days / 180-day period |
| Transit (Type A) | Airport transit without entering Schengen territory | Transit duration |
| Multiple Entry C | For frequent Schengen travellers — valid 1, 2 or 5 years | 90 days / 180-day period |
Choosing the right embassy.
You must apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most days. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the first country you will enter.
| Your Itinerary | Apply At |
|---|---|
| France 5 days, Italy 3 days, Germany 2 days | French Embassy (most days) |
| Germany 5 days, France 5 days | German Embassy (first entry) |
| Transit only through Amsterdam to UK | No Schengen visa needed for airside transit in most cases |
| Multi-country tour, equal days | Embassy of first Schengen country you enter |
Complete document checklist.
Schengen applications are among the most document-intensive for Indian passport holders. Travel insurance is mandatory. Documents must be complete — missing documents are a common and easily avoidable cause of refusal.
- Valid PassportMinimum 3 months validity beyond your intended departure from Schengen. At least 2 blank pages.
- Completed Visa Application FormDownloaded from the specific embassy website. Signed and dated. Each embassy has its own version — do not use a generic form.
- Passport PhotographsSchengen photo spec: 35mm × 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months. Face must fill 70–80% of the frame.
- Travel Insurance — MandatoryMinimum €30,000 coverage. Must cover all Schengen countries for the full duration. Medical evacuation and repatriation included. This is a hard requirement — not optional.
- Cover LetterExplaining purpose of visit, detailed day-by-day itinerary, and commitment to return to India.
- Flight ItineraryConfirmed return flight booking showing entry and exit from Schengen zone.
- Hotel / Accommodation BookingsConfirmed hotel bookings for all nights in each city. Or invitation letter if staying with someone.
- Bank Statements — Last 3–6 MonthsConsistent balance. General benchmark: €60–100 per day of stay.
- Employment and Financial ProofSalaried: employer letter + salary slips + ITR. Self-employed: business registration + ITR 3 years.
- Proof of Ties to IndiaProperty, employment, family ties — evidence you will return to India.
Common refusal reasons.
| Refusal Reason | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| Insufficient travel insurance | Must be minimum €30,000 covering all Schengen countries. Wrong or inadequate insurance is a hard refusal. |
| Weak financial proof | Show ₹60,000–₹1,00,000 per 10 days of planned stay. Consistent savings — no sudden deposits. |
| No clear itinerary | Vague travel plans are a significant red flag. Day-by-day itinerary with specific cities, accommodation, and activities required. |
| Applied at wrong embassy | You must apply at the embassy of the main destination or first entry country. Wrong embassy = refusal on procedural grounds. |
| Missing documents | Schengen embassies have strict document checklists. Missing any item typically results in rejection of the application on the day of appointment. |
How to apply from India.
Schengen applications are submitted in person at the embassy or VFS Global centre of the relevant country. Most Schengen embassies use VFS Global as their visa application centre in India.
Identify the correct embassy
Determine which Schengen country you spend the most days in. Apply at that country’s embassy or VFS centre in India.
Book your VFS appointment
Most Schengen countries use VFS Global in India. Book at vfsglobal.com selecting your country. Appointments book up 2–4 weeks in advance.
Prepare all documents
Complete the embassy-specific application form. Arrange all documents — especially travel insurance and hotel bookings — before the appointment.
Attend your VFS appointment
Bring original documents and copies. Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) collected. Appointment takes 20–30 minutes.
Pay the visa fee
€90 for adults, €45 for children 6–11, free for under 6. Plus VFS service charge. Paid at the appointment.
Wait for the decision
15 calendar days standard. Up to 30 days for complex cases. 45 days if additional documents are requested.
How fast can you get it?
| Service | Processing Time | Extra Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 15 calendar days | No extra charge | All applications |
| Complex cases | Up to 30 days | No extra charge | Additional document review |
| Extended (exceptional) | Up to 45 days | No extra charge | When further verification needed |
Everything you want to know.
- You can stay a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries combined. The 180-day window rolls — it is not a calendar period. Our Essential tier includes a calculator to track your days.
- Yes. You must apply at the embassy of the Schengen country where you will spend the most days. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the embassy of your first entry country.
- Yes — mandatory, not optional. Minimum €30,000 coverage. Must cover all Schengen member states. Must include medical evacuation and repatriation to India. Applications without qualifying insurance are refused on the spot.
- Yes. Under Article 32(3) of the Schengen Visa Code, you have the right to appeal a refusal. The appeal is submitted to the relevant embassy. However, it is usually faster and more effective to address the refusal reason and submit a new application.
- Approval rates vary. Greece, Portugal, and Estonia generally have higher approval rates for Indian applicants. France and Germany are more stringent. This is influenced by your specific profile — there is no guaranteed “easy” country.
- No. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa has no validity for the UK. You need a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa for the UK, even if you hold a valid Schengen visa.
🏠 Schengen Long Stay (D) Visa guide is coming.
Long-stay D visa guide for Indian applicants relocating or studying in specific Schengen countries.
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Country-specific work visa guides for France, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain.
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