Schengen is an area in the European Union containing 26 countries that adhere to a uniform visa policy and have agreed to reduce or forgo passport use within themselves, officially making Schengen one of the world’s largest visa-free zones for its member nations.
The Schengen region welcomes all residents and tourists from around the globe, although only certain nationalities may travel without needing a visa – however, India, unfortunately, doesn’t fall into this category.
When To Apply For A Tourist Schengen Visa?
Submit your Tourist Schengen Visa application no later than 15 calendar days before your planned journey into the Schengen Zone. However, the earliest application can be filed at least three months prior.
Documents Requirements For An Indian Traveler
If your goal is to visit only one of the Schengen countries, then apply for a visa for that particular one only. However, if your plans include traveling through multiple Schengen nations, apply for a Schengen visa while specifying your desired destination country(ies).
- When applying for a visa, you will likely require an invitation letter from your host and evidence of accommodation (such as supporting documents).
- Fill and sign a Visa Application Form in full and on behalf of all travel applicants traveling. The application form is available online, and you can easily download it from there.
- Two recent 35 X 45mm matte background photos taken within three months that depict 70-80% of your face should also be provided.
- Your passport, valid for at least 3 months and with at least 10 years left on it, should also be included in your travel documents. Dummy flight tickets for visa purpose to and from each country. An itinerary detailing where and how long you plan to travel. Likewise, proof of accommodation for visa application where you plan on staying.
- Travel or Health Insurance that covers medical costs up to EUR30,000 in medical coverage; Proof of Financial Means such as bank statements from the last three months or, if possible, the Financial Sponsor Letter.
- A cover letter in which you briefly explain the reason for your visit to the schengen country. Your duration of stay in the schengen country and when you will return back to your country of residence.
- Proof of financial income that you can easily meet all expenses in the Schengen country. You can submit bank statements or salary slips as proof of your income.
- Document showing civil status. You can submit the marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Employee/Student/Self-employed – Proof of Status
- For employees: A copy of their employment contract, leave permission form, and Income Tax Return should be presented for them to submit.
- For self-employed: submit copies of the business license agreements and bank statements over six months before filing Income Tax Returns for themselves as Self Employed Individuals.
- For students: proof of enrollment and NOC from a university/college are needed, while for minors, signed letters will suffice.
How To Apply For A Schengen Visa As An Indian?
- Applying for a Schengen visa is simple. Simply visit the Schengen Embassy’s website and download an application form; complete all relevant fields, sign it, and submit it.
- Gather all necessary documents and bring them to your local visa centre when applying for a visa application form. Submit them together.
- If you plan to visit just one country, your visa will be issued from its Embassy/Consulate.
- If you plan to travel to multiple countries, submit the visa application at the centre of the one with the longest stay; otherwise, submit it in the country that will be your starting point.
- Schedule an appointment for visa processing.
- Attend the interview and collect your passport.
How Quickly Can You Get A Schengen Visa?
Applying for a Schengen visa can be time-consuming and complex. To streamline this process quickly and effortlessly. Seek assistance from an established travel agency; that way, you can sit back and relax as we ensure you receive what you’re seeking.
What Is The Schengen Visa Processing Time?
As soon as a trip is planned, it is advisable to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa at least two weeks in advance. Embassy Consulates typically respond in 10 working days or less (or sooner if there are special circumstances), usually dealing with all documentation and requests in under two months. But this could take up to two months in exceptional circumstances or political turmoil!
Important Note
Finding a confirmed flight itinerary and a flight reservation in the visa application process cannot be completed free of charge. It is common to cost a symbolic amount to get confirmation on your travel or flight Itinerary for visa.
However, some air companies may do this free of charge. Not charge you anything until you purchase the actual flight Ticket. In any case, searching for companies that offer the services. Dummy Flight Itinerary, could be a lengthy process and a reason not to find one in the end.
