Schengen Visa for Indians

Firstly to begin with, did you know that you can explore three fourths of the European region with just one visa? Yes, indeed you heard it right. Basically, all you would need is a Schengen visa. While you have a Schengen visa in hand, you get to travel to multiple countries in Europe that have affiliations with Schengen. Moreover, who doesn’t like travelling to Europe. But, before preparing for your trip to Europe, allow us to give you a detailed view regarding the Schengen Visa so to make your trip a lot more easy and hassle free. Furthermore, don’t forget to check our Pickyourtrail Europe Tour Packages  

Table of Contents

1. What is a Schengen Visa?
2. What are the Countries that Issue Schengen Visas?
3. Types of Schengen Visa
4. Schengen Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders 
5. What if you want a long term Schengen visa?
6. How to apply for a Schengen Visa?
7. VFS Office in India
8. Schengen Visa fee for Indians
9. Documents Required for a Schengen Visa 
10. Schengen Travel Visa Insurance
11. What is the Fastest way to apply for a Schengen Visa?
12. Schengen Visa Rejection and Approval Percentage of 2022
13. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen is an EU passport free zone, as a result tourists are allowed to travel within its affiliated countries that have signed an agreement. It is easier to travel to different countries within the European Union when travelers have a Schengen Visa as it allows them to cross borders without having to go through additional passport checks. Moreover, the Schengen Visa can be used for leisure travel, business, or family visits and is valid for up to 90 days.

Countries that Issue Schengen Visas?

Not all the European Countries offer the Schengen Visa for Indians, certainly not. Following is a list of countries that fall under the Schengen region. 

Austria	Greece	Malta
Belgium	Hungary	Netherlands
Czech Republic	Iceland	Norway
Denmark	Italy	Poland
Estonia	Latvia	Portugal
Finland	Liechtenstein	Slovakia
France	Lithuania	Spain
Germany	Luxembourg	Switzerland
Slovenia	Sweden

Furthermore, there are a few Non-Schengen countries that recognize and accept a valid Schengen visa for entry. But, there are specific requirements that need to be followed and the length of stay may also change. Therefore, it’s important to re-check the most recent information before commencing your trip to Europe.

Albania	Serbia	Montenegro	Bulgaria
Andorra	Romania	Kosovo	Georgia
Turkey	North Macedonia	Croatia	Bosnia and Herzegovina

Types of Schengen Visa for Indians

Type of Visa	No of days Valid	Specifications
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)	90 Days	Single Entry Double Entry Multiple Entry
Airport Transit Visa (ATV)	90 Days	applicable for travelers from certain countries who need to change flights at a Schengen airport.
Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)	90 Days	This visa is issued for specific Schengen countries and does not grant entry to the entire Schengen Area.

Schengen Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) : Undoubtedly, the USV is the most commonly used tourist visa that allows you to travel within the Schengen region. Basically, there are three categories under the Uniform Schengen Visa. 

1. Single Entry: This category is used when you enter the region once and complete your tour in a single stretch. 
2. Double Entry: This category is applicable to those who step out of the Schengen region during their trip and come back to the Schengen region to complete their tour. 
3. Multiple Entry: Finally, we have the Multiple entry category. Unlike the above two categories, multiple entry allows the tourists to enter and re-enter the Schengen region multiple times.

What if you want a long term Schengen visa?

However, what if you need a long term Schengen Visa? Additionally, the following two Visas will be of help to you.

National Visa: A Schengen country will issue a national visa which is also referred to as a long-stay visa. It is basically for stays longer than 90 days. However, this visa is typically required for long-term travel to a specific Schengen nation for activities like work, study, family reunions, or other purposes.

Additionally, if you are a frequent traveler, you have the option to apply for a European Union visa that has a validity of up to 5 years. However, it is important to note that even by having a multiple-entry visa for Europe, you are still subject to the rule of not staying in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

How to apply for a Schengen Visa?

Generally every traveler preparing for a trip to Europe for the first time has this question in mind. How to apply for a Schengen Visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa from India, firstly, one must have a proper travel plan and itinerary in place. Once you are ready with your travel plans, you can follow the below steps to apply for a Schengen visa. 

Step 1: Firstly, fill the Schengen Visa application form and submit it in the embassy 

Step 2: Secondly, make a visa appointment – This will take up to 30 days to get confirmed. 

Step 3: Thirdly, complete Biometrics 

Step 4: Fourthly, recheck all the Documents 

Step 5: Lastly, pay the Schengen visa fee

VFS Office in India

The VFS, or Visa Facilitation Service, is present especially in all major cities in India. However, you can visit the nearby office to get all the necessary details regarding your travel.  

VFS Office Chennai 

Address: Third Floor, TOWERS-C, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008

Official Website: VFS Global Chennai

VFS Office Delhi 

Address: Mezzanine Level Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001

Official Website: VFS Global Delhi 

VFS Office Mumbai 

Address: VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd 3rd Floor, Urmi Axis Building, Behind Famous Studio, Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai 400 011

Official Website: VFS Global Mumbai

VFS Office Bangalore

Address: Gopalan Innovation Mall, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076

Official Website: VFS Global Bangalore

VFS Office Hyderabad 

Address: VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd Unit 1, Lower Concourse , Panjagutta Metro Station, 8-2-340/1, Punjagutta Rd, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 IndiaOfficial Website: VFS Global Hyderabad

Cost of Schengen Visa for Indians

Generally, a Schengen Visa for an adult will cost around 80 pounds, which is approximately Rs 8,000. Comparatively, for Children between the age of 6 and 11, the Schengen visa costs only Rs 4000. Furthermore, for Kids below the age of 6, Schengen Visa is free of charge. 

Adults	80 Pounds – Rs 8,000
Ages 6-11	40 Pounds – Rs 4,000
Under 6	Free

Documents Required for a Schengen Visa

It is always advisable to know everything that is required for the visa application procedure. This will help in avoiding last minute confusions. Below is a checklist that will significantly help you to apply for a Schengen visa without having any trouble.

• Completed visa application form 
• Valid passport 
• Address proof 
• Passport size photos 
• Legit travel itinerary
• Accommodation Proof 
• Travel Insurance 
• Proof of financial means 
• Proof of employment and education 
• Visa fee

Schengen Travel Visa Insurance

Health plays an important role while traveling and travelers have to be cautious about their health. Therefore, having a travel insurance is very important. Medical insurance for a Schengen visa must meet the following criteria:

• Firstly, all Schengen Area regions should be included.
• Secondly, cover any costs associated with a return for medical reasons, immediate medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death.

What is the Fastest way to apply for a Schengen Visa?

Undoubtedly, the application process for getting a Schengen visa can be tedious. But, you don’t need to worry when you have the assistance of a renowned travel agency. Especially, at Pickyourtrail, we have experts who provide Visa assistance. This will help you sit back and relax while we help you get everyhting required for a hassle free travel. 

Schengen Visa Rejection and Approval Percentage of 2024

Despite our efforts, visa rejection is a common phrase that all of us have been hearing a lot, over the years. To get a clear understanding of this, we have a list of countries that reject Indian Visas in large numbers as well as countries that approve Indian Visas. 

Schengen Visa Rejection 

1. Estonia – 56%
2. Malta – 45%
3. Slovenia – 44.5%
4. Switzerland – 13%
5. France – 19.9%
6. Spain -18.5% 
7. Austria – 24%
8. Greece – 34.7%
9. Portugal – 29.9%
10. Sweden – 18.7%

High Schengen Visa Approval 

Particularly there are three countires in Europe that approve Indian Visas on a higher scale.

1. Germany 
2. Italy 
3. Hungary 

Frequently Asked Questions