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
- What is a Schengen Visa?
- What are the Countries that Issue Schengen Visas?
- Types of Schengen Visa
- Schengen Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders
- What if you want a long term Schengen visa?
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa?
- VFS Office in India
- Schengen Visa fee for Indians
- Documents Required for a Schengen Visa
- Schengen Travel Visa Insurance
- What is the Fastest way to apply for a Schengen Visa?
- Schengen Visa Rejection and Approval Percentage of 2022
- 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.
- Single Entry: This category is used when you enter the region once and complete your tour in a single stretch.
- 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.
- 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
- Estonia – 56%
- Malta – 45%
- Slovenia – 44.5%
- Switzerland – 13%
- France – 19.9%
- Spain -18.5%
- Austria – 24%
- Greece – 34.7%
- Portugal – 29.9%
- Sweden – 18.7%
High Schengen Visa Approval
Particularly there are three countires in Europe that approve Indian Visas on a higher scale.
- Germany
- Italy
- Hungary
Frequently Asked Questions
A non-European with a valid passport is eligible for a Schengen visa.
The minimum required bank balance per day is Rs 8,000.
A VFS Center in India is where you must schedule your Schengen Visa VFS appointment. The following Indian cities have VFS Centers
You must go to the Schengen Countries VFS website to set up an appointment for your visa interview. And click Book Now.
There are numerous visa application facilities in many Indian cities, including Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Panjim, and Puducherry.
Yes. This is possible only under extreme circumstances. Below are few cases that are considered for extension
1. You are unable to return to your home country immediately beacause of serious incidents that took place while you were in the Schengen area.
2. The specifics of the Schengen visa extension application have an impact on humanitarian issues.
3. Your business could not have ended in the Schengen Area within the time frame allowed for professional reasons
You can visit 26 countries with a Schengen visa.
The processing time will take about 6 to 10 days.
Below are some of the common reasons for visa rejection
1. You don’t have the required documents.
2. The information you provided does not match the details on the necessary documents.
3. Applying for a visa later than is recommended
4. Erroneous sponsorship information in your application
5. Absence of travel or health insurance
6. You don’t have the necessary funds.
7. You have a damaged or unreadable passport.
8. Submitting fabricated or forged documents
9. Your lack of accommodation documentation
10. You don’t offer proper justification for your visit.
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