Europe is the land of many cultures, traditions, and landscapes. Being an Indian, I can confidently confirm that every child had a notion that an ideal holiday would always be a “Europe Tour”. While not even a few could draw Europe even with our bare hands today as adults we all still have it on the top of our bucket list. If you are also one of those kids and wish to fulfill your bucket list of visiting Europe in 2025, please let us help you with the Schengen Visa.
Before you start planning your Europe trip and book your hotels and excursions, I highly recommend applying for the Schengen visa application. It is step one for your trip to Europe. Whether you plan to visit Europe on business, or vacation, or to visit family or friends, this visa is a must. With this blog, let me help you by simplifying the entire visa application process to eliminate any chances of delays in obtaining the visa!
The first question is, though, what does Schengen Visa mean?
Schengen Visa is generally a short-term permission, issued to those who are not citizens of Europe to enter and transit within the Schengen countries during the validity of visa. Numerous travelers who do not plan to visit one country only during their vacation in Europe will be pleased to know that they do not need to apply for a visa for each journey.
Some of the countries that you can visit using the Schengen visa are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India?
Applying for the Schengen visa from India is not as hard as it sounds. It is a very simple process and doesn’t even take much time. Start your visa application at the VFS Global Centre or online.
Here’s A Step-by-Step Guide To Applying For A Schengen Visa:
- Find Out Which Country to Apply for
Even though the Schengen visa permits travel throughout Europe, you must request it based on your primary reason for visiting, the country where you will be spending the majority of your time, or where you are most likely to obtain a Schengen visa easy. - Collect the Required Documents
You need a set of certain documents to file for your visa. Following is the list of all the required documents for applying for a Schengen visa:
– Passport: Your passport must be valid which means it must have at least 6 months validity post your expected stay in the country.
– Recent Picture: Your photograph has to be in the size of the Schengen visa photo size of 35mm x 45mm.
– Schengen visa checklist: Every application center or embassy provides a checklist of required documents for visa application. This includes proof of travel insurance, confirmed accommodation, return flight bookings, and financial proofs like bank statements.
– Cover letter for Schengen visa: The cover letter is basically a summary letter addressed to the embassy of the country you are applying your visa for. It tells the reason for traveling to the country, planned activities while there, and the expected date of departure.
– Sample itinerary for Schengen visa: Bring the VFS with a rough breakdown of your daily itinerary on the dates that you’ll be traveling.
– Employee letter for Schengen visa: If employed, the employer’s letter of confirmation of employment status, approval of the leave, and NOC is also required. - Book an Appointment
Once your documents are ready, book an appointment with your nearest VFS global office. Most Schengen countries in India process visa applications through VFS Global, making it easier to track your application. They will collect your biometric data and review your documents. - Pay the Fee
The Schengen visa fee for adults is typically around EUR 90 (approximately INR 8,000 to 10,000). There are reduced fees for children EUR 45 (approximately INR 4,000 to 6,000).
List of Easiest Countries to Get A Europe Visa
There are certain European countries that approve Schengen visas from India at a much higher approval ratio. These include Lithuania, Estonia, and Slovakia, which many people consider as the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa. Diplomatic premises they operate are said to be very friendly especially to first-timers when it comes to applying for visas.
Preparing Your Cover Letter
A cover letter for Schengen visa is one of the most important documents in your application. It should clearly outline:
- The purpose of your visit
- Your travel itinerary
- Where you’ll be staying
- Details of any prior travel to Schengen countries or other foreign destinations
- Proof that you have sufficient funds for your trip
- If relevant, mention any ties to India (like family or employment) to show that you will return.
This letter helps visa officers understand your travel intentions and strengthens your case.
What Happens if Your Visa is Rejected?
Visa rejections are common, but not the end of the road. If your visa gets rejected, you’ll receive a reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documentation, or a weak travel itinerary. Once you address these issues, you can reapply. Strengthen your application with better financial proof, a more detailed sample itinerary for Schengen visa, or a clearer employee letter for it.
Tips to Increase Approval Chances
- Apply early: Start the visa process at least 3 months before your travel date.
- Ensure complete documentation: Missing or incorrect documents can lead to rejection. Follow the Schengen visa checklist provided by the embassy or VFS.
- Be honest: Any discrepancy in your application, like false information or inaccurate travel plans, could result in a rejection.
- Travel insurance: Make sure your insurance covers the entire duration of your stay with at least EUR 30,000 in medical coverage.
VFS Global Schengen Visa Processing Center
If you are applying from India, you will submit your visa application at the VFS Global Schengen Visa Application Centre. Their services streamline the process through online appointment scheduling, document submission, and real-time visa status monitoring. Some centers provide additional services for quicker handling. Most cities in India have their own VFS Global offices. If there is no VFS office in your city, you can submit your application to the nearest one.
New Schengen Rules 2024 For Indians
You can get visa for longer duration(2 years to 5 years) or multiple entries.
All you need is a valid passport which must be valid for the next 2 years from the date of applying. The other condition is that you must have already visited Europe at least twice before. Similarly, for 5 years, you will need atleast 5 years of validity on your passport.
A call is all it takes to plan your trip to Europe, whether you’re looking for an exciting tour or a romantic honeymoon. Get ready to confidently visit stunning countries and start your dream adventure today!
Europe has something for everyone, no matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for a honeymoon in Europe or just a Europe tour package, Pickyourtrail is always there to provide you with the best and hassle free Europe holiday!