Schengen Visa for Indian Travelers: Visa Types, Application Steps

The Schengen Visa presents a golden opportunity for travelers to explore European countries seamlessly. Hence, it’s a dream for Indian travelers seeking adventure, culture, or business opportunities. In this article, we cover different Schengen visas, eligibility criteria, and more to help you plan your journey to Europe.

What Is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that permits movement across 29 European countries within the Schengen Area. It eliminates the need for border checks, allowing you to experience Europe as a unified region.

Popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are all part of this agreement. Whether you’re planning a vacation, attending a business meeting, or visiting family, the Schengen Visa is your official ticket to Europe.

Schengen Visa Types

Choosing the right Schengen Visa type is essential, as each visa caters to specific travel purposes. Given this, knowing the visa type ensures your application aligns with your plans.

Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

This visa is ideal for tourism, business, or family visits. In addition, it allows stays of up to 90 days. Under this type of visa, you can only enter the Schengen Area once.

Here are different kinds of short-stay visas and their coverages:

• Tourist Visa: Sightseeing and leisure activities
• Business Visa: Attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or negotiating contracts
• Family or Friend Visit Visa: Visiting family members or friends living in Schengen countries
• Medical Visa: Medical treatment
• Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events Visa: Attending tournaments, festivals, or pilgrimages
• Study Visa (Short-term): Taking up short-term courses, training programs, or internships
• Official Visit Visa: For diplomats, government officials, or other individuals on official missions to Schengen countries
• Film or Media Visa: For film crews as well as journalists doing coverage work
• Volunteer Visa: Participating in short-term volunteer programs in the Schengen Area

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

If you plan to study, work, or reside in a Schengen country, then the long-stay visa is the appropriate choice. This visa allows for multiple entries into the Schengen Area, subject to the rules of the specific visa and the issuing country’s policies.

It is commonly valid for three months up to one year. Additionally, it can act as a precursor to obtaining a residency permit.

Here are different kinds of long-stay visas and their coverages:

• Work Visa: Employment in a company based in a Schengen country
• Study Visa: Attending long-term academic programs, research, or training in a Schengen country
• Family Reunification Visa: Reuniting with close family members who are legally recognized citizens or residents in a Schengen countr
• Marriage Visa: Marrying a legal resident of a Schengen country
• Entrepreneur or Investor Visa: Setting up a business or investing in a Schengen country

Transit Visa (Type A)

For certain non-EU nationals traveling through international transit areas of Schengen airports or making brief stopovers, the airport transit visa is necessary.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, check if you meet the eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure smooth visa processing and higher approval chances. Moreover, meeting these criteria strengthens your application and avoids unnecessary delays.

Passport requirements

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. In addition, it must also have two blank pages.

Financial means

You must provide proof of sufficient funds for your trip. Furthermore, authorities typically require bank statements from the last three months.

Travel insurance

Your travel insurance must cover at least EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies, valid throughout the Schengen Area.

Schengen Visa Application

Following these steps diligently enhances your chances of approval. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Determine your visa type: Decide the type of visa based on your travel purpose. Next, ensure your reason aligns with the visa’s specific requirements.
2. Gather necessary documents: Prepare a valid passport, passport-sized photographs (must meet ICAO standards), travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial statements, travel insurance, and the visa application form. Double-check these documents for accuracy and completeness.
3. Fill out the application form: Complete the form online or on paper. It will ask you to provide passport data, personal information, as well as details about your trip to the Schengen Area. Furthermore, ensure your answers are accurate and they match what is in your supporting documents.
4. Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at the relevant visa application center (VAC) or embassy. Note that early booking ensures better scheduling flexibility.
5. Attend the appointment: At the appointment, submit your documents, provide your biometric data, and attend an interview if this is required.
6. Pay the visa fee: Pay the application fee in cash or online, depending on the center’s policy. Keep the receipt as proof. Here are the different Schengen visa fees: EUR 90 for adults; EUR 45 for children aged 6-12; EUR 35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus; and EUR 67.50 for applicants from Cabo Verde. Note that visa application centers may charge additional fees.
7. Track your application status: Use the reference number provided during your application to track its progress online.
8. Collect your visa: Once approved, collect your passport with the visa. Review the visa details to ensure accuracy.

Reasons for Visa Rejection

Visa rejections can be frustrating but are often avoidable. As such, being thorough minimizes the risk of rejection and ensures a smooth application process. Given these points, here are the most common reasons for visa rejection and how you can address them:

1. Incomplete documentation: Missing documents can lead to immediate rejection. Correspondingly, create a checklist and double-check before submiting your application form and other requirements.
2. Insufficient financial proof: Attach updated bank statements and sponsorship letters, if applicable, to prove you have funds for your trip.
3. Unclear travel purpose: Clearly outline your travel purpose in your cover letter, because it helps to attach itinerary details to back up your claim.

Application Tips

Success lies in preparation. Hence, follow these practical tips for a hassle-free application experience:

1. Apply early: Submit your application 2-3 months before your planned travel. This allows time for processing and unforeseen delays.
2. Double-check details: Ensure accuracy in your application form, supporting documents, and biometric data. Also, remember that small errors can cause big delays.
3. Seek professional help: If unsure, consult a visa expert. They can guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many travelers have similar questions about the Schengen Visa. Here are answers to the most frequently asked ones:

How long does processing take?

Processing typically takes 15 days but may extend during peak seasons.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes, it’s a non-negotiable requirement for all applicants.

Which countries must secure a Schengen airport transit visa?

Currently, citizens of the following countries must obtain a Schengen Airport Transit Visa when traveling through international transit areas:

1. Afghanistan
2. Bangladesh
3. Congo (Democratic Republic)
4. Eritrea
5. Ethiopia
6. Ghana
7. Iran
8. Iraq
9. Nigeria
10. Pakistan
11. Somalia
12. Sri Lanka

Do all Schengen countries have a visa application center (VAC) in India?

Currently, a good number of Schengen member nations have a visa application center in India operated by VFS Global. However, Bulgaria, Greece, Liechtenstein, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain are not listed to have their own VACs.

Find Schengen VACs in the following cities:

• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Kolkata
• Bengaluru
• Hyderabad
• Pune
• Ahmedabad
• Kochi

If I’m visiting multiple Schengen countries, which country should I submit my visa application?

If you plan on visiting more than one Schengen state, then you should pick the one which meets your primary travel purpose. In addition, it can also be where you will be staying the longest.

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash