Schengen Visa Requirements for Indians – Everything You Need Before You Fly

Planning a Europe trip? Understanding the Schengen visa for Indians is the first step to a hassle-free journey. Whether for tourism or business, applying for a Schengen visa requires accurate documents and proper photo guidelines. This guide helps you avoid delays and improve approval chances.

Share on:

Recommendation: Apply 60 working days before travel

Schengen Visa Overview

The Schengen visa for Indians allows travellers to enter and move freely across 27 European countries under a single visa for tourism, business, family visits, medical travel, or short-term study. Applicants must apply through the embassy or authorised visa centre of the country they plan to visit first or stay the longest. The process involves submitting a valid passport, confirmed travel itinerary, accommodation proof, €30,000 travel insurance, financial evidence, and purpose-specific documents. A Schengen visa permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, making it the most convenient option for exploring Europe.

Key Highlights of the Schengen Visa

Single visa access to 27 European countries
Stay allowed up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Multiple-entry visas available for frequent travellers
Biometrics required for most applicants (valid for 5 years)
Standard processing time: 10–15 working days
Ideal for tourism, business, family visits, and medical travel

Why This Matters?

Understanding the Schengen visa for Indians helps prevent delays, refusals, and unnecessary complications. Proper documentation—especially travel insurance, financial proof, and a well-planned itinerary—significantly increases approval chances and ensures a smoother visa process.

Who Should Apply?

Anyone travelling from India to Europe for tourism, business meetings, family visits, medical treatment, or short-term study must apply for a Schengen visa unless visa-exempt. This includes travellers planning multi-country European trips, cruise passengers, event participants, and those visiting relatives within the Schengen Area.

When to Apply?

It is recommended to apply for a Schengen visa for Indians at least 3–4 weeks before travel to avoid delays. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance, giving sufficient time for document preparation, biometrics, and verification—especially during peak travel seasons.

Documents required for Schengen Visa for Indians

Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any

Schengen Visa Application form

2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification mentioned below)

Personal Covering letter (For Employed - Plain paper/ For Self-Employed – Company Letterhead)

Original updated Bank Statement (last 6 months)

Income Tax Returns/Form 16 for last 3 years

Confirmed return flight tickets

Hotel reservation

Day wise Itinerary

Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000)

Invitation Letter on Schengen company letter head

Covering Letter on Indian company letter head

1. If Employed:

Original Leave sanctioned certificate with company seal and signature; Last 3 months salary slip.

2. If Self Employed:

Business Registration License / MOA / Partnership deed; Company’s updated bank statement of last 6 months; Company’s IT returns for last 3 years.

3. If Retired:

Proof of retirement like pension book, statement etc.

4. If Student:

School / College / Institute ID Card; Bonafide certificate.

5. If Minor:

Birth Certificate No Objection Certificate from the parents / non-accompanying parent on Rs 100/- stamp paper; ID proof of parent like passport or PAN card.

6. If Visiting friend or relative:

Invitation letter; Inviter’s ID proof like Passport or Resident Permit; Address proof like any Electricity bill, any Utility bill etc.

7. If Sponsored:

Sponsorship letter; Sponsor’s national ID proof like Passport, PAN card or Resident permit; Updated bank statement of last 6 months;

Process Note

1

Collect Documents

2

Get Documents Verified

3

Send via Courier

4

Submission by Authorized Agent

5

Verification Call from Embassy

6

Collection After Approval

7

Return Courier Delivery

1

Collect Documents

2

Get Documents Verified

3

Send via Courier

4

Submission by Authorized Agent

5

Verification Call from Embassy

6

Collection After Approval

7

Return Courier Delivery

Brazil

Australia

Azerbaijan

Canada

Egypt

Visa Fee

Visa fees include verification and processing, with total costs varying based on service levels.

Processing Time

Processing usually takes 3–5 working days, with slight delays possible during busy periods or additional verification.

Visa Validity & Stay Duration

A Schengen e-Visa usually permits a stay of up to 30 days, with validity extending up to 2 years based on approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Schengen visa for Indians?

A Schengen visa for Indians allows Indian passport holders to travel to 27 European countries with a single visa for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term stays.

How long can Indians stay in Europe on a Schengen visa?

Indians can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period under a Schengen visa, depending on the visa type issued.

Is applying for a Schengen visa difficult for Indians?

Applying for a Schengen visa is straightforward if all required documents, financial proof, and travel insurance are submitted correctly.

What documents are required for a Schengen visa for Indians?

Key documents include a valid passport, visa application form, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, travel insurance of €30,000 coverage, financial statements, and supporting documents.

How early should Indians apply for a Schengen visa?

It is recommended to apply 3–4 weeks before travel. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance.

Can I apply for a Schengen visa without confirmed flight tickets?

Yes, you can submit a flight itinerary or dummy booking instead of confirmed tickets while applying for a Schengen visa.

Why are Schengen visas for Indians rejected?

Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, unclear travel purpose, or lack of travel insurance.

How much bank balance is required for a Schengen visa?

There is no fixed bank balance requirement for a Schengen visa, but applicants are generally expected to show €50–€100 per day per person, depending on the country. Your bank statement should reflect sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, food, and daily expenses for the entire stay.

What are the four types of Schengen visas?

The four main types of Schengen visas are:

Airport Transit Visa (Type A) – For transiting through a Schengen airport.
Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – For tourism, business, or family visits (up to 90 days).
Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) – Valid only for specific Schengen countries.
National Visa (Type D) – For long-term stays such as work, study, or residence.