Are you planning to visit Europe? If yes, then you will need a Schengen Visa to travel 29 Schengen countries throughout Europe. This visa allows you to enter and travel freely within all Schengen nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and other countries in Europe, without requiring separate visas for each country.

Whether you’re travelling for tourism, a family visit, study, or business, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the Schengen Visa application process for Indian citizens.

What is a Schengen Visa

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to stay in the Schengen region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or visiting family/friends.

If you want to travel to multiple countries, the visa must be applied for at the embassy/consulate of the country you will spend the most of your time in or in the very first country if your stay is of equal days in multiple countries.

Which Countries Are in the Schengen Zone

A total of 29 Countries are in the Schengen Zone:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

One of the next countries expected to join the Schengen Area is Cyprus. It aims to fully accede to the zone by 2026, subject to meeting all the criteria and unanimous approval by existing members.

Process to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India

Step 1: Determine the Type of Schengen Visa You Need

Choose your purpose of travel:

Step 2: Choose the Right Embassy/Consulate

Apply at the embassy of:

  • The country you will stay in the longest, or

  • The country you will enter first if stays are equal.

For example:

  • 5 days in France + 3 days in Italy → Apply at France Embassy.

  • 5 days in France + 5 days in Italy → Apply in France if you enter France first.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

Below are the common Schengen Visa document requirements:

Document Details
Valid Passport Must be valid for 3+ months after return & have 2 blank pages
Visa Application Form Filled & signed
Photographs As per Schengen photo specifications
Travel Itinerary Day-by-day travel plan
Confirmed Flight Bookings Round-trip tickets
Hotel Booking / Invitation Letter Proof of stay
Travel Insurance Minimum coverage €30,000 / INR 26 lakh
Bank Statements (Last 6 Months) To prove financial capacity
Employment Proof Salary slips / ITR / Business registration
Cover Letter Explaining purpose and travel duration

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment

Schengen visa applications are handled through VFS Global / BLS / Embassy Appointment Portals.

Tip: Book at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date, as appointment slots tend to fill fast (especially during holidays & summer).

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview / Biometrics

At the VFS center:

  • Submit documents

  • Give biometric fingerprints + photograph

  • Pay visa fees

  • Answer travel purpose questions (if asked)

Biometrics is valid for 5 years under the VIS database; repeat applications may not require it.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

Category Visa Fee Approx. in INR
Adults (12+) €80 ₹7,200 – ₹7,800
Children (6-12) €40 ₹3,600 – ₹3,900
Children (<6) Free —

Additional VFS service fees may apply.

Step 7: Track Your Application

You will receive tracking information via SMS/email.

Processing time:

  • Usually 10–15 working days

  • May extend to 30 days in peak seasons

Step 8: Receive Your Passport

Once the decision is made:

  • You will receive the passport via courier or collect it directly from VFS.

If approved:

  • Your Schengen Visa sticker will mention the validity period and permitted stay days.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Schengen Visa Rejection

Many Schengen visa refusals happen due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common reasons applications from India get rejected:

 

Mistake Why It Leads to Rejection
1. Insufficient Financial Proof If your bank balance is too low or recent large deposits appear suspicious, the visa officer may doubt your ability to fund the trip.
2. Weak Travel Itinerary Unclear or poorly structured itineraries raise suspicion about your true purpose of travel.
3. Fake or Unconfirmed Bookings Submitting temporary or unrealistic booking confirmations may lead to instant refusal.
4. Mismatch in Documents & Purpose If your cover letter, invitation, and itinerary don’t match your intent, the embassy may deny the application.
5. No Proof of Strong Ties to India If the officer feels you may not return (job instability, no property, unclear family ties), your visa may be refused.
6. Poor Cover Letter A weak explanation makes your travel purpose unclear. A clear and direct cover letter is crucial.
7. Incorrect Embassy Selection Applying to the wrong country’s embassy (not your longest stay/first entry) often leads to rejection.
8. Incomplete Documentation Even a missing signature, a missing bank page, or an incorrect photo size can delay or reject your file.

Tips to Improve Your Schengen Visa Approval Chances

  • Maintain a stable 6-month bank balance that clearly supports your trip (ideally ₹1.5–2 lakh per traveller, depending on travel duration).

  • Use genuine and refundable bookings for flights and accommodation (avoid temporary or fake reservations).

  • Write a clear and strong cover letter that explains your exact travel purpose, trip duration, and who is funding the travel.

  • Show strong ties to India, such as a stable job, business ownership, property documents, family responsibilities, or ongoing academic enrollment.

  • Avoid fake, altered, or incomplete documents; even minor discrepancies can lead to instant rejection.

  • Choose the correct embassy based on your primary destination or longest stay, not just your point of entry.

  • Cross-check every document twice before your appointment to ensure consistency across your application.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Schengen Visa from India is a straightforward process when you follow the steps carefully and provide proper documentation. Whether you’re planning a holiday or a business trip, it’s best to prepare early to avoid last-minute hassles and delays.

Need Help Applying for Your Schengen Visa?

We at Abroad Gateway offer:

  • Professional Visa File Preparation

  • Cover Letter & Documentation Support

  • Appointment Scheduling Assistance

  • Travel Planning & Insurance Support

Make your European trip smooth and stress-free. Apply with Experts!