schengen tourist visa india

European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

Indian Nationals can now apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa with longer validity

On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. This new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India will provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows. 

According to the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

This decision comes in the context of strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU. 

Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

How to apply for Schengen visa from India

European consulates collectively took in over one million Schengen visa India applications last year, making the south-Asian state one of the top source countries for Schengen visas after Russia and China. If you are one of the many Indians interested in travelling to one or more of the 26 countries in the Schengen area , you may have to apply for Schengen visa from India. The following short blog will provide answers to the most common questions surrounding the visa requirements for Indian citizens and residents, with a focus on the documents required for a Schengen visa from India (including the Schengen visa application from India) and the Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens and residents. 

Who can apply for Schengen visa from India?

• Indian citizens and residents who fulfill all of the Schengen visa requirements are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa from India.

What are the Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens and residents?

• Be in good standing with the law/of good character.
• Present all the required and supplemental documents/materials.
• Pay the Schengen visa fee .
• Credibly establish that you will leave the Schengen area before your visa runs out.
• Be entirely truthful on your application.

Where should I apply for a Schengen visa from India?

• Applications for a Schengen visa from India should be lodged through the embassy/consulate of the country you are applying to. 
• For example, if you are applying for an India Schengen visa to Germany, you should apply via the German consulate/embassy closest to you. 
• In addition to the German Embassy New Delhi, there are four German Embassies in India, in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai. As an Indian resident, you will likely apply via one of these embassies/consulates.  

When should I apply for Schengen visa from India?

• Indian applicant should apply for a Schengen visa no later than 2 weeks (and no earlier than 6 months) before they intend to travel. 

What are the documents required for a Schengen visa from India?

• All Schengen visa applicants must supply certain basic required documents ( click here to access the full list ). All applicants must provide a passport or other valid travel document, two photos, and proof of travel medical insurance, accommodation, and financial capabilities.  
• In addition to the basic required documents, Schengen visa applicants from India will have to provide additional supplementary materials depending on what type of Schengen visa they are pursuing (i.e. what purpose). 
• For example, Indian applicants who are travelling for medical purposes and are therefore seeking a Medical Schengen Visa should provide a recent medical report. 

What is the Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens and residents?

• Schengen visa applicants from all countries are subject to the same basic Schengen visa fee of €80.  
• This fee may be reduced or eliminated for certain types of applicants, including children students, and holders of diplomatic or service passports.  Click here for a complete breakdown of Schengen visa fees .
• Some consulates/embassies may allow you to pay online, while others will ask you to pay during your visa appointment.  Remember that Schengen embassies/consulates will not begin processing your application until you have paid your Schengen visa fee india .
• Please not that fees for Schengen visa India   applicants are nonrefundable, even in the case of a denied application. 

Where do I access the Schengen visa application form for India?

• In general, the Schengen visa for Indians form can be found online. 
• The harmonized Schengen visa form (i.e. the Schengen visa forms that is universal and may be used by all applicants) is available online  here . Most countries/consulates will accept this form, printed out, filled out by hand, and signed. 
• However, different consulates may have different preferences for application forms. For example, Indian Schengen visa applicants to Germany who live in Kolkota and Mumbai should not print out the harmonized form and are instead instructed to fill out an online version of the form through the German visa application portal known as VIDEX. 
• In summary, you should contact your respective embassy/consulate to determine how to best access your Schengen visa form. 

Do I need to make an appointment at the embassy/consulate in order to apply?

• Depending on the specific country embassy/consulate you are applying from, you may have to make an appointment (at which you will almost certainty have to appear in person) as part of your application. 
• Contact the embassy/consulate you are applying through in order to determine whether you need make an appointment and how you should go about scheduling one. Most appointments can be scheduled online or by emailing/phoning the embassy/consulate.  

Do I need to apply in person for my Indian Schengen visa?

• Many applicants for Indian Schengen visas will be instructed to appear in person at an embassy/consulate or visa processing center in order drop off their application, submit to an interview, and/or give their biometric information (fingerprints and identifying photos). 
• Those who have already given biometric information for a previous Schengen visa application as well as those who travel frequently to the Schengen area may not need to appear in person in order to apply for an Indian Schengen visa. 
• However, even if you have already provided your biometric info and travel frequently, you may still be required to appear in person as part of your application process. 

What do I bring to my Schengen visa appointment?

• Your passport/travel document. 
• A printed out, signed copy of the Schengen visa for Indians form. 
• Copies of all other documents and relevant materials, including your passport. 
• Your Schengen visa fee, as many consulates will require you to pay in person during your appointment. Just make sure you have the correct form of payment prior to your appointment (for example, many places will not accept cash). 

How long does it take to process an India Schengen visa?

• The time it takes to process an India Schengen visa is usually between 14 and 30 days (closer to 14 than 30 in most cases), although on rare occasions 60 days are needed. 

How long is my Schengen visa from India valid for?

• Schengen visas to and from all countries are valid for the same duration: 90 days within a 180-day period. This means you will be able to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. 
• Remember that one of the Schengen visa requirements is that you do not exceed the amount of time you are allowed in the Schengen area. Make sure you plan ahead so that you can get out of the Schengen area before your visa expires!

Where can I go with my Indian Schengen visa?

• Uniform Schengen visas from India are valid for travel within and across all 26 countries in the Schengen area, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. 
• An exception to this general rule is if you receive a Limited Territorial Schengen Visa (LTV), which would restrict your access to a specific country or countries within the territory. For example, if you receive an LTV for France, you will only be to visit France on your trip to the Schengen area.

What are you looking for?

Submission of schengen visa application at a visa application centre.

File your Schengen visa application at your Visa Application Centre in three easy steps.

IMPORTANT: Duly completed application forms may be submitted six months prior to the intended travel date. As application numbers peak permanently, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of their actual travel dates! This will help towards the smooth organization of your trip. Please note that it can take up to two weeks to process your Schengen visa, and even longer in individual cases. Please keep in mind that the processing time for Schengen visa starts only once the application reaches the Consulate. This might take up to SIX working days depending on the delivery conditions and public holidays. Therefore, please account for delays in the visa processing time during the holiday season.

File your Schengen visa application at your Visa Application Centre in three easy steps:

Step 1: Please prepare the necessary documentation for your visa application using the following checklists:

Airport Transit

Culture Sport Religious

Internship + Training

Visit Family & Friends

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to provide you with the checklists in a format, which is fully accessible for people with disabilities. We are working on a solution.

Kindly note that the photos should meet biometric photos requirements . These photos can be obtained, among others, at the Visa Application Centres.

Step 2: Please fill out the online application form print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. All Schengen applicants are kindly requested to fill in the online application forms according to VIDEX format, which can be found above. Please ensure that a high quality printout of the barcode is submitted with the application. This will shorten the time you spend at the VFS visa application center considerably. In the unlikely case that you cannot fill out the online application form, you may print the application form and fill out the by hand. If your fingerprints were collected in the last 59 months for applying for a Schengen visa in India, you can authorize someone to submit your application. To do so, kindly fill out this authorization letter for the travel agent or the representative and attach a copy of the authorized person along with it! Letter of authorization for visa application submission

Note: please print out & sign the following declarations in order to complete your documentation: Declaration on true and complete information Declaration on health insurance (for multiple entry visas only) Additional contact and legal representation information

Step 3: Schedule an appointment for the submission of your visa application and submit it at the nearest Visa Application Centre. Kindly note that you have to pay the VFS Service charge already when booking the appointment. Applicants applying for a Schengen visa can submit their visa applications at any VFS centre across India as the application will be forwarded to the German Consulate General Mumbai for a decision. For further information, please visit the VFS Global Website

Visa Application Centres

List of Visa Application Centres across India.

Visa fees for Schengen Visa

Current visa fees for Schengen Visa is as follows:

How to schedule an appointment?

Find information on how to schedule appointments for Schengen Visa, German National Visa & for attestations.

Travel Medical Insurance

Please note: German Missions accept Indian Travel Medical Insurances only from approved Indian Travel Insurance companies.

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Schengen Tourist Visa for Indians: How To Apply & Requirements

Last Updated : 03 May 2024

30 Seconds Summary

Indian travellers seeking a Schengen tourist visa must ensure they hold a valid Schengen tourist visa.

Start Early: Initiate the application process well in advance.

Choose the Right Embassy : Select the embassy or consulate of your main Schengen destination.

Prepare Thorough Documents : Ensure all necessary documents are complete and accurate. Include proof of financial means and travel insurance.

Attend Appointments on Time : Be punctual for any required appointments or interviews.

Important Information

— Type Of Visa

— Visa Fees

— Visa Validity

— Length of Stay

— Visa Processing Time

— Quickest Visa Appointment

If you're an Indian citizen, you can apply for this short-stay visa to make your European adventure a reality. This visa allows you to visit 27 countries in the Schengen Area . The duration of your stay under this visa is subject to the 90/180 rule, allowing you to enjoy up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

What is a Schengen Tourist Visa?

A Schengen tourist visa, categorised as "C," falls under the short-term visa classification. This type of visa permits the holder to stay within the Schengen Area for a specific duration based on the visa's validity. The "C" category includes three subtypes depending on the number of entries allowed:

Single-Entry Visa

Double-Entry Visa

Multiple-Entry Visa

Choosing a Schengen visa is like picking the right ticket for your trip. There are three types: single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry. The one you need depends on where you're going and why. But you must follow the 90/180 rule regardless of your ticket.

Required Documents for a Tourist Schengen Visa

The specific documents required for a Schengen tourist visa can vary slightly depending on the country you're applying to and your individual circumstances. 

However, here is a general list of documents commonly required for a Schengen tourist visa application:

Visa Application Form : Complete and sign the official application form of the specific Schengen country you plan to visit.

Passport : A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity that extends beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area.

Passport-sized Photos : Recent passport-sized photos meet the Schengen visa photo requirements .

Travel Itinerary : A detailed travel itinerary of your trip, including flight reservations, accommodation details, and planned activities.

Proof of Accommodation : Hotel reservation or a letter of invitation if you're staying with friends or family. Generate a Schengen invitation letter effortlessly by filling in the blanks using this tool.

Proof of Financial Means : Provide proof of sufficient funds , such as bank statements or an official letter from a sponsor indicating financial support to cover your expenses during your stay.

Travel Insurance : Proof of travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation for your stay.

Proof of Employment or Student Status : Employment letter or enrollment certificate if you're a student.

Schengen Visa Fee : Payment of the visa application fee. The amount can vary by country and visa type for Schengen .

Additional Documents : Depending on your situation, additional documents may be required, such as a No Objection Certificate from your employer, proof of ties to your home country, or a marriage certificate, if applicable.

It's crucial to check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit, as there may be variations in the documentation needed. Always apply well before your intended travel date and follow the guidelines provided by the consulate or embassy.

How To Apply for a Tourist Schengen Visa?

Applying for a Tourist Schengen Visa involves several steps. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Determine the Schengen Country to Apply To

Begin by identifying the primary Schengen country you intend to visit, usually based on the duration of your stay or your initial entry point into the Schengen Area. This country will be the focus of your visa application.

Step 2: Check Visa Requirements

Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate of your chosen Schengen country to review specific visa requirements. Familiarise yourself with the list of necessary documents and any additional conditions for a successful application.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Download and diligently fill out the Schengen visa application form from the official embassy or consulate website. Ensure all details are accurate and complete; this information is crucial for visa processing.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents as outlined in the visa requirements for Schengen . This typically includes your passport, passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and travel insurance. Thoroughly prepare these documents to support your application.

Step 5: Schedule an Appointment

Check if the embassy or consulate requires appointments for visa submission. If an appointment for a Schengen visa is necessary, schedule one well in advance to secure a convenient time to submit your documents.

Step 6: Attend the Appointment

On the scheduled day, attend the embassy or visa application centre appointment. Submit all the required documents, pay the visa fee, attend a visa interview , and, if necessary, provide biometric data . This step marks the official submission of your visa application.

Step 7: Pay the Visa Fee

Ensure the payment of the Schengen visa fee using the specified methods accepted by the embassy or consulate. This fee covers the processing costs associated with your application.

Step 8: Wait for Processing

After submission, patiently wait for the processing of your visa application. The duration can vary but typically takes a few weeks. Use this time to track the status of your application if the embassy provides a tracking service. Upon completion, collect your passport, now stamped with the Schengen visa if approved, and review its validity dates. Always adhere to the guidelines provided by the embassy or consulate throughout the application process.

Applying for a Schengen tourist visa with Atlys is like taking the express lane through the visa application journey. Forget about the confusing paperwork and complicated steps – Atlys simplifies everything.

Everything You Need To Know About Tourist Schengen Visa From India 

How much does a schengen visa cost.

The Schengen visa fees for Indian nationals remain constant, regardless of the visa's validity. Here's a breakdown of the fees:

Standard Visa Fee: The regular Schengen adult visa fee is €80 (around INR 7258).

Children Aged 6 to 12: If your child is between 6 and 12, the fee is reduced to €40 (approximately INR 3629). Children under 6 don't need to pay any visa fee.

Please be aware that the visa fees mentioned in INR are subject to change based on fluctuations in the exchange rate.

When Should You Apply For A Tourist Schengen Visa?

Submit your Tourist Schengen Visa application at least 15 calendar days before your journey to the Schengen Area.

This is the latest you can file your application. On the other hand, the earliest you can apply for a Tourist visa to the Schengen Zone is three months before your trip.

How Long Does It Take To Receive the Visa?

According to the Schengen Visa Code, processing a Schengen visa takes 15 calendar days . It’s advisable to schedule your visa application submission well in advance. You can apply up to six months before your planned trip.

Depending on the situation, proceeding might take up to two months if there is something extraordinary with the individual case or if any unusual political situation is on the go.

How Long Is the Tourist Visa Valid For?

It's crucial to adhere to the 90/180 rule , ensuring that your stay in the Schengen Area does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

To cater to various travel scenarios, especially for those exploring multiple Schengen countries, selecting the "multiple entry" option in the application form is recommended. 

This strategic choice allows travellers to enter and exit the Schengen Zone as needed within the specified visa duration, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Can I Extend a Tourist Schengen Visa for Indians?

Extending a tourist Schengen visa is generally not permitted, as the 90/180 rule establishes the maximum allowable stay. 

If you need more time in the Schengen Area, you may need to exit the Schengen Zone and re-enter only after completing the 180-day period, during which you've spent a maximum of 90 days.

Tips For Ensuring A Successful Schengen Visa Application

 Ensuring a successful Schengen visa application involves careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

Start Early : Begin the application process well before your planned travel date. This allows time for any unforeseen delays or additional documentation requirements.

Choose the Right Embassy or Consulate : Apply at the embassy or consulate of the main Schengen country you plan to visit or the country of your first entry.

Understand the Visa Type : Select the correct visa type based on the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business, family visit). Each type has specific requirements .

Review and Prepare Documents : Thoroughly review the required documents and ensure they are complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Common documents include a passport, visa application form, photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and travel insurance .

Provide a Detailed Itinerary : Present a comprehensive travel itinerary, including details of your stay, accommodation, and planned activities. This adds credibility to your application.

Proof of Financial Means : Demonstrate your ability to cover the costs of your trip by providing bank statements, sponsorship letters, or any other evidence of financial stability .

Travel Insurance : Obtain travel insurance that meets Schengen requirements, covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation.

Book Refundable Flight Tickets : Consider booking refundable flight tickets. You can cancel the tickets without significant financial loss if your visa is denied.

Show Ties to Home Country : Highlight your ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family commitments, on your Cover letter. Easily generate your Schengen cover letter using this tool.

Keep in mind that everyone's situation is different. Customise your visa application according to your own circumstances and the rules of the embassy or consulate you're dealing with. Check the most recent guidelines and, if necessary, get advice from professionals to ensure you're on the right track.

In conclusion, getting a Schengen Tourist Visa for Indians means carefully following the steps and rules. If you're an Indian looking to explore the beautiful countries in the Schengen Area, you must plan ahead and ensure you have all the required documents. 

You can choose the type of visa based on your travel plans, whether it's a one-time entry, two-time entry, or multiple entries. 

Remember, you can't stay for more than 90 days within any 180-day days. Stay updated on any changes in rules or guidelines, and you'll be ready to embark on an exciting journey through Europe.

Government sources

At Atlys, we want to ensure we give you the right information. Hence, our blog only uses the official details provided on the Schengen government website. The information in this blog is written using the following:

European Union

Just keep in mind that government rules and fees can change. Before you apply for your Schengen visa, it's a good idea to check the official website for the latest information. 

That way, you'll have the most up-to-date details.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you plan to travel to Europe for tourism, whether you need a Schengen visa depends on your citizenship.

No Visa Needed for EU/EFTA Citizens : Suppose you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country or a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country. In that case, you generally don't need a visa for short trips (up to 90 days) to other Schengen countries.

Visa Needed for Non-EU/EFTA Citizens : If you are not a citizen of an EU or EFTA country, you usually need a Schengen visa for tourism. Check the specific requirements for the country you plan to visit, as rules can vary.

Check the Official Website : Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit. Look for the latest information on visa requirements and the application process.

Apply in Advance : If a visa is required, apply well before your travel date. Follow the application instructions provided by the embassy or consulate.

Remember, regulations can change, so always verify the current requirements with the relevant authorities.

Yes, Schengen countries issue tourist visas. However, due to possible changes and travel restrictions, you must check the latest information on the official website of the specific embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit.

Yes, a standard Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) allows you to visit multiple Schengen countries within its validity. However, you must apply at the embassy or consulate of the main Schengen country you plan to visit or the country of your first entry. Ensure to adhere to the 90/180 rule, limiting the total stay to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The four main types of Schengen visas are:

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): Standard short-stay visa for tourism, business, or family visits.

Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV): Restricted to specific Schengen countries.

National Visas: For long-term stays like work, study, or family reunification.

Airport Transit Visa (ATV): Required for specific nationalities transiting through Schengen airports.

The Schengen Zone is an area comprising 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls for the free movement of people.

No, a tourist visa does not permit employment. It is strictly for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. You must apply for a Schengen employment visa to conduct work activities.

Yes, you can apply for family members together, ensuring all required documents are provided.

Some embassies may require an interview. Check the specific requirements of the embassy you are applying to.

Travel dates on the visa are usually fixed. Changes may require a new visa application.

Disclose any criminal record in your application. The embassy will assess each case individually.

A residence permit from one Schengen country may allow travel within the Schengen Area, but check specific conditions and restrictions.

A detailed travel itinerary is generally required. Plan your trip before applying.

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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Schengen Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Schengen travel visa requirements for minors, photo requirements for schengen tourist visa, application process for schengen tourist visa, cost of schengen tourist visa, latest rules for schengen tourist visa.

From the vibrant streets of India to the picturesque Schengen landscapes, the dream of exploring Schengen is within your reach. The Schengen Tourist Visa for Indian Travelers is something you must comprehend in order to begin this adventure.

This piece will examine the prerequisites, delve into the fundamentals, and lead you through the process of discovering Schengen's elegance. Are you set out on this voyage?

All Indian Citizens must adhere to some visa requirements in order to obtain the Schengen Tourist Visa. The following paperwork must be submitted in order to complete the application for obtaining the Schengen tourist visa to enter Europe:

• Application Form for Schengen Tourist Visa: The completed online form needs to be downloaded in two copies and signed at the end.
• Two pictures that comply with Schengen regulations: They should be 35–40 mm wide, taken at a close-up of your head and shoulders so that your face occupies 70–80% of the frame, and no older than six months. It must be taken with impeccable clarity and sharp focus, without any creases or ink marks, and in compliance with all ISCO standards.
• Valid Passport: To attach the visa, it must have two blank pages and have been issued within the previous ten years. After the intended duration of stay in the Schengen Area, the passport must remain valid for an additional three months.
• Clean and clear photocopies of the passport's first and last pages (biodata).
• Past passports (if applicable): If you have more than one old passport, bind them together with a rubber band rather than staple them and present them with the other paperwork.
• Original personal covering letter : Outlining your reasons for visiting the EU, the nations you intend to visit, the dates you have available, the accommodations you have in mind, and other specifics of your journey.
• No Objection Letter: This is a letter from your employer or your place of higher education confirming your return to your home country is guaranteed by your promise to fulfill contractual obligations there.
• Travel health insurance that provides hospitalization, emergency care, and repatriation in the event of death. The member states of the Schengen Zone have decided that a minimum coverage of 30.000 EUR is required, and that coverage must be valid for the whole time that you are visiting the Schengen Area.
• Flight Ticket: There is no need to purchase actual airline tickets when making a flight reservation. But, in order to verify your intended entry and departure dates, the embassy requires you to purchase a plane ticket. Tickets purchased one way are not accepted.
• Evidence of lodging for the duration of the visit in the Schengen Region. You need to present your hotel reservation if you are staying there. If you are staying with friends or family, they need to provide documentation proving they have enough space for you.
• Evidence of Financial Status: It is your responsibility to provide proof that you have enough money for the trip and can support yourself while in the Schengen area. A bank statement from the last three months - which cannot be more than three days old - should be able to attest to that.

The Schengen tourist visa application varies depending on where you plan to go. In certain instances, the consulate might request additional information or documentation from you while processing your application, or they might get in touch with you for a follow-up interview. Since submitting the first set of required documents does not ensure that you will be granted a tourist visa for Europe, be sure to submit them as well.

Also Read: Insights Into the Schengen Region Countries

If you are a minor's parent or legal guardian applying for a Schengen tourist visa, additional paperwork will be required. These documents include:

• The Birth Certificate of the Minor
• Application signed by both parents
• If the child is under the complete custody of one parent only, a family court order
• Official copies of both parents' passports and identification
• If the minor is going to travel alone, a notarized parental authorization signed by both parents or guardians is required.

These are the main photo requirements according to ICAO Standards that you must adhere to when you process a Schengen tourist visa application.

• Two identical pictures, taken no older than six months apart.
• The picture is 35 mm by 45 mm in size.
• The photo ought to be in color rather than black and white.
• 70–80% of the image should be occupied by the head.
• There should be light in the background. It is advised that light gray be used with no patterns.
• The candidate needs to face the camera directly.
• A neutral-looking face without a smile or closed mouth.
• Avoid wearing colors or uniforms that blend in with the surroundings.

The process of obtaining a Schengen area Tourist visa involves following these easy steps:

Step 1: Fill the Application Form for Schengen Area Tourist Visa

Fill out the online Schengen tourist visa application form completely and accurately. Print it twice, then sign it when you are done. When asked about the reason behind your trip, be sure to check the "tourism" box. Basic details like your name, nationality, passport number, country of birth, and date of birth are requested on the Schengen tourist visa application form.

Inquiries about your itinerary, including how long you want to spend in each country and where you are staying, will also need to be answered. Verify that the data you provided on the application form matches the data in the other documents.

Step 2: Compile the Schengen Tourist Visa Document Requirements for Tourists

Make sure you finish the documentation file that visitors are required to submit to the Schengen authorities.

Step 3: Schedule an interview

It is necessary to schedule an appointment at least 15 days in advance of the planned trip, ideally six months in advance. Set up an interview by visiting the website of the consulate or embassy of the nation you intend to visit in your home country.

Step 4: Attend your Interview

Arrive on time at the consulate or embassy appointment center. Recall that they will most likely cancel your appointment if you are even a few minutes late. The entire submission process takes about ten minutes. Please ensure that: Every document you submit will be examined and verified by an official at the application center.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data

If this is your first time applying for a Schengen Tourist Visa, you will also need to have your fingerprints scanned at the consulate. A brand-new Visa Information System will house them (VIS) . Frequent visitors to the Schengen Area do not need to provide fresh finger scans each time they apply for a new visa because once finger scans are saved in VIS, they can be reused for up to five years for subsequent visa applications.

Step 6: Pay your Schengen Tourist Visa Fees

Adult tourists must pay a schengen travel visa cost of EUR 80 at the time of visa application submission. On the other hand, children under the age of twelve and those starting at age six must pay a Schengen Tourist Visa fee of EUR 40.

You will receive a receipt after paying the visa fee, which you must keep in order to pick up your completed application. The Schengen travel Visa cost will not be refunded in the event that the visa application is denied. Should you reapply for a visa, the Schengen Tourist Visa fees will need to be paid again.

Step 7: Submit your application at Embassy

Now that everything has been formalized, it is time to send in your application. You only need to apply to the country's embassy in your home country if you only intend to visit that one nation.

However, you must apply at the embassy of the nation you intend to spend the most time in if you are planning to visit two or more countries in one trip. After your submission, the consulate might take some time to process your application upon which you will receive your visa on approval.

Do you want to keep your visa from being denied? Read this: How Can I Avoid Schengen Tourist Visa Rejection?

The cost of a Schengen tourist visa is between €60 and €80, with children under the age of six receiving it free of cost.

On a Touring plan? Consider this: Top 30 Countries Which Does Not Require Visa From India

Below listed are some latest Schengen Tourist Visa rules that all tourists need to keep in mind while processing the Schengen Tourist Visa application:

All Set to Explore Schengen With the Tourist Visa with GetGIS

Understanding the prerequisites for a Schengen Tourist Visa is the first step towards realizing the exciting journey of embarking on a Schengen adventure as an Indian traveler.

Discover the enchantment of Schengen, encompassing breath-taking scenery and energetic metropolises. Your trip to the country of amazing adventures is well within your reach with the correct planning and help from professionals like GetGIS . So prepare yourself for the incredible experiences that Schengen has to offer by packing your bags, seizing the chance, and setting out! Safe travels!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Krithika Babu , 

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Krithika is a Content Intern at IELTSMaterial.com, where she channels her passion for writing into creating compelling and informative content. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to continuous learning, Krithika actively explores the latest updates and trends and strives to articulate them effectively through her writing. Driven by her love for language and a desire to make a meaningful impact, Krithika approaches her work with enthusiasm and creativity. As an active learner, she consistently seeks out new opportunities to expand her knowledge and skill set, contributing fresh perspectives to the content creation process.

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How to Get a Schengen Visa from India as a Couple and Visit Europe

STEP BY STEP PROCESS TO GET SCHENGEN VISA FOR INDIAN CITIZENS

By Prachi Jain Khurana last updated on October 18, 2022

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Before getting married, my husband and I had been planning on visiting Europe for our honeymoon. But as you know, Indians need a visa for Europe or the countries in the Schengen zone.

And getting a Schengen visa from India involves a hell lot of documents. We applied for a Schengen visa from India as a couple, and we had to show extra documents as well.

But if your dream is to visit Europe, documents can’t possibly hold you back. There is so much to see and do in Europe, starting from monuments to wonderful museums, national parks, and beaches.

And the fairytale castles of Europe are definitely worth visiting.

Now if you are not sure about how to choose, here is a post that covers the best cities in Europe.

In this article, I will talk about my experience getting it and the requirements. I will cover the common questions about the Schengen visa as well. So all the tips and process written here applies to anyone.

Table of Contents

Do Indians Need a visa to Enter Europe?

Yes, Indian citizens need to get a Schengen visa in order to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone.

Depending on the purpose of the visit, you could choose the visa you want to apply for. For example, say you want to study in Europe for a short term( less than 90 days), then you could go for a Schengen student visa .

At the same time, if you want to study in a Schengen country for a longer time, you could apply for a national visa. Naresh wrote about how he got a Spain Study Visa to do a TEFL course in Spain.

What are the Schengen Countries?

The Schengen zone consists of 26 countries in total. All these countries are in Europe, and have a common visa policy. You can apply for a Schengen visa for any country and visit all other countries with that visa.

Schengen Visa- Which Country to Apply to?

One of the common questions that people applying for a Schengen visa have is how to choose the country to apply to if they are gonna visit more than one.

To choose the country or a country’s embassy for a Schengen visa, you must take these three rules into consideration.

In my case, my husband and I applied Schengen visa for Austria, since Austria was the first country on our travel itinerary and we were planning to spend more time in Austria than in the other three countries.

Now let me tell you about the Schengen visa application process for Indians and how we got it, and any other questions you might have.

When to Apply for Schengen Visa in India?

The rules for Schengen visa application are the same for any country.

1. The earliest you can submit a visa application: Six months before your planned trip. 2. The latest you can apply for the visa: 15 days before your trip.

We recommend you to apply for the Schengen visa at least a month or more before your trip dates since the time to process your application might vary and they might ask for extra documents.

Step 1: Apply for Schengen Visa at VFS

Here is the thing about applying for a Schengen visa from India. Most of the Schengen countries accept Schengen tourist visa applications through a third-party service provider called VFS Global in India.

This means that, unlike other visa applications, you can’t directly apply for a Schengen visa for various countries directly at the consulate of that particular country. You need to use VFS Global for the Schengen visa application.

It’s important to know that VFS only accepts your documents on your behalf and sends them to the embassy and receives it back from the embassy once the visa processing is done.

They don’t process any Schengen visa applications. In India, to get a Schengen visa, VFS India acts as the service provider for the majority of Schengen countries.

So to apply for the Schengen visa from India, the first thing I did was to register myself VFS Global as a new user .

Step 2: Schengen Visa Application Requirements for Indians

If you are applying for a Schengen visa from India, one thing you need to know is that you will have to submit a number of required documents.

It’s essential that the documents comply with the requirements set by the embassy that’s processing your Schengen visa.

Here is the document checklist for Schengen visa for Austria on VFS Global. It’s the same no matter what the first country to enter the Schengen area is.

In order to apply for a Schengen visa in India, you need to submit the following  mandatory documents .

This is the same no matter which country you choose for the visa. And then depending on your situation, you might need to submit extra documents as well.

Schengen Visa Application Form

You can download the application form for the Schengen visa from VFS global and fill it up. You can also fill out the Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard copy.

My husband and I filled up two different forms.

Tips for Filling up Schengen Visa Application form

• The Schengen Member state of the first entry would be the Schengen embassy for your visa application. In our case, it was Austria.
• Mention all the countries you want to visit in the “Member States of Destination” section. If you don’t want to visit any other country, leave this section empty. In this section, we mentioned the Czech Republic and Hungary as I wanted to visit them.
• If you have booked multiple hotels, you can mention the address and emails of the ones in the Entry state in the name of the hotels. If someone has invited you, you can mention the details there. We only mentioned the details of the hotel in Austria.
• As per the cost of traveling, you can choose as the one who will bear the cost. If your parents are sponsoring it or someone else, you can mention that as well. In our case, we were the ones bearing the cost of the trip.

After filling out the forms for the Schengen visa, we signed our individual forms.

Valid Indian Passport

A Valid Indian passport with at least 2 blank pages. To be on the safer side, it’s much better to have one with at least 6 months of validity.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

2 recent passport-size pictures with a whole-face capture with a light background, adhering to the specifications mentioned on VFS global.

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance from India

You would need to buy travel medical insurance that would cover the entire period of your stay in the Schengen area. You can choose any of the list of approved travel insurance companies for a Schengen visa in India .

Safety Wing is one of the best travel insurance providers and it covers all kinds of hospitalizations including COVID-related ones, trip interruption, stolen/lost luggage, and in case you lose Indian passport .

It is pretty cheap and can be extended when you are outside of India.

The insurance should have medical coverage of at least Euro 30,000, and it must cover medical evacuation/ repatriation.

Travel Itinerary for Visa

Roundtrip flight reservations from India to Europe. If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, and you are flying inside the Schengen zone, you would need to show flight reservations for that as well.

But if you will be taking the train or have any other mediums of transport, you can show that.

Learn more about getting a flight reservation from India for Schengen visa .

We booked refundable round-trip flights on makemytrip.com. The onward flight from Delhi to Vienna and the return one from Budapest to Delhi.

Schengen Visa Cover Letter

The cover letter for the Schengen visa is one of the most important documents you need to submit when applying for a visa to Europe. In this cover letter, you will mention the purpose of your visit and a detailed itinerary.

Be as detailed as you can and mention every little detail. Mention the trains you would catch, the hotels you would stay in, the hop-on-hop-off buses that you would catch, and the opera house you would go to.

Proof of Accommodation

You need to provide proof of accommodation for the whole duration of your stay inside the Schengen zone. We made refundable reservations for hotels for our whole itinerary.

Proof of Funds

When applying for a Schengen visa from India, you will need to show proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself for the whole time in Europe.

The amount of money you need to show is different for every Schengen country depending on the cost of living and it can also vary as per your Europe itinerary.

You could provide the original bank account statements for the last 3 months. Do provide the photocopies of the credit card statements if you can. In our case, we showed 200000 INR ($3000 USD approximately) per person.

And you need to get this statement from the bank and it has to be signed and stamped. You will have to provide the originals for this. So don’t show up with the printout of your bank statements from the online portal.

Employment proof

Schengen visa requirements based on your employment status in India will vary a lot.

If you are employed:

• No objection letter from your employer
• Salary slips for the last 3 months
• An employment contract or offer letter
• Leave permission from your employer
• ITR (Income Tax Return) for the last two years

If you are self-employed:

• A copy of your business license in India- CIN certificate/ LLP certificate/GST certificate/Udhyog Aadhar memorandum/Import Export certificate, depending on your company
• Company bank statements for the last six months
• ITR for the last two years

If applicable:

• Regular income generated by property such as from renting it, for the last 6 months

If retired:

• Pension statements for the last 6 months

If you are a student:

• A No objection certificate from your school/university
• Proof of enrollment such as an ID card

As my husband and I are both employed, we provided the salary slips, offer letter, and NOC for the Schengen visa.

Proof of Civil Status

If applicable, you need to provide a marriage certificate, birth certificate for children, divorce certificate if divorced, death certificate of spouse, etc.

In our case, since we are married, we provided a photocopy of the marriage certificate.

Valid Permit to Return

Citizens of Bangladesh / Bhutan / India / Maldives / Nepal / Sri Lanka applying for a Schengen visa from India, need to provide this.

Previous Schengen Visa

If you were granted a Schengen visa before, you need to provide photocopies of the previous visa. This applies even if you didn’t travel to Europe on that visa. 

VFS Appointment Letter

If you are applying for a Schengen visa in India through VFS, then you need to have the appointment letter for the same.

You don’t need Police verification for short-term Schengen study visas. However, if it is a long-term study visa, you surely will need a police clearance certificate from India .

Step 3: Getting an Appointment at VFS

Before you make an appointment in VFS for a Schengen visa, read the instructions for appointments on VFS portal.

To book an appointment, log in to the VFS portal and go to the tab “Schedule an appointment”. Once you choose the VFS center and the purpose of travel, you would need to add the details of the applicants.

You can add up to 5 applicants here if you are applying as a group or family. I added my husband and myself as the applicants here.

After this, you would need to choose a date and time and confirm your appointment.

Once it’s confirmed, you will receive an email from VFS with an appointment letter. If you don’t receive an email, you can email it to yourself using the “Email your appointment” option.

Make sure to print the appointment letter and carry it with you when you go to the VFS center.

Step 4: Submit the Documents for Schengen Visa at VFS

Before visiting VFS, make sure that you have arranged the documents in the prescribed order. You wouldn’t have a lot of time sorting everything there, so everything must be in order. At the VFS center, there are different counters for different countries. You will need to go to the counter for the country that will be processing your Schengen visa application.

You will be issued a token there and wait for your turn and then submit the documents. You will also be needed to provide Biometric fingerprint data. And they will click a picture of you there. And they will go through all your documents.

You will need to pay the visa fees and they will give you an acknowledgment. As my husband and I were traveling together and applying for the visa together, we submitted all the documents at the same time.

The whole thing took us more or less one hour. Depending on the VFS center and country that’s your entry point, it might take longer.

We applied in VFS Delhi.

How to Pay Schengen Visa Fees at VFS India?

You need to pay a service charge of INR 1261/ per person, to VFS India apart from the standard Schengen visa fees. They also have a plethora of services like courier facility, form-filling service, etc for which they charge extra.

Mode of payment in India:

• Demand Draft in favor of  VFS GLOBAL SERVICES PVT. LTD.
• Visa, Master Card, and Rupay

Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Schengen Visa Fees are waived for:

• Representatives of non-profit organizations traveling to take part in seminars, sports, cultural or educational events, etc. They must be under 25 years old.
• Researchers travelling to carry out scientific research or participate in a seminar or conference.
• Students of a school or postgraduate students and teachers accompanying them get a visa for study or educational training.

Step 5: Attend Schengen Visa Interview

Once you submit the application, you can track your application on VFS . You might need to go for an interview at the embassy of the country that’s your entry point in the Schengen area.

But in our case, we didn’t have to go through an interview at the Austrian embassy. The processing for our Schengen tourist visas was completed after a week. We went to the VFS center with the acknowledgment slip and received our passports with the visa stickers.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Schengen Visa in India?

The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days, from the date your application was submitted to the consulate of the country for your visa.

If they ask for any extra documents, this process might further be extended to 30 calendar days, or even to 60 days in some rare cases.

Schengen Visa duration: I got it for 21 days. You can get it for 90 days at max. Schengen Visa validity: It will be valid from the date of your arrival, not from the date it’s issued.

Schengen Visa Tips:

• Carry one extra photocopy of every document just in case.
• It’s much better to choose Single entry if it’s your first time applying for a Schengen tourist visa.
• You can use the services of VFS to apply for a Schengen visa from Nepal or Bhutan as well.
• Although you can pay the fees at VFS using a credit or debit card, it’s way better to carry cash.
• Please, make sure that you receive an entry stamp on your passport when you enter the Schengen area. Without a stamp, you could be in a world of trouble. Read detained or fined or deported.
• When filling out the application if there are columns that do not correspond to your case, fill them with NA (No Answer), rather than leaving them blank.

What Documents Should I Bring When Traveling to Europe on Schengen Visa?

While entering the Schengen zone, you might be asked to furnish proof of accommodation and/or proof of funds by the border. So it’s a good idea to have the hotel reservations and bank statements handy.

Also, make sure that you have the return flight tickets to come back to India or onward travel proof if you are going to a country outside the Schengen zone.

Schengen Visa Denial: What to Do?

If your Schengen visa was denied, you will be provided a rejection letter for Schengen visa stating the reason your visa was rejected. If you believe the reason is not justified, you have the right to appeal the Schengen visa rejection.

You can only appeal to the required Schengen member country as per their guidelines. The rejection letter would contain the information about that.

You can also file a fresh Schengen visa application through another member state.

Schengen visa is one of the most elusive visas. There are many reasons a Schengen visa might be rejected. Before you apply for a Schengen visa, go through 20 reasons your Schengen visa might get rejected, so that you don’t make the same mistakes.

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Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclaimer policy  here. The Visa Project would by no means be liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, and any other online reservations that are made with any third-party provider.

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Reader Interactions

October 15, 2020 at 7:09 pm

Great Article. Thank you so much for the information.

January 7, 2021 at 9:59 am

Thanks alot for informations wanted to apply once pandemics over….

January 14, 2021 at 7:05 pm

Thank you a great informative article. Are we allowed to travel other schengen countries by train like say Germany, Italy France etc. Should we have to show proof of all such bookings while applying for visa?

January 15, 2021 at 10:36 am

Hi Nayana, Yes, you are allowed to travel to any Schengen country. But you would need to show proof of all such bookings only if you have included them in your application.

May 12, 2021 at 12:25 pm

Very useful information, really thank you so much for providing such information. I am really glad to see this information.

February 25, 2022 at 4:33 pm

Hi! Not sure if this blog is still active. But I wanted to ask, did you and your husband have one application and one copy of documents or two sets of applications and documents?

March 2, 2022 at 3:25 am

Hi Kristine, Yes, you can apply with just one application.

December 1, 2022 at 2:30 am

Wanted to check. How can I and my wife can apply under one VFS application? I thought a single user account can apply for only one person right ?

December 2, 2022 at 11:04 am

Hi Kaustav, You can add her before submitting the application. You would see the “Add New Applicant” option.

March 26, 2022 at 4:57 am

Hi, thank you for information. I and my wife want to apply togather and I have few questions. 1. Does Husband and wife need separate VFS appointments or a single appointment? because I can see ‘add member’ section on VFS website while booking appointment. 2. Do Husband and wife need to create separate documents files or a single file? 3. How do they process the file/s of a couple at VFS? Do they call both the persons individually or togather as a couple? 4. Separate visa fee needed for both person in couple? 5. What documents needed for a person in couple who is not employed and her spouse is paying her expenses for trip?

Basically I wanted to know what is the process at VFS office if a couple want to apply together, right from applying for appointment to visiting VFS Office

March 29, 2022 at 1:11 pm

Hi Om, 1.Yes you would need to choose the add member option and apply together. 2. You can carry the documents together 3. They will call you together, although they might want to verify the documents for each person individually. Depends on the VFS center. 4. Yes 5. The spouse needs to provide the bank statements duly signed and needs to mention the same in detail on the cover letter. They can ask for more documents depending on different factors.

June 7, 2023 at 4:09 am

Hi Deb Pati, I have a question in the similar lines.

Me and my wife are working. We are planning to apply for tourist visa. While filling the visa application form, what should we add in the field “Travel and Living Expenses During Your Stay Are Covered by”?

Should we both tick mark the suitable values or should one of us bear the amount (tick the values) and other person is shown as dependent (mark others option).

Thanks in advance

June 13, 2023 at 5:16 pm

If you both are working and both will pay for it, and have the bank account statements, you can tick both.

August 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm

My case is similar to that of Om’s. My wife is a home-maker and we applied for Schengen Visa as joint applicants and got the appointment slot for next month.

My query is – In the covering letter, should I mention the details as an individual applicant or should I mention it as “Me & my wife are planning to visit Italy……..”. Shall I mention “Me & my wife” everywhere on the covering letter….. And she too should do the same in her covering letter ??

August 24, 2023 at 5:09 pm

Hi Prithvi, Yes, you can write the cover letter for both of you. For example, you can start with talking about the trip as an individual and then towards the end mention that your wife would be accompanying you on this trip. And some of her details. Same goes for her.

April 25, 2022 at 1:42 pm

Thank you so much for detailed information.

Quick question: My fiance and me are planning to visit Austria for our honeymoon and hence applying for visa prior to our wedding. Do we need to show same accomodations / hotel bookings if we are are traveling together or do we need to make separate bookings?

April 26, 2022 at 6:52 am

Hi Aditya, You can do the booking and add your fiancee to the booking. But if the platform doesn’t allow it or the booking doesn’t show it, no worries. You can still show the booking under your name.

June 30, 2023 at 4:53 pm

Me and my fiance are planning to go France for honeymoon. hence we want to apply for visa prior to our marriage. He we cannot show our marriage certificate. Could you pls guide me how to go for it. We both are employed if required we both can show separate bank gurantee too.

July 12, 2023 at 8:58 pm

Try through an agency or tour group. It would be easier if you want to get the visa before getting married. Or wait until you get married and get the certificate.

May 14, 2022 at 5:14 pm

Hi, thanks for this informative post. Have a few follow-up queries regarding applying as a couple for Schengen visa. We have taken a one appointment slot at VFS for both of us. I wish to know : 1. Did you write the cover letter as one common letter coming from both of you jointly with all individual details mentioned in it or you wrote two separate letters as from two individuals ? 2. Same as above, Did you provide one set of the supporting documents with the application or two sets? Any other suggestions regarding applying as a couple would be appreciated.

Thanks n Regards

May 19, 2022 at 5:14 am

Hi, Yes, you can write one cover letter for both of you. You need to provide two sets of supporting documents when it comes to bank accounts, salary slips, leave letters etc.

May 21, 2022 at 6:47 pm

Hi, Thank you, this post is really informative. I have one query. Regarding the NOC which my company will provide, is it okay to submit the printout of it or do we need to submit it on a company’s letterhead with stamp?

May 23, 2022 at 11:31 am

Hi Soumya, Letterhead with stamp is always better. If you can not get it, then a printout will do the job.

July 31, 2022 at 5:57 pm

Hi, Thanks for this few follow up queries- 1. My fiancé and I are planning a trip immediately after marriage next year(Feb) ..we both are working can we show individual bank statements of €3000 each? Or it has to be in 1 account? 2. Also is it mandatory to pre book flights/hotels/ inter country train? since it’s risky ..do dummy reservations work? If yes any suggestions ? 3.does the €3000/person has to be excluding the flight and hotel booking? 4. This is the first time we are planning to visit outside india hence should we self apply for this visa or through an agent? 5. For the VFS Delhi we have to visit how many times for visa? Is there an interview too? 6. Can we apply for visa 6months before as many travel agents are saying can be done only 3months prior? 7. Do u easily get appointments? Or is there a huge waiting for Netherlands?

August 4, 2022 at 4:45 am

Hi Namrata, Individual bank statements are fine wince you are both working. You can make refundable reservations on booking. As per flights, you don’t have to book them beforehand and many embassies actually ask you not to. You can make a reservation just in case.

I always encourage people to apply by themselves. However, you can buy a trip through a good and well-known travel agent ( preferably approved by the embassy) who can also help with the visa application. That would be helpful since this is your first time outside India.

Usually, one visit to VFS should do the job if you carry all the documents in one go.

You can apply the visa 3 months before the planned trip.

The waiting list depends on the country and a lot other factors. Right now, there is a waiting list because of Covid.

August 5, 2022 at 7:49 am

Thanks Also is it necessary to take NOC from private companies too?

August 8, 2022 at 2:35 pm

The leave letter should do the trick.

August 23, 2022 at 8:15 am

Hi, Thank you, this post is really informative. few follow-ups 1. if we are travelling to several Schengen countries like you guys did, do we have to include flix bus/train tickets in the documents ?, most of the times we don’t book these tickets prior right they are booked there and then. (how to book these tickets prior travel ?) 2. regarding cover letter and NOC – what details we need to mention in the cover letter ? when we ask for NOC from the company should it direct to someone (visa officer) what would be the format of it ?

August 25, 2022 at 11:28 am

Hi Tushar, You should not book the tickets beforehand. Simply mention in your cover letter that you are planning to book them along with the dates and locations. The NOC differs depending on your employer. Even for private companies, the wording is different and based on some kind of template. Sometimes, a leave letter will work as well. It should be on the employer’s letter head and have a signature and say something like they have no objection to your travel and your leaves are granted.

August 27, 2022 at 9:19 pm

Hi there, Article is very informative.

I’m planning for Europe trip in next three months and I’m really confused regarding the cover letter (I’m also applying for Austria visa only) and itinery documents.

Can you please share the example cover letter and itinery documents?

Also can you please write an article or post some information here about VISA form filling?

Thanks in advance 🙂

September 2, 2022 at 10:43 am

Hi Rama, The cover letter is very detailed where you mention your plans, flight details and day-to-day itinerary. As part of itinerary, you need the flight reservations(not tickets) and hotel reservations.

The form is pretty easy to fill.

September 27, 2022 at 7:37 pm

Thanks for the detailed information. In my case I am planning to travel with my wife to France, Belgium and Netherlands but primary country to visit is France. When we apply for visa on france-visas website, it doesn’t ask for adding a member. Can I create another application for my wife where I can be her guarantor (as that’s an option to choose). May be In that case, she would not have to submit her documents about finances. Would that work?

September 28, 2022 at 11:56 am

Hi, It will ask you to add the member when you reach the last step, before you tick the declaration checkbox and continue. You should see the option to “Add an application”. In that application, you can be your wife’s gurantor. And finally, you can submit to the visa centre.

October 8, 2022 at 4:16 pm

Hi lam indian working in saudi arabia my plan next year visit in France with family.i think visit visa applying in India.what type of document need .my company noc need or not? Which bank statement show? Saudi or indian bank

October 12, 2022 at 2:34 pm

Hi Baiju, It would be easier and simpler in my opinion to apply for a visit visa in Saudi Arabia for you. And your family members can apply in India.

However, if you need to apply for it in India as a group, you would surely need the salary slips, NOC, leave approval letters etc and if they are in Arabic, you might need to translate them into English/French. You could show the bank account statements from India as well as from Saudi Arabia.

October 29, 2022 at 3:18 am

Thank you for such an informative piece and a big thank you to the creators of the Visa Project for developing this platform. May you continue to touch the lives of others through your website. I have a couple of queries regarding the Schengen visa and would be extremely grateful if you could alleviate them. 1. Say you are travelling from city A to city B within a Schengen country (Madrid to Barcelona by bus), did you attach the tickets too?

2. In the checklist, there’s a section: “If the applicant is travelling to several Schengen States, proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary or car rental” How do you get this proof of intra-Schengen reservation? Is there any website where I can book and cancel later or simply reserve for the time being? Since I’m visiting 5 countries I’ll have to show tickets every time I’m new a new Schengen country, isn’t it? How did you go about this intra-Schengen reservation?

3. If I am travelling to 5 countries, should I mention all the 5 countries in the cover letter or should I create the letter in such a way to show I’m visiting only 2 countries. Once I have the visa I can book the tickets for those 5 Schengen countries. Otherwise, I will have to attach tickets for all 5 countries and if the visa is rejected, there will be a significant loss.

Thank you. May you travel the world and inspire people like us. Your articles instill confidence and self belief.

November 1, 2022 at 7:05 am

Hi Vikramaditya, Thank you for your kind words. 1. You don’t have to buy or book tickets for travel inside a Schengen country. You simply have to explain in the cover letter how you are planning to do that, and that you will buy the tickets once you are there.

2. If you are planning to travel from one country to another, then you can buy cheap flight tickets or train tickets or rent a ticket as well, and mention the same in your cover letter. https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

3. It is easier to mention just 2 countries, and then travel to 5.

Ideally, you should not have to buy any tickets beforehand. Always rent or show reservations that are fully refundable: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/

Would be great if you could update us once the visa is approved. Always helps the others a lot.

All the best, Deb

November 7, 2022 at 1:32 pm

Thank you Deb for the speedy response. Your suggestions are really helpful. I’ll be applying for the visa next month and will surely update.

November 8, 2022 at 1:54 pm

Thank you Vikramaditya. Will wait for it.

November 8, 2022 at 5:20 am

As proof of finance, instead of ITR of last 3 years can we show form-16 of last 3 years?

November 8, 2022 at 5:22 am

As proof of finance, can we submit form16 instead of ITR along with payslips and bank statement?

November 8, 2022 at 1:48 pm

If you have a valid reason for not submitting the ITR, you can mention this in the cover letter and provide Form 16 with payslips and bank statements.

December 12, 2022 at 8:14 am

Hi, Thanks for the detailed information. I am also planning to apply for a Schengen visa with my fiance and would like to know whether we have to write separate cover letters since we do not have any marriage proof as of now or if one letter would be enough. If one letter would suffice, do I have to mention the details of my fiance in it?

If possible, can you please share a sample format of the cover letter you guys used for your application?

December 16, 2022 at 6:41 pm

Hi Sagar, You can write one cover letter. That will work. Do note that they can ask for a marriage certificate depending on the consulate.

March 9, 2023 at 2:37 am

Hi I have some queries regarding schengen tourist visa. Please help. We are a family of 4 travelling.. me, husband, son and my mom. Have submitted all necessary docs.. the thing is I am in between jobs. Have submitted noc from current org n my new org offer letter too. In between I have one month break when I am travelling. Will that be ab issue in getting my visa?

March 10, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Hi Pratyusha, It should not be an issue really as you have already provided the NOC from your current organization.

May 20, 2023 at 9:03 am

Hi team, Q1) For Schengen Visa applicatioon: If my wife (who is dependent on me for sponsoring her trip) is traveling with me, then is marriage certificate the only additional document I have to carry to show that she is related to me? I understand I have to maintain sufficient bank balance and show it in my statements. but I am asking is there anything else I or she needs need to do?

Q2) There is not enough space in the visa application for of Switzerland to fill addresses and names of the accommodations we are staying in. But I believe we need to fill the exact downloaded form – Is that correct? Is there an alternate to write those details?

May 28, 2023 at 8:03 pm

Hi Tushar, Yes, you need to provide an apostiled marriage certificate for the visa application. They might ask for other documents as they see fit. You can fill in the names and addresses of places where you would be staying in the download form and try to fit them in as much as you can.

June 5, 2023 at 7:00 am

How can honey moon couples provide proof of marriage as they may be applying for visas before marriage?

June 7, 2023 at 10:56 am

You should apply for the visa after getting married.

June 7, 2023 at 5:39 am

Thanks for the article. I have a few questions if you can please help answer: 1. Do I need to mark all the fields that are empty as N/A (being suggested by many)? If yes, the issue is the latest Schengen Visa form can be filled on computer (pdf) and there are date fields which are not applicable for instance, date of birth of sponsor. But the field do not accept N/A as it is a date field. What do I do: a. Fill the remaining fields as N/A and leave such fields empty. b. Leave all fields empty in such questions. c. Fill N/A with pen after taking print out. 2. Is National ID Number my passport number or aadhaar number? 3. My wife and I will be co-applicants can we have different permanent address in our forms (respectively) as we are from two different cities and never updated our passport? 4. After I choose Tourism as my purpose, there is a follow-up question: Additional information on your purpose of visit? Should I mention Tourism again or leave it empty or N/A? 5. A question asks me to mention the hotel details. It has space in which I cannot mention more than one. Should I provide the details of hotel where I will be staying for maximum number of nights, irrespective of my port of entry? 6. Regarding the last question that talks about cost of travelling and living. I have two situations: Let’s say my wife and I both are working and we are going to provide details for both. In each of our form should we tick by the applicant himself/herself? Second situation: Both are working, and we will provide details for both however the expense will be either handled by my wife or me, in this case what should we chose for the other applicant: By a sponsor (me)/Other/or something else?

June 13, 2023 at 5:22 pm

Hello Amitesh,

Option a or c can work.

Aadhar is the national ID number.

Yes the address on the passport does not have to be the same as your actual address. This is very normal. But you should have some kind of proof for your current address.

Yes purpose of visit can be tourism/ sight-seeing.

You can sponsor yourself and your wife can sponsor herself as long as you have the bank statements and all that.

June 19, 2023 at 3:28 am

Thanks for the great article!

I have a query for the Schengen visa. My spouse and I are applying for Schengen visa via the French embassy. We have the following conditions –

1. My spouse has my name as spouse updated in his passport, while mine doesn’t. 2. We have a marriage certificate, but its not apostilled

Would we need to show an apostilled marriage certificate, or apply separately without bothering about the marriage certificate.

June 25, 2023 at 9:48 pm

1. This is not a big deal. 2. It is always better to apsotile the marriage certificate. Does not take more than 3 or 4 days depending on where you live. In case they ask for it, you would have it.

July 11, 2023 at 7:36 pm

The article was very detailed plus going though the comment threads have been equally informative. I have a few queries though:

I have booked an appointment for Switzerland at vfs delhi. I have added my wife as a co-applicant. Following are my questions:

1. Both our passports are not updated, hence it still mentions us single. (And obviously addresses are different) Is that ok? 2. We have a marriage certificate, but the address on marriage certificate doesn’t match the address on passport. What should be done in such a case? We both have aadhar card available with same address as that on marriage certificate, but that’s not written as a valid document 3. In the application form, do i have to mention the address present on the passport, or the current address where both of us our staying (our marriage certificate address).

The above confusions are giving me a lot of stress.

Hoping for a revert 🙂

July 12, 2023 at 9:11 pm

Hello Manik, 1. Yes, it is fine. 2. That is fine as well. 3. You can write the address where you live right now.

August 9, 2023 at 12:46 am

Hi! In the VFS appointment page, if I add my husband as an applicant before scheduling the date, does that mean both of us will have a confirmed appointment when I choose a date&time? Or will we have to create our own account and schedule an appointment separately? Thank you!

August 12, 2023 at 9:52 pm

Hi Mara, Yes, you should get one appointment together.

November 20, 2023 at 6:22 pm

i have been to schenzen twice as alone and this time taking wife with me. we both are working but my wife does not have much balance in her account as low pay job i can maintain 3000 euro in both also i wanna ask if i show my bank balance and for my wife ill just show the salary slips and noc and tax docs and bank balance with very less amount will that work

December 5, 2023 at 5:20 pm

Yes you can show it for both you and your wife.

December 12, 2023 at 7:25 am

Hi Deb, Me and my wife are planning For europe trip. We are married recently , its been just 8 months. I wanted to ask whether this will be an issue with this? Also will there be any rejections on bank statments? we getaround 1-1.5lakh monthly salary.

December 21, 2023 at 10:52 pm

I don’t think so Sushil. You should be fine.

March 9, 2024 at 12:13 am

Hi, that’s for such a wonderful write up. It is absolutely helpful and trust me, this is the most clear and detailed information I got on Schengen short stay visa application as a couple I have seen. I some few questions though. My wife got rejected before with reasons as not reliable information concerning her trip and thought on whether she will return before her visa expires. I own a company and employ her. She got a good salary and all required paperwork including social security and ITR. 1. I was wondering if this is not going to seriously affect our application. 2.I had work in China for long before establishing my business, should I include my past visas from China and Thailand when applying? Should we mention her pas rejection? Thanks very much for your kindness.

March 17, 2024 at 9:29 pm

Hi Armstrong, Your wife being employed in your company is not a big issue. But they usually ask if you have been rejected in the past. I believe Shengen countries share that info and they would know already. When you apply together, you can show that you will be the one spending all the money and sponsering her etc. Or if she already has a good amount of money in her account, she can show this also. And you can write a convincing cover letter and provide a clear itinerary and your plans to come back.

May 2, 2024 at 9:09 am

Hi Deb, I had a few doubts. Me and my wife are travelling to Prague, Vienna, Hungary and Croatia for 9 days.

1. We have purchased a joint travel Insurance with individual coverage of $1,00,000. Will this be fine? 2. In the application form, where its asking for applicant’s home address and e-mail address, can we mention the present rental address or does it have to be the address mentioned in the passport?

May 6, 2024 at 4:22 pm

Hi Sayak, 1. Yes it will be fine. 2. You can provide the rental address.

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Explained: How New Schengen Visa Rules Ease Europe Travel For Indians

The schengen area comprises 25 countries out of the 27 eu countries except the republic of ireland and cyprus..

A Schengen visa permits a brief stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

The European Union (EU) recently introduced a revamped visa system tailored specifically for Indian nationals. This new system offers substantial advantages to Indian citizens, allowing them access to long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, which can significantly streamline travel plans and enhance the overall experience for those venturing into the Schengen area.

What Is Schengen Visa

The Schengen area comprises 25 countries out of the 27 EU countries except the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus. It includes countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This extensive area not only offers diverse cultural experiences but also facilitates seamless travel across borders for visa holders.

A Schengen visa permits a brief stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This visa may be issued as either a single-entry, enabling one entry into the Schengen area, or a multiple-entry, allowing multiple visits for the duration of its validity.

How The New Rules Affect Indians

Under the new regulations, Indian travellers can now obtain a two-year Schengen visa, a marked improvement from the shorter validity periods previously available. To qualify for this extended two-year visa, applicants must have acquired and appropriately utilised two Schengen visas within the preceding three years. Upon successful utilisation of the two-year visa, travellers can typically expect to be eligible for a five-year Schengen visa, provided their passport maintains sufficient validity.

The new rules essentially say that Indian travellers can move freely within the Schengen member countries for short stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without the need for additional permits or authorisations. Under this system, eligible travellers with a proven track record of travel will have simplified access to visas with extended validity, provided their passport's validity permits.

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The 'Cascade' system, as it's termed, is designed to reward frequent travellers with progressively longer visa durations. It begins with a two-year visa, and upon successful use, travellers can potentially qualify for a five-year visa. While these visas do not restrict the purpose of travel, they do not allow the right to work within the Schengen area.

The decision to tweak the rules comes in the broader context of improving relations between the EU and India

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How to avoid last-minute Schengen visa rejection and save money: Explained

Over 100,000 indians faced schengen visa rejections in 2022, translating to a loss of rs 87 crore due to non-refundable trip expenses.

Photo: Shutterstock

I also lost 3.5 Lacs in hotel booking and flight tickets to #Greece , #visa refusal came 2 days after flight date. Have decided not to travel to Europe in foreseeable future. https://t.co/1pRSOvYMIe — Mayank Sharma (@TheMayanks) April 30, 2024

The entire Schengen visa process is demeaning. One needs to show bank balances, book flights & hotels before applying for a visa and risks loosing their money if the visa is rejected. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @DrSJaishankar https://t.co/HBEOH4m412 — SAUMYA SHAH (@saumyashah6) May 2, 2024

@MIB_India @keyurshah677 Very recently we 6 people were denied Schengen visa by Slovenia for a reason that our paid hotel booking is not non refundable. Is it fair ground to reject?. Now we have to again apply with non refundable hotel bookings so that we save our loss of ticke — Keyur Shah (@keyurshah677) May 4, 2024

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Schengen Visa woes: Long wait for appointment leaves Indian travellers agitated

The long wait for a schengen visa appointment has become a major source of agitation for indians who are eager to explore europe. limited appointment slots have resulted in a lengthy waiting period that affects individual travellers and the tourism industry..

Schengen Visa New "Cascade Rule" for Indian Travellers

Now on April 18, 2024, the European Commission issued specific restrictions regarding the issuance of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals. Compared to the standard rules of the Visa Code that were in force at the time, these regulations are more favourable. The new "cascade" rule for Indian nationals living in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India would make it easier for tourists with a history of international travel to acquire multi-year visas, provided that their passport validity allows it. 

This is where the problem begins for many Indian applicants as the first step towards obtaining a Schengen visa is securing an appointment at the respective consulate. Due to the high volume of applications and limited appointment slots, the waiting time for a Schengen visa appointment can range from weeks to months. This long wait has become a major source of frustration and agitation for Indians who are eager to travel to Europe this summer.

Long Appointment Time's Hindrance

According to the Money Control report, a retired couple that travels abroad two or three times a year had intended to visit Greece, but they were upset when only one of them was granted a visa.

The traveller said, "It is funny that my visa got rejected and my wife got the visa. This is an error and an oversight which has cost us close to 6,000 euros. I am 72 years old, a well-travelled HNI (high net worth individual) and have been to around 40-45 countries. The reason for rejection was that my intended stay was not justified. We have provided them with the confirmed hotel booking, and return flight tickets. I have my family here in India, my kids, my house. So, I have no reason to go to their country except for tourism."

The increased demand for Schengen visas has put immense pressure on the consulates, resulting in a limited number of appointment slots available each day. This has led to a backlog of appointments, causing applicants to wait for weeks or even months to secure an appointment. This has become a major source of frustration and disappointment for many Indians who have already made travel plans and booked flights and accommodations.

The long wait for a Schengen visa appointment not only affects individual travellers but also has a significant impact on businesses and the tourism industry. 

Moreover, the tourism industry in Europe also suffers due to the long wait for Schengen visa appointments. Indian tourists contribute significantly to the tourism revenue of European countries, and the delay in obtaining a visa appointment can discourage many from travelling altogether. This not only affects the economy but also hinders cultural exchange and understanding between India and Europe.

ALSO READ: Indian passport holders can get multi-year Schengen visa: How to apply for it?

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• The new Schengen visa rules influencing Indian travel insurance preferences

The travel insurance sector is expected to see new trends with the new visa rules. In fact, some new trends are already taking shape. As per the data, there has been already a three to four per cent increase in users booking long-term travel insurance policies exceeding 45 days in April 2024 as compared to March’24. This trend is expected to get further push with to the relaxed visa norms.

• Amit Chhabra ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On May 6, 2024 at 10:02 AM IST

• By Amit Chhabra ,
• Published On May 6, 2024 at 10:02 AM IST

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Scant slots, lengthy waits: Where have all the Schengen visas gone?

For Aditya Mishra, preparations for his Barcelona trip to join his wife in June began months ago. The 37-year-old corporate employee, who just returned from his work trip to Budapest in Hungary, however, found himself embroiled in a frustrating saga of visa acquisition.

Every day, Mishra would diligently log into BLS International's portal, the official website for Spain's Schengen visas. Despite his consistent efforts, securing an appointment for a summer travel visa, remained an uphill battle.

Weeks passed, then months, but there was no appointment in sight. He eventually opted for an unconventional solution after exhausting all his avenues, including trying to use other visa handlers who could secure slots through other means.

He had to reluctantly shell out a hefty fee of ₹ 30,000 for a "visa-at-your-doorstep" appointment, which costs three times more than the actual visa processing fee and commissions.

Mishra's story isn't one from the visa landscape of the pandemic but for 2024 upcoming summer travel, where bureaucratic hurdles still exist despite a change in regime and lack of interest in embassies to reduce the wait time for tourists.

Navigating through the complexities of international borders and regulations has never been easy. But visas to Europe have remained as elusive to obtain as last year and the year before. On average, the next available appointment date for a Schengen visa is 30-45 days, a top online travel agency's senior executive confirmed to Mint .

The Schengen area refers to a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border controls at their mutual borders to allow free movement of people.

The area currently comprises 26 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Spain, Sweden, Scandinavia and Switzerland.

The change in the visa regime for Schengen was earlier termed a game changer for frequent travellers. The criteria are that if you had two Schengen visas issued to you in the last three years, you could be eligible to apply for a multiple-entry visa. But how many really qualify? A good part of the last three years had seen two waves of the pandemic and throttling of flights.

Germany’s envoy Georg Enzweiler, who is the deputy head of mission here, told Mint last week that the country is doing its best to make travel to their country as easy as possible.

"Yes, there is the Schengen visa regime and we have to handle it but the number of issued visas have gone up and visa wait times have gone down to just a few days in the last one year," Enzweiler had said at the sidelines of a tourism event held by the German National Tourist Organisation last week.

Enzweiler said, visa numbers from India to Germany had increased for both Schengen and the 'National Visa' it issued, going up to about 1.7 lakh in 2023-24, with a 41% increase compared to the previous year.

But that may be very far from reality. A visa wait time document accessed by Mint from a travel operator paints a completely different picture. Italy has almost completely stopped offering any slots on the VFS platform for its short-term tourist visa category from cities like Delhi.

For Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, the wait to get an appointment is very long, anywhere between one and three months.

Iceland, Portugal, Spain, and Hungary practically have no slots available in most places either. Wait times including processing the visa can range anywhere between 15-75 days, as was the case with Mishra.

However, there are some notable exceptions like Scandinavia as well as for the Czech Republic. For these countries, there are appointments available within the next few weeks. Countries like Spain and Hungary only release appointments once a month, said the earlier cited OTA player.

If you're lucky enough to get a slot, then there is the next hurdle: processing time which can go as high as 7-20 working days.

As an alternative, many travel companies are promoting other unconventional destinations, including South Korea, South Africa, Japan, Brazil, Egypt and Turkey. In most cases, their wait time is as low as zero to three days. Unexpected gainers are also countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Georgia which have easy visas.

Also Read: ‘Suite' surprise: Discounts rain at 5-star hotels for summer, autumn travel

Enzweiler, on the other hand, said he is on a mission to reduce wait times, with more staff being hired by his embassy to deal with the added volumes.

“I am not going to blame people for choosing alternate locations when there are countries with visa delays. But there has been a change in recent regulations which means Indians qualify more quickly for long term visas," Enzweiler said.

“It is also in the embassy's interest to issue longer term visas because even on the bureaucratic side, it means we don't have to cope with that many people filing applications again and again. We have also now employed more personnel to be able to deal with rising demand and are quite optimistic that we would be able to convince more Indians to travel to us."

While visa wait times are down it is only more recently, with holiday season beginning, that the wait times are experiencing some delays, he said. But even then the embassy is working to process applications in one-two weeks, he added. For Germany now, visa rejection rates are about 10%.

Indian travellers' late-booking attitude could be compounding the issue. Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE and visa at Thomas Cook (India) said, “We are traditionally a late-booking market and book very close to our holiday plans. To encourage early consideration, the company had launched its 2024 tours well in advance in October last year with early booking offers."

"However, as we head into peak season, the visa process, though an improvement over last year, is still seeing signs of constraints given the dual challenges of appointment slots and processing time," he said.

Spate of cancellations

Bharatt Kumaar Malik, senior business head for Yatra Online for the consumer travel vertical said the company was seeing a spike in the demand for travel to Schengen destinations for about a month now.

Generally, travel portals pre-book seats with the airlines and hotel rooms to be able to capture deals and demand in advance for the customer.

However, this year is going to be difficult because there will be a lot of pre-purchased inventory and fewer people will be able to travel there.

"We are unable to put any number on it yet but yes we are anticipating a decline in travel to Europe and have already seen some groups cancel their plans to Italy and more such cancellations will happen in June and July," he said. Instead, travellers have to choose locations like Bhutan, Almaty, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

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N. Chirag Travels's MD Riaz Munshi, who is also the president of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, said the UK, Scandinavian countries and Switzerland are still a little easier to get an appointment for.

However, this season could be a little bit of a washout for European travel even though there is persistent demand.

"It looks like a lot of outbound travel operators may lose this season of business too. Communication should be a little better because it's not as if the travel operators there don't want the business, but the diplomatic missions need to spend more time on the visa processes too," he said.

Greece has a high refusal rate because only recently the entire consulate had a change of guard in India.

“You may get a visa, but it won't be in a hurry. Even for countries like Croatia, there's a wait time of several weeks for passports that are well stamped for those who already have been issued Schengen visas in the past, but for first-time Schengen country travellers, a visa hope may be a total write off. Despite confirmed tickets and blocked hotels, people are just being rejected."

"The value-driven traveller is probably going to move away quite quickly because they can't be losing money on confirmed flight tickets and hotels in case the visa doesn't come," said a top level executive at a large travel firm.

"Also, because there are very few slots available on the embassies' front, visa service providers are using this time to profiteer and offer these slots in a way to only those that can afford their at-your-door mobile biometrics which were conceived during the pandemic so people could fill their visa applications in isolation. Their job was never to become a type of legitimate black marketing tool," the person added.

Daniel D’souza, president and country head for holidays for Thomas Cook India's SOTC Travel added that there could be an alternate solution. With shortening of booking windows rather than challenging visa processes, e-visas can become a game changer.

Several destinations like Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Morocco have pivoted to a digital model, and with much success.

"Issuance of long-term multi-entry visas will also serve to ease the load on consular teams while simultaneously creating opportunities for repeat visitations. Yes, the Schengen cascade regime is a valuable initiative, however we expect that this (upgrade to longer term visas) will start seeing positive impact only in the medium to long term." he said.

MINT SPECIALS

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ATM 2024: India’s travel market is a $72b opportunity in the making

Travel & tourism.

As demand surges, Indians prefer destinations about 5 hours away

How do you tap the tourism potential of Indian travelers to its fullest?

The fifth largest economy in the world, India is home to 1.44 billion people - and 27.3 million people travelled out of the country in 2023. That number is expected to reach 30 million this year, which is why there’s so much interest in Indian tourists. And became a talking point at the Arabian Travel Market on Monday.

At the session – ‘Unlocking the true potential of Indian travelers – the moderator Virendra Jain, co-founder and CEO of Videc, set the ball rolling, saying that the Indian travel market is a $49 billion opportunity that is estimated to grow to $72 billion by FY-2026, driven mainly by a young and digitally-savvy population.

Jain said: “India right now has 93 million active passports. 14 million of them were issued in 2023, seven times the number of passports India issued in 2000, which is symbolic of the upward trajectory of travellers coming from India.”

Jain was joined by Ross Veitch, CEO and co-founder of Wego, Raj Rishi Singh, CMO and CBO-Coporate of MakeMyTrip, and Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India Express.

At the end of 50 minutes, they were sure that the profile of Indian travellers had changed, with leisure and tourism forming a critical avenue for spending.

Within 5 hours

One uniform observation was the preference of Indians for destinations that require only five hours of flying time. That makes the UAE a destination of choice, and Dubai is seen more like a domestic destination.

How do you attract the Indian tourist? Five ways, maybe.

Cheap and easy visas, affordability, direct flights and payment systems are among the factors travellers take into account before deciding on a destination.

Ease the visa regime

Veitch insisted that the visa regime is a critical factor in attracting Indian travellers. A Schengen visa will take 30 days, if you are lucky, and a US visa appointment would take up to 365 days, he said.

“The best thing you could do if you want to stimulate this market is to rationalise your visa policies,” Veitch added.

Garg concurred, saying visa policies do matter. “The visa cost starts having a lot of product impact. We have seen countries with visas on arrival and countries where the visa cost is low. When the international destination is cheaper or at par with the domestic destinations, the decision will depend on the ease of getting the visa and the cost of visa,” the Air India Express official said.

What spurs Indians to travel abroad? Veitch says income is one of the main drivers.

“More than 50 million households in India are on more than $10,000 a month today. That number is growing at a rapid pace, and in another four years, it will add another 30 million households.

“So, with overall incomes going up, the number of people who can afford to travel outside is also going up.”

Garg said Indian travellers no longer come from only the metros but also from smaller cities around the country. “From Amritsar Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Indore and Goa, we have seen that kind of traffic in the last two to three years. I feel that a lot of growth is going to come from having non-stop connectivity from the next set of towns and cities in India to international destinations,” the chief commercial officer of Air India Express said.

Changes to travel patterns

Even the pattern of travel has changed. Rishi Singh pointed out that Indians now readily opt for weekend travel.

“Earlier, the Indian scenario was one long and one short vacation. This changed to multiple short vacations, and at times people skip long vacations. And so I think it’s affordability and how fast you can reach that place [decides the destination],” the MakeMyTrip official said.

Rishi Singh said one of their surveys showed that 85 per cent of the respondents were first-time outbound travellers, which translates into 27 million outbound passengers.

Earlier, the Indian scenario was one long and one short vacation. This changed to multiple short vacations... - Raj Rishi Singh of MakeMyTrip

“When you are travelling internationally, there is this external anxiety, especially if you’re a first-time traveller. So it’s important to have someone to support you during the journey. So we’ve been trying to build journeys, both through digital and otherwise, where we deal away with this insanity,” the MakeMyTrip official said.

Jain noted that the payment system is one area that requires more attention. “Founded in 2016, UPI in 2022 accounted for six times the value of transactions compared to debit and credit cards combined [in India]. It’s way ahead in growth right now; there are seven countries that accept UPI as a payment mechanism,” he said.

“Travel is a lifestyle revenue that grows as the economy grows. So, there’s a correlation between outbound departure and GDP per capita. There is a very clear trend over 30 years as the per capita income has grown, and so have the outbound departure numbers,” Jain added.

“The Indian government is doing the right things, from a macroeconomic point of view, to sustain the sort of growth needed to drive this sort of outbound numbers,” Veitch said.

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Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas

Passport holders from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, are set to benefit from extended travel privileges as the European Union (EU) announced the issuance of five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas.

The announcement was made by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation held in Luxembourg.

He said, “I would like to welcome the adoption by the [European] Commission this morning of decisions that will allow to harmonise the rules on the issuing of multiple-entry visas for GCC countries.”

Borrell expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by harmonising visa rules.

The European Commission has adopted new rules for the issuance of Schengen visas for Saudi, Bahraini and Omani nationals residing in their home country. It is an important step promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating exchanges between the EU and GCC citizens👇 pic.twitter.com/gV87IyhITx — EU in the GCC (@EUintheGCC) April 23, 2024

Schengen visa changes

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, allowing them to make multiple visits to Schengen Area countries within a calendar year.

However, travellers must adhere to the 90/180-day rule, limiting stays to a maximum of three months within any six-month period.

While specific details are yet to be officially released by EU authorities, it is anticipated that first-time applicants and eligible passport holders from the mentioned countries will benefit from the extended visa validity as well.

Notably, citizens of the UAE are currently the only GCC nationals who enjoy a visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, while discussions are ongoing between other GCC nations and the EU to further ease visa requirements.

Read: Visa-free travel to Schengen countries soon? GCC-EU talks see progress

Earlier this year, talks saw EU countries consider the lifting of visa requirements for nationals of Kuwait and Qatar based on several key criteria, as revealed in a recent report:

• Irregular migration
• Public policy and security
• Economic benefits
• EU relations with the countries

The European Union Commission’s assessment concluded that both Kuwait and Qatar present a low risk in terms of irregular immigration.

Should the European visa requirements for these GCC countries be lifted, travellers would be eligible for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Indian nationals benefit from new Schengen visa rule change

In addition to the visa changes for Gulf citizens, the EU has also adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules for Indian nationals.

Eligible Indian travellers with an established travel history and prior Schengen visa usage will now be granted multiple-entry visas with extended validity, starting from two years and potentially extending to five years, subject to passport validity.

Previously, the standard rules of the Visa Code applied.

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