What if we told you that you could explore three fourths of the European region with just one visa? We ain’t bluffin’, Amigos! With a Schengen visa, you get to travel to multiple countries in Europe that have affiliations with Schengen. Let us take you through the details of this visa one by one.
Table of Contents
- What is a Schengen Visa?
- What are the Countries that Issue Schengen Visas?
- Types of Schengen Visa
- Schengen Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders
- What if you want a long term Schengen visa?
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa?
- VFS Office in India
- Schengen Visa fee for Indians
- Documents Required for a Schengen Visa
- Schengen Travel Visa Insurance
- What is the Fastest way to apply for a Schengen Visa?
- Schengen Visa Rejection and Approval Percentage of 2022
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen is an EU passport free zone that allows you to travel within its affiliated countries that have signed an agreement. Travelers with a Schengen visa have the freedom to cross borders without additional passport checks, making it simpler to see several different nations in one trip. It can be used for travel, business, or family visits and is valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day span
What are the Countries that Issue Schengen Visas?
Not all countries in Europe offer the Schengen Visa. Below is a list of countries that fall under the Schengen region.
| Austria | Greece | Malta |
| Belgium | Hungary | Netherlands |
| Czech Republic | Iceland | Norway |
| Denmark | Italy | Poland |
| Estonia | Latvia | Portugal |
| Finland | Liechtenstein | Slovakia |
| France | Lithuania | Spain |
| Germany | Luxembourg | Switzerland |
| Slovenia | Sweden |
There are a few non-Schengen countries that recognize and accept a valid Schengen visa for entry, even though the Schengen visa only permits travel within the Schengen Area. Please be aware that the specific requirements and length of stay may change, so it’s critical to confirm the most recent information before leaving.
| Albania | Serbia | Montenegro | Bulgaria |
| Andorra | Romania | Kosovo | Georgia |
| Turkey | North Macedonia | Croatia | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Types of Schengen Visa
| Type of Visa | No of days Valid | Specifications |
| Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) | 90 Days | Single Entry Double Entry Multiple Entry |
| Airport Transit Visa (ATV) | 90 Days | applicable for travelers from certain countries who need to change flights at a Schengen airport. |
| Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) | 90 Days | This visa is issued for specific Schengen countries and does not grant entry to the entire Schengen Area. |
Schengen Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) : This is the most commonly used tourist visa that allows you to travel within the Schengen region. There are three categories under this type of visa.
- Single Entry: This category is when you enter the region once and complete your tour in a single stretch.
- Double Entry: This category is applicable to those who step out of the Schengen region and come back to complete their tour.
- Multiple Entry: This category allows the tourists to enter and re-enter the Schengen region multiple times.
What if you want a long term Schengen visa?
National Visa: A Schengen country will issue a national visa, also referred to as a long-stay visa, for stays longer than 90 days. This visa is typically required for long-term travel to a specific Schengen nation for activities like work, study, family reunions, or other purposes.
If you travel frequently, you have the option to apply for a European Union visa that remains valid for up to 5 years. However, it is important to note that even with a multiple-entry visa for Europe, you are still subject to the rule of not staying in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.
How to apply for a Schengen Visa?
To apply for a Schengen visa from India, one must have a proper travel plan and itinerary ready. After your planning is complete, you can follow the below steps to apply for a Schengen visa.
Step 1: Fill the Schengen Visa application form and submit it in the embassy
Step 2: Make a visa appointment – This will take up to 30 days to get confirmed.
Step 3: Complete Biometrics
Step 4: Recheck all the Documents
Step 5: Pay the Schengen visa fee
VFS Office in India
The VFS, or Visa Facilitation Service, is available in all major cities in India. You can visit the office first to get all the necessary details according to your travel plans.
VFS Office Chennai
Address: Third Floor, TOWERS-C, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Official Website: VFS Global Chennai
VFS Office Delhi
Address: Mezzanine Level Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Official Website: VFS Global Delhi
VFS Office Mumbai
Address: VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd 3rd Floor, Urmi Axis Building, Behind Famous Studio, Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai 400 011
Official Website: VFS Global Mumbai
VFS Office Bangalore
Address: Gopalan Innovation Mall, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076
Official Website: VFS Global Bangalore
VFS Office Hyderabad
Address: VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd Unit 1, Lower Concourse , Panjagutta Metro Station, 8-2-340/1, Punjagutta Rd, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 IndiaOfficial Website: VFS Global Hyderabad
Schengen Visa fee for Indians
A Schengen visa for an adult costs around 80 pounds, which is approximately Rs 8,000. For children between the ages of 6 and 11, the Schengen visa costs Rs 4000. The visa is free of charge for kids under the age of 6.
| Adults | 80 Pounds – Rs 8,000 |
| Ages 6-11 | 40 Pounds – Rs 4,000 |
| Under 6 | Free |
Documents Required for a Schengen Visa
It is always advisable to know everything that is required for the visa application procedure. This way, you can avoid confusion and last minute tensions. Below is a checklist that you can use for your Schengen visa application to avoid issues.
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Another address proof
- Passport size photos
- Legit travel itinerary
- Accommodation Proof
- Travel Insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of employment and education
- Visa fee
Schengen Travel Visa Insurance
Travelers must always be cautious of their health while traveling. Therefore, travel insurance is very important. Medical insurance for a Schengen visa must meet the following criteria:
- All Schengen Area regions should be included.
- Cover any costs associated with a return for medical reasons, immediate medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death.
What is the Fastest way to apply for a Schengen Visa?
The application process for obtaining a Schengen visa could be tedious. If you are looking for the fastest and easiest way to receive this visa, it is advisable to get assistance from a renowned travel agency. At Pickyourtrail, we have experts who provide visa assistance. This will help you sit back and relax while we help you get what you want.
Schengen Visa Rejection and Approval Percentage of 2022
Visa rejection is a common phrase that all of us have been hearing a lot. To get a clear understanding of this, we have a list of countries that reject Indian visas in large numbers and countries that approve them.
Schengen Visa Rejection
- Estonia – 56%
- Malta – 45%
- Slovenia – 44.5%
- Switzerland – 13%
- France – 19.9%
- Spain -18.5%
- Austria – 24%
- Greece – 34.7%
- Portugal – 29.9%
- Sweden – 18.7%
High Schengen Visa Approval
- Germany
- Italy
- Hungary
Frequently Asked Questions
A non-European with a valid passport is eligible for a Schengen visa.
The minimum required bank balance per day is Rs 8,000.
A VFS Center in India is where you must schedule your Schengen Visa VFS appointment. The following Indian cities have VFS Centers
You must go to the Schengen Countries VFS website to set up an appointment for your visa interview. To continue, click “Book Now” on this page.
There are numerous visa application facilities in many Indian cities, including Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Panjim, and Puducherry.
Yes. Nevertheless, this is possible only under extreme circumstances. Below are few cases that are considered for extension
1. You are unable to immediately return to your home country as serious incidents that took place there while you were in the Schengen area.
2. The specifics of the Schengen visa extension application have an impact on humanitarian issues.
3. Your business could not have ended in the Schengen Area within the time frame allowed for professional reasons
You can visit 26 countries with a Schengen visa.
The processing time will take about 6 to 10 days.
Below are some of the common reasons for visa rejection
1. You don’t have the required documents.
2. The information you provided does not match the details on the necessary documents.
3. Applying for a visa later than is recommended
4. Erroneous sponsorship information in your application
5. Absence of travel or health insurance
6. You don’t have the necessary funds.
7. You have a damaged or unreadable passport.
8. Submitting fabricated or forged documents
9. Your lack of accommodation documentation
10. You don’t offer enough justification for your visit.
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