Applying for a Schengen Visa from India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many foreign countries require Indians to obtain a visa prior to entering, and the Schengen area is also one of them. In addition to a visa, you must also obtain Schengen travel insurance, as it is a compulsory requirement for a visa.

If this is your first time applying for a Schengen visa, this guide will help you through the process.

  How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in India

If you are an Indian travelling to any of the Schengen countries, applying for a visa must be your priority. Depending on the purpose of the visa and the duration of the stay, you can obtain various types of Schengen visas.

It is essential to mention that the fastest way to get a Schengen visa is to apply through the official visa partner, VFS Global. The visa application process is straightforward if you follow the steps correctly.

• Step 1: The first step of visa application is to identify the type of visa you wish to apply for.
• Step 2: Fill the visa application form for long-term or short-term visas, whichever is applicable to your case.
• Step 3: Next, you must book an appointment at the VFS Global application centre.
• Step 4: On the scheduled day, visit the application centre for an interview, pay the fees and submit the documents.
• Step 5: After the interview is completed, you can track the status of your visa using the reference number provided. You can also opt for an SMS facility to know the visa status.
• Step 6: You can collect the passport and visa from the centre where you applied or receive it by courier.

 Categories of Schengen Visas

• Type A: This is the airport transit visa, which allows the traveller to transit through the Schengen country airports when he is travelling from one non-Schengen country to another.
• Type B: Type B Schengen visa allows you to transit through multiple Schengen countries. It has a validity of 5 days, during which the holder can pass through multiple Schengen country airports.
• Type C: This is a short-stay visa. It allows the holder to stay in a Schengen country for 90 days within 6 months. It includes single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry visas.
• Type D: It is a long-stay visa for Indians. Such a visa is provided if you want to work, study or live in a Schengen country.

 Documents to Apply for a Schengen Visa in India

1. Visa application form
2. Passport with 3 months or more validity
3. 2 passport-sized photographs taken within 3 months.
4. Round trip ticket
5. Overseas travel insurance with coverage of a minimum of 30,000 euros.
6. Proof of accommodation.
7. Cover letter from company
8. Bank statement, ITR, payment slips, sponsorship letter
9. Visa fee payment proof
10. Proof of civil status

 Requirement for Schengen Travel Insurance

As per the regulations of the Schengen nations, visitors travelling to any Schengen country must compulsorily have Schengen visa insurance. It acts as a safety net, assisting the insured if they encounter any emergency in a foreign land, like medical emergencies, trip cancellation, passport or luggage loss, etc.

 Conclusion

If you are excited to travel to the European nation, you must get a valid visa by following the simple process stated above.There are various types of visas available for visitors, such as type A, B, C, & D.

Remember to get travel insurance also, as it is a compulsory requirement for visa approval and entry into any Schengen country.