Schengen Visa

Documents Required for Schengen Visa:

General Schengen Visa Documents:

Schengen visa application form: Must be fully completed and signed.

Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from the Schengen area and have at least two blank pages.

Recent passport-sized photos: Two photos taken within the last three months.

Travel itinerary: Round-trip reservation with flight details, including entry and exit dates from the Schengen area.

Travel insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for all Schengen countries, covering medical emergencies.

Proof of accommodation: Confirmation of hotel bookings or an invitation from a host.

Employment or education documents:

• Leave letter from your employer (if employed).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your school/university (if a student).

Proof of civil status: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other relevant documents.

Financial evidence that you can support yourself during the trip:

• Six months' bank statements (not older than three months).
• Sponsorship letter including the sponsor’s bank statement (not older than three months).
• Only immediate family members or employers can be sponsors.
• Payslips from the last six months or an employment contract (for employees).
• Business license and six months' company bank statements (for self-employed applicants).
• Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 16 (for salaried individuals).
• Proof of paid visa fee that is a receipt confirming the visa fee payment.

Additional Documents for Specific Applicants:

For Retirees:

• Pension statement for the last six months.

For Unemployed Applicants Married to an EU Citizen:

• Spouse’s valid passport.
• Official marriage certificate.
• Employment confirmation letter (not older than three months) from the spouse’s employer.

For Minors Applying for a Schengen Visa:

• Birth certificate.
• Application form signed by both parents.
• Family court order (if only one parent has full custody).
• Certified copies of both parents’ passports/IDs.
• Notarized parental authorization (if the minor is traveling alone).

Note: The embassy or consulate may request additional documents based on your application.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements:

When submitting your Schengen visa application, follow these photo guidelines:

• Two identical photos, taken within the last six months.
• Size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Color photos with a plain, light-colored background (preferably light grey).
• The head should occupy 70-80% of the image.
• The applicant must face the camera directly with a neutral expression.
• No uniforms or clothing that blends with the background.

Schengen Visa Extensions:

Schengen Visas cannot usually be extended during a trip unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as:

• A serious medical condition requiring hospitalization.
• An unavoidable and unforeseen event beyond your control.

For longer stays, travelers must leave the Schengen area and apply for a new visa.

Visa on Arrival for Indians in Europe:

No European country currently offers a visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. However, Indians can apply for a Schengen Visa online before traveling.

Schengen Visa Embassies and Consulates in India:

You can apply for a Schengen Visa at a VFS Global application center or directly at the respective embassy or consulate.

• VFS Global Centers are available in major Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

Embassies and Consulates:

• Most Schengen countries have embassies in New Delhi and consulates in cities like Mumbai. For example, the French Consulate in Mumbai handles applications from residents of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Non-Indian citizens who have lived and worked in India for over a year can apply for a Schengen Visa at the Estonian Embassy in New Delhi.

Schengen Visa and Travel Insurance:

• Travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen Visa.
• Choose a policy that covers medical emergencies, accidents, lost passports, and trip-related issues.
• Budget-friendly options like Acko Travel Insurance provide coverage for unexpected situations during your trip.

Validity of Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens:

A Schengen visa permits travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period. If you plan to visit multiple times, you can apply for a Schengen Multiple Entry visa.

Schengen Visa Processing Time in India:

The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 days. In some cases, it may take up to 45 days if additional documents or further review are required.