Overview
A Schengen tourist visa (Type C) allows Indian citizens to travel freely within the 27 European countries that make up the Schengen Area. You must apply at the embassy/consulate of the country where you will spend the most days. If spending an equal amount of days in multiple countries, apply to the country of first entry.
Documents Required
Schengen embassies are notoriously strict regarding paperwork. Missing a single document can lead to rejection.
| Document Category | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Application & Passport | Fully completed signed application form. Passport valid for 3 months beyond departure with two blank pages. |
| Photographs | Two recent passport-sized photos meeting specific Schengen parameters (light background). |
| Travel Itinerary & Booking | Confirmed return flight tickets and day-by-day travel itinerary. |
| Accommodation | Proof of hotel bookings for every night spent in the Schengen area. |
| Travel Insurance | Mandatory coverage of at least €30,000 (approx. ₹27 Lakhs) for medical emergencies, valid across all Schengen states. |
| Financial & Employment Docs | 3 months bank statements, 3 years ITR (Form 16), salary slips. NOC / Leave letter from employer. |
Minimum Bank Balance
You must demonstrate sufficient financial means for your trip. While daily required amounts vary slightly by country (e.g., France is different from Germany), a safe baseline is to show €65 to €100 (approx. ₹5,800 to ₹9,000) per day of your planned stay.
For a typical two-week vacation, showing a steady liquid balance of ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 is considered safe, provided the source of funds is clearly legal and tied to your income.
Application Fees
Standard fees for short-stay (Type C) tourist visas are standard across all member states. Applications are usually submitted via VFS Global.
- Adults: €80 (approx. ₹7,200)
- Children (6-12 years): €40 (approx. ₹3,600)
- Children (under 6): Exempt
- Note: VFS Global charges an additional handling fee of approximately ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per application.
Processing Time
The standard processing time is legally 15 calendar days from the date your application reaches the embassy. However, during peak travel seasons (May to August), this can extend up to 30 to 45 days.
You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date, and it is highly recommended to apply early.
Common Rejection Reasons
Schengen visas are frequently declined for these specific reasons:
- Justification of Purpose: The travel itinerary looks unrealistic or fake.
- Insurance Issues: Providing insurance that does not cover COVID-19 or lacks the mandatory €30,000 (approx. ₹27 Lakhs) emergency coverage.
- Insufficient Funds / Fake Docs: Submitting doctored bank statements or having large, unexplained lumps of cash deposited immediately before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide biometrics again if I had a Schengen visa last year?
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are generally stored in the VIS system for 59 months (about 5 years). If you provided them recently, you may not need to appear in person, but it depends on the consulate's specific processes.
Important Notice
Information sourced from official government websites. This website does not provide legal immigration services. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify details from official embassy sources before applying.