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?

• In order to satisfy the Schengen visa requirements India citizens and residents, you must do the following:
  • 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.