✈️ Planning a Eurotrip? Let’s Get That Visa First!
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India: If you’ve been dreaming of sipping coffee in Paris, exploring castles in Germany, or gliding through Venice in a gondola — your journey starts with one visa: the Schengen Visa.
This single visa gives you access to 27 European countries — and the good news? Applying from India is simpler than you think, if you follow the right steps.
At TheIndiaTourism.in, we’ve broken it down into an easy, no-stress process — complete with real tips and updated requirements for 2025.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Schengen Country
If you’re visiting multiple countries, apply through the country:
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You’ll stay the longest, or
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Where you’ll enter first, if your stays are equal
👉 Example: 3 days in France, 2 in Italy — apply via the French embassy.
✅ Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
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Schengen Visa application form (filled & signed)
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Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond travel)
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Two passport-size photos (as per Schengen specs)
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Cover letter (explaining travel plan)
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Travel itinerary (including flights + accommodation)
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Travel insurance (with minimum €30,000 coverage)
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Proof of income (bank statements, ITR, salary slips)
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No objection letter (if employed)
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Passport copy (all pages)
✅ Pro tip: Make 2 copies of everything.
✅ Step 3: Book a Visa Appointment
Visit the VFS Global site for your chosen country and select your visa center (Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc.)
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Pick a convenient date
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Pay the visa fee online (typically ~₹7,200)
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Print confirmation
✅ Step 4: Attend the Appointment
Go to the visa center on time with:
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Original documents
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Visa fee receipt
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Biometrics (fingerprints & photo will be taken)
✅ Dress smartly. Confidence helps!
✅ Step 5: Track & Collect Your Visa
After submission, you’ll receive a tracking ID. Processing usually takes 7–15 working days.
You’ll get a call or email once the passport is ready.
🎉 If approved, you’ll receive a shiny visa sticker valid for your travel dates.
📌 Quick Summary – Schengen Visa Application from India
Step | Time Needed |
---|---|
Choose destination country | 1 day |
Collect documents | 3–5 days |
Book appointment | 1 day |
Attend VFS interview | 1 day |
Processing time | 7–15 working days |
💡 Real Tips for Visa Success
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Be honest in your application and documents.
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Don’t book non-refundable hotels or flights before your visa.
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Show clear proof of return to India (job, property, family).
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Get your travel insurance from trusted providers (ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, etc.)
✅ Need help with planning, flights, or insurance? Check DreamSafar.com
🌐 Where Can You Travel with a Schengen Visa?
You can explore these 27 amazing destinations:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein.
🌍 One visa, infinite adventures!
🔗 Useful Links:
✅ Also Read: Top 10 Places to Visit in Europe for First Timers
✅ Plan a Trip: DreamSafar Car Rental and Travel Services
❓ FAQ – How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India
Q1. How long is a Schengen Visa valid for?
Answer: Typically, it’s valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Some travelers may get multiple entry visas valid for 1–5 years.
Q2. Do I need a confirmed flight ticket?
Answer: No. A temporary booking or itinerary is enough during application.
Q3. Is travel insurance mandatory?
Answer: Yes! You must have Schengen-compliant insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical emergencies.
Q4. What’s the visa fee for Indian citizens?
Answer: As of 2025, it’s approximately ₹7,200 (60–80 euros) depending on the exchange rate and embassy updates.
Q5. Can I apply for the visa online?
Answer: No. You can fill the form and book appointments online, but documents must be submitted in person at the visa center.
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