How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India

Ultimate Guide: How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India in 2025

✈️ 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:

  • You’ll stay the longest, or

  • 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:

  • Schengen Visa application form (filled & signed)

  • Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond travel)

  • Two passport-size photos (as per Schengen specs)

  • Cover letter (explaining travel plan)

  • Travel itinerary (including flights + accommodation)

  • Travel insurance (with minimum €30,000 coverage)

  • Proof of income (bank statements, ITR, salary slips)

  • No objection letter (if employed)

  • 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.)

  • Pick a convenient date

  • Pay the visa fee online (typically ~₹7,200)

  • Print confirmation


✅ Step 4: Attend the Appointment

Go to the visa center on time with:

  • Original documents

  • Visa fee receipt

  • 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

  • Be honest in your application and documents.

  • Don’t book non-refundable hotels or flights before your visa.

  • Show clear proof of return to India (job, property, family).

  • 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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