Schengen Visa from India

What is the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is an official document required for non-European nationals to travel within the Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries that have abolished border controls between each other. A Schengen visa allows for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, enabling seamless travel across member states without undergoing individual country border checks.

Why Apply for a Schengen Visa?

Applying for a visa for the Schengen area offers numerous advantages, especially for travellers who wish to explore multiple European countries in a single trip. The key benefits include:

• Ease of Travel: With a Schengen visa, travellers can move freely across all member states without undergoing border controls.
• Single Application: One visa application grants access to all 27 Schengen countries.
• Convenience: Ideal for business travellers, tourists, and those visiting family or friends across multiple countries.
• Multiple Entry Options: Frequent travellers can benefit from multiple-entry visas, allowing for repeated visits without reapplying each time.

Schengen Countries List

The Schengen Area consists of 27 European countries that have agreed to eliminate internal border checks, facilitating easier and unrestricted travel within the region. The countries in the Schengen Area include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Europe?

Most non-European nationals, including those from India, require a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area. Exceptions are made for nationals from countries that have visa waiver agreements with the EU, such as the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia. Indian nationals planning to visit multiple European countries within the Schengen zone will need to obtain a Schengen visa.

Eligibility for a Schengen Visa

To be eligible for a visa for the Schengen area, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a non-European country: Especially those not in the European Union.
• Have a justified reason for travel: Such as tourism, business, visiting family or friends, attending cultural or sports events, or medical reasons.
• Hold a valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
• Possess travel medical insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 is mandatory.
• Provide proof of financial means: To support themselves during their stay.
• Show ties to the home country: Evidence that they will return after the visit, such as employment or family commitments.

What are the Different Types of Schengen Visas?

There are four main types of Schengen country visas:

• Type A (Airport Transit Visa): For travelers transiting through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area.
• Type C (Short-Stay Visa): For short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.
• Type D (Long-Stay Visa): For stays longer than 90 days for purposes such as study, work, or residency.
• Type B (Transit Visa): Previously for short transits, now largely replaced by the Type C visa with transit conditions.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

Applying for a Schengen visa involves several steps:

• Determine the visa type: Based on your purpose of travel.
• Gather necessary documents: Such as a completed visa application form, passport, photographs, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, financial means, travel insurance, a cover letter for the visa application explaining the trip’s purpose.
• Make an appointment: With the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit first or spend the most time in.
• Submit the application: Along with the required documents and visa fee.
• Attend the visa interview: If required.
• Wait for processing: The decision on your visa application.

Documents Required for Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen country visa, the following documents are generally required:

• Visa application form: Duly completed and signed.
• Photographs: Two identical and recent passport-sized photos.
• Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• Travel itinerary: Including flight reservations and accommodation details.
• Proof of financial means: Bank statements or salary slips.
• Travel insurance: With coverage of at least €30,000.
• Cover letter: Explaining the purpose of the trip.
• Supporting documents: Such as employment letter, invitation letter, or student proof.

How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost?

The cost of a Schengen visa varies based on the applicant’s age and the type of visa:

• Adults: €80
• Children aged 6 to 12: €40
• Children under 6: Free

Schengen Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Schengen visa typically takes about 15 calendar days from the date of application submission. However, in some cases, it may take up to 30 or even 60 days, depending on individual circumstances and the specific embassy or consulate processing the application.

Benefits of Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa offers numerous benefits:

• Travel Flexibility: Allows holders to travel across 27 European countries with a single visa.
• Convenience: Simplifies travel planning and border crossing.
• Multiple Entries: Frequent travelers can obtain multiple-entry visas for extended convenience.
• Extended Validity: Options for two-year or five-year multiple-entry visas for eligible applicants.

Schengen Visa Rules Updated

Recent updates to the Schengen visa rules have introduced more lenient terms for Indian nationals. Indian residents who have lawfully used two Schengen visas in the past three years are now eligible for a multiple-entry, two-year Schengen visa. Furthermore, those who have held a two-year multiple-entry visa can apply for a five-year multiple-entry visa. Nationals from Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are also eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa.

How Croyez Immigration Can Help You

Croyez Immigration is a leading visa consultancy service in India, offering expert guidance and support for obtaining Schengen visas. The experienced professionals ensure that your visa application process is smooth and hassle-free. We provide:

• Personalized Assistance: Tailored guidance based on your travel plans and visa requirements.
• Document Verification: Ensuring all your documents are in order for a successful application.
• Appointment Scheduling: Managing your appointments with embassies or consulates.
• Application Support: Assisting with filling out forms and preparing for interviews.
• Post-Approval Services: Additional support for travel and accommodation arrangements.

By choosing Croyez Immigration, you can manage the complex visa application process with confidence, ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements and deadlines for a successful Schengen visa application.