🇪🇺 Schengen Visa Guide for Indian Travellers (2025)

This detailed guide walks Indian citizens through the step-by-step process of applying for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — including documents, fees, embassy links, appointment booking, and tips to avoid rejection.

🎯 Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type & Main Destination

• Visa Type: This guide focuses on the Type C Schengen Visa (short stay up to 90 days).
  • Tourism
  • Business
  • Visiting family/friends
  • Airport Transit
• Main Destination Rule:
  • Visit only one country → apply at that country’s Embassy/Consulate.
  • Multiple countries:
    • Longest Stay: Apply where you spend the most nights.
    • Equal Stay: Apply to the first entry point.

📚 Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Documents vary based on your profile (employed, self-employed, student, etc.). Always include originals and photocopies.

📂 Additional Case-Specific Documents

• Minors: Birth certificate, both parents’ passport copies, consent letter, custody proof if needed.
• Business Visa: Invite letter from EU company, Indian employer letter, business ITRs.
• Visiting Family/Friends: Invite letter, host’s passport/residency proof, relationship proof.

📅 Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Appointment

1. Locate VAC: Usually via VFS Global or TLScontact.
2. Book Appointment: Each applicant (including family) needs an individual appointment.
3. When to Apply: Between 6 months and 15 calendar days before travel. Ideal: Apply 45–60 days ahead.
4. Links to Embassies:
   • Germany
   • France
   • Italy
   • Spain (BLS)
   Always check official country-specific websites for latest rules.

🏢 Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

• Bring printed application, documents, and copies.
• Provide fingerprints and photo (biometrics). Valid for 59 months unless re-collection is required.
• Pay fees:
  • Visa Fee: Adults €80 (~INR 7,200–8,500), age 6–12: €40 (~INR 3,600–4,300), under 6: Free.
  • VAC Fee: INR 1,500–3,000 depending on center.

⏱️ Step 5: Track Your Application

• Use your VAC receipt/reference number.
• Track online: VFS Tracker.
• Processing Time: ~15 working days (can go up to 30–45 days in busy periods).

✅ Step 6: Collect Your Passport

• Collect in person or via courier (if chosen).
• If Approved: Check sticker for accuracy: name, visa type, validity, entries, stay period.
• If Rejected: You’ll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons.

✉️ Step 7: Appeal Visa Refusal (If Needed)

• Read the refusal reason carefully.
• Write a factual appeal letter addressing issues, submit with updated documents.
• Send to the Embassy/Consulate within the appeal window (usually 15–30 days).
• Alternatively, you can reapply (but fees apply again).

✈️ Step 8: Travel to the Schengen Area

Bring your visa and key documents for immigration check.

• Return ticket, hotel bookings, funds, insurance, itinerary.
• Respect the 90/180-day rule: max 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Overstaying = fines, bans, or future refusals.

🔁 Quick Recap of Schengen Visa Process

🔄 Upcoming Changes in 2025: ETIAS & EES

• Entry/Exit System (EES): Launching late 2025, this will digitally track non-EU visitors via fingerprints + facial scan. Replaces manual passport stamping.
• ETIAS: Pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers (like US, UK, etc.). Not required for Indians who already need a visa, but good to know.

⚠️ Final Tips for Indian Applicants

• Apply early: at least 45–60 days before your trip.
• Double-check all info: forms, bookings, ID details.
• Stronger bank balance = better approval chance.
• Use official sources: VFS Common Info Page