🇪🇺 Schengen Visa for Indians (2026 Guide)
Planning to travel to Europe? Indian passport holders need a Schengen Visa to visit 27 European countries for tourism, business, or family visits.
In this guide, we cover Schengen visa requirements, documents, fees, processing time, best embassy to apply, and FAQs.
🌍 What is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa allows travel to 27 European countries with a single visa and no internal border checks.
🗺 Countries included:
Austria, Belgium, 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 Schengen Visa?
Indian citizens require a Schengen Visa for tourism, business, or family visits.
🛄 Types of Schengen Visa for Indians
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Holidays & sightseeing |
| Business Visa | Meetings & conferences |
| Family Visit Visa | Visiting relatives |
| Transit Visa | Connecting flight transit |
| Student Visa | Long-term education |
| Work Visa | Employment (national visa) |
Most Indian travelers apply for the Tourist Visa (Type C).
🕒 Schengen Visa Validity & Stay Duration
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Validity | Up to 90 days |
| Stay Limit | 90 days in 180-day period |
| Entry Type | Single / Double / Multiple Entry |
📋 Documents Required for Schengen Visa (Tourist)
✔ Passport valid 6+ months
✔ Completed visa form
✔ 2 passport-size photos
✔ Flight reservation
✔ Hotel booking
✔ Day-wise itinerary
✔ Travel insurance (mandatory)
✔ Bank statements (6 months)
✔ Income Tax Returns
✔ Salary slips (if employed)
✔ Leave letter / NOC (if employed)
✔ Proof of funds
💳 Proof of Funds Requirement
Recommended minimum balance:
➡ €70 per day or equivalent
Bank statements must show recent consistent transactions.
🗂 Financial Sponsorship (Optional)
If someone is sponsoring your trip, submit:
✔ Sponsorship letter
✔ Sponsor ID proof
✔ Sponsor bank statements
🛡 Mandatory Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen Visa.
✔ Coverage minimum: €30,000
✔ Must include medical emergencies + repatriation
Popular Indian providers include:
- Tata AIG
- ICICI Lombard
- Bajaj Allianz
- Reliance Insurance
- Care Health
- Digit Insurance
💰 Schengen Visa Fees for Indians
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | €80 |
| Children (6–12 yrs) | €40 |
| Children (<6 yrs) | FREE |
| VFS Service Fees | Additional |
🕒 Schengen Visa Processing Time for Indians
Average processing time:
➡ 15 calendar days
Can take longer during peak seasons.
Apply 4–6 weeks before travel.
🎯 Which Embassy to Apply Through?
Apply via the country:
✔ Where you will stay the longest, OR
✔ First entry country (if stays equal)
Examples:
➡ Trip: 7 days Italy + 3 days France → Apply at Italy
➡ Trip: 5 days Germany + 5 days Austria → Apply Germany (first entry)
🧳 Transit Visa for Schengen
Transit visa required only if:
✔ Exiting airport
✔ Overnight stay
✔ Inter-airport transfer
Direct-airport transfers via hubs like FRA/CDG usually don’t require transit visa.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do Indians need visa for Europe?
Yes, Schengen Visa required for 27 countries.
2. Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. Minimum coverage €30,000.
3. How long can Indians stay in Schengen?
Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
4. Can the visa be extended?
Extensions are rare and usually not for tourism.
5. Can I apply for multiple-entry visa?
Yes, if travel history supports it.
✈ Related Travel Resources
👉 USA Visa for Indians
👉 UK Visa for Indians
👉 Travel Insurance for Europe Trips
👉 Cheap Flights to Europe from India
📌 Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa rules may change. Always verify with official embassies or VFS Global before applying.
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➡ Dubai Visa for Indians (2026)
➡ Japan Visa for Indians (2026)
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