Schengen Visa
It is an ultimate guide for anyone considering planning an adventure across Europe and getting confused by the numerous visas. You’re not alone. The Schengen visa gives access to 27 European countries and is among the documents that are in high demand globally. No matter whether you want to only have a cup of coffee in Paris, to take a boat tour along the canals of Amsterdam, or to hike through the mountains of Switzerland, getting to know the Schengen visa is your first step to turning those dreams into reality.
What is a Schengen visa?
It’s the Schengen visa that offers the tickets to take you through the borderless zone of Europe. This multipurpose visa is called the Schengen visa after the branding of the town of Luxembourg in the agreement allowing the visa holders to travel within the Schengen region—most of the EU member states. It is similar to opening different European gates with the same key, hence the document.
Types of Schengen visas
- Short-stay visa (Type C): For tourism, business, or family visits for up to a period not exceeding ninety days.
- Airport transit visa (Type A): Most of these signs are required for travelers in international airports.
- Long-stay visa (Type D): Over 90-day duration and granted by the individual member states
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India
Step 1: Find Out Your Destination
- Starting with defining your A, B, and C goals, your journey can be divided into several important steps. This means:
- It is the country where one will be most of the time.
- This is your major tourism motive.
- The main factor that made people start moving around in the Schengen Area
Step 2: Timing is Everything
You should begin your application 15 days prior to your journey, but not before 6 months. It is expected that during the summer period it is desirable to try to send an application 3 months before the planned training period if there are no vacancies left.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Creating a strong application requires thorough documentation.
To enter the country, you need the following:
- Visa application form filled out and sent
- Both should be recent passport-sized photographs.
- Medical and health insurance (minimum of €30,000).
- Flight tickets, return trips
- Booking confirmation or copy of reservation of hotel
- Bank statements of the last six months
- Income tax returns
- Employment replicas like letters or any business ownership-related documents.
- Travel itinerary
- Letter of explanation of the motive of the intended travel
Schengen Visa Fee Structure
Understanding the financial commitment helps in planning your application.
- Current Fee Categories
- Adult applicants: €80
- Children (6-12 years): €40
- Children under 6: Free
- Family members of EU/EEA nationals: free
- Students and researchers: €40
Note: Fees are also variable and may also differ due to changes in exchange of currency.
VFS Global Schengen Visa Application Centre
Role and Services
VFS Global serves as an intermediary between applicants and embassies, offering:
- Document gathering and authentication
- Biometric data collection
- Help in application submission
- Tracking services
- Premium lounge facilities
- Home delivery of finished application forms
Location and accessibility
VFS Global centers are strategically located in major Indian cities:
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Hyderabad
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
Unpacking the Application Process
Online Application
- To access any of the offered visa services, make an account on the online application of the embassy of your choice.
- Don’t leave your information blank on the application form; just fill it out accurately.
- Visit the VFS Global center of your convenience by making a booking.
- You can also pay the cost of the visa online or at the center in your own country.
At the Visa Center
- Please be expected to be in the clinic 15 minutes before your appointment.
- Provide fingerprint scans and digital photographs.
- You should come and present the documents as proof.
- You will receive your acknowledgment receipt.
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 15 calendar days
- Extended processing: In special circumstances, up to 30 days.
- Exceptional cases: Maximum 60 days
TULCENTARY ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS/ 2024
- Changes in the documentation procedures
- Click here to view a sample receipt of accommodation for the whole period of stay.
- Day–wise schedule
- Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 protection
- They had to provide evidence that they have enough money for their stay—at least €100 per day of stay.
- Intersect documentation with approved leave letter with employment
- Spousal relationship proof (passport if you are traveling together with your spouse).
- Birth certificates (self, children, stepchildren, and/or adopted children)
Financial Requirements
- It includes checks, bank statements of regular income and stable income, or a paid slip.
- Minimum amounts also differ by embassy.
- Credit card statements for the last 3 months (these are optional but highly advised).
- Any encumbrance relating to Fix deposits or investments (if any).
Conclusion
Many people get the impression that securing a Schengen visa can be quite challenging, but if you prepare adequately and pay adequate attention, you are bound to succeed. Please make sure to apply early, once again read and cross-verify all terms pertaining to the application, and be absolutely truthful with your correspondence. Your European adventure starts here, and this is your step-by-step guide to getting you to Europe.
Be it a honeymoon, a corporate trip, or a first cultural experience tour, it is important to have knowledge about Schengen visa processes. Simplify as much as possible, follow the rules to the letter, and in no time at all you’ll be on the road creating memories across the continental divide of Europe and the best it has to offer.
FAQs
Are there countries which one can visit with a Schengen visa if they are not Schengen countries?
No, the Schengen visa is correct for Schengen Area only. Visitors may require individual Schengen visas from regions of Europe that are not covered under this group of SE, believe the UK and Ireland.
What would it be if I rejected a visa application?
You have a right to appeal the decision within thirty days from the date the notice was mailed, or you can reapply with any documentation that would respond to the reasons for the rejection. You should therefore consider consulting a travel agent or visa consultant when applying for the next one.
