Schengen Visa (Type C)
Short-stay visa for tourism, business, or visiting family/friends in the 27 Schengen Area countries.
Quick Facts
Overview
The Schengen Visa allows Indian citizens to visit 27 European countries in the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits. This is a short-stay visa (Type C) valid for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You must apply at the embassy/consulate of the country where you will spend the most time. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the embassy of your first point of entry. The application requires comprehensive documentation including travel insurance, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and financial proof.
Schengen visas are popular among Indian travelers due to the ability to visit 27 countries with a single visa. Processing is relatively fast (10-15 days) and approval rates are good for well-documented applications.
Key Highlights
- Access to 27 European countries with one visa
- Processing: 10-15 days standard
- Visa fee: €80 + VFS charges
- Travel insurance mandatory (€30,000 coverage)
- Valid for up to 90 days in 180-day period
- Biometric enrollment required (valid 5 years)
- Must apply at least 15 days before travel
Visa Types Available
Tourist Visa (TOURIST)
For tourism and leisure travel
- • Tourism and sightseeing
- • Leisure travel
- • Cultural events
Business Visa (BUSINESS)
For business activities
- • Business meetings
- • Conferences and exhibitions
- • Trade fairs
Visit to Family/Friends (VISIT)
For visiting family members or friends
- • Visiting relatives
- • Visiting friends
Step-by-Step Application Process
Determine Main Destination
Apply at embassy of country where you will spend most days
⏱️ Duration: 10 minutes
Book Appointment
Schedule visa appointment at VFS/Consulate
⏱️ Duration: 15 minutes
Complete Application Form
Fill Schengen visa application form
⏱️ Duration: 30 minutes
Gather Required Documents
Collect all mandatory documents per checklist
⏱️ Duration: 2-3 days
Get Travel Insurance
Purchase Schengen travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
⏱️ Duration: 1 hour
Attend Appointment
Submit application, documents, biometrics, and pay fee
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
Track Application
Monitor application status online
⏱️ Duration: 10-15 days
Collect Passport
Receive passport with visa from VFS/Consulate
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 days
Fees Breakdown
| Visa Application Fee | EUR 80 |
| VFS Service Fee | INR 1850 |
| Total (Approximate in INR) | ₹9,000 |
Last updated: 2025-01-15
⚠️ Important Warnings
- ⚠ Must enter through country that issued visa (or main destination)
- ⚠ Travel insurance is mandatory - no exceptions
- ⚠ Must have confirmed flight and hotel bookings
- ⚠ Bank statements must show sufficient funds
- ⚠ Overstaying can lead to Schengen-wide ban
- ⚠ Apply at embassy of main destination country
Pro Tips for Success
Common Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them
Justification for purpose and conditions of stay not provided
Travel purpose or itinerary not convincing
Detailed itinerary, confirmed bookings, clear purpose statement
Insufficient means of subsistence
Not enough funds to cover trip expenses
Show €60-100/day, 6 months bank statements, employment proof
Intention to leave Schengen territory not established
Lack of ties to home country
Strong employment, property ownership, family ties in India
Official Sources
- European Commission - Schengen Visa (official)