Schengen Visa Guide for Indians: All You Need to Know

Unlock your European adventure with a Schengen visa — your gateway to 29 countries, from Paris to the fjords of Norway.

Planning a European escape? Whether it’s café-hopping in Paris, chasing Northern Lights in Finland, or sailing the Croatian coast, the Schengen visa unlocks seamless travel across much of the continent. But with strict documentation, country-specific rules, and recent surges in rejection rates, applying for one can feel more complex than booking your entire trip.

For Indian travellers, especially first-timers, navigating this process isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about strategy, timing, and choosing the right entry point into the Schengen zone. With the right preparation, your visa approval is closer than you think.

This guide simplifies the process, clears up confusion about where to apply, what to carry, and how to improve your approval chances—so you can focus on your European itinerary, not embassy appointments.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel freely within the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area. Whether you’re planning a Eurotrip, visiting family, or attending a business meeting, this visa opens doors—literally—across much of Europe.

Where Can You Travel with a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa grants access to the following countries:

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, and Switzerland.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India

Step 1: Choose the Right Country to Apply To
Your application must go through the country that is your main destination—where you plan to spend the most time.

Example: If you’re visiting Germany, France, and the Netherlands for 4, 3, and 2 days respectively, you must apply through the German embassy.

In case you’re spending equal time in multiple countries, apply to the country you will enter first.

Step 2: Book Your Appointment

• For most Schengen countries, Indian applicants must apply through VFS Global.
• However, if Spain is your main destination, you must apply via BLS International, the designated visa facilitation agency for Spain in India.

• Fill out the Schengen visa application form.
• Schedule your appointment online with VFS Global or BLS International and pay the service fee.
• Visit the visa application centre on the scheduled date to:

1. Submit your documents
2. Give biometrics (fingerprints and eye scan)
3. Pay the visa fee

Where to Submit Your Application: Schengen Visa Centres in India

VFS Global LocationsVFS Global handles Schengen visa applications for most countries in India, offering document submission and biometric services across major cities.

Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Goa, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Puducherry, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram

BLS International Locations (Spain Only)BLS International manages Schengen visa applications for Spain in India, providing dedicated support at select city centers.

Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Puducherry

Documents Required for Schengen Visa

All applicants must submit:

• A valid passport (with at least 3 months’ validity from your return date)
• Completed visa application form
• One recent passport-sized photograph (as per ICAO standards)
• Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
• Confirmed flight itinerary with return tickets
• Financial proof (last 3 months’ bank statements or salary slips)

For business travellers:
Include an invitation letter from the organisation in Europe and details of the business relationship.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

Submit a high-quality, recent photo:

• Size: 35–45mm width
• The face should take up 70–80% of the frame
• Plain, white background
• Two passport-sized photos are needed, and they should be printed on high-quality, non-glossy paper.

You can apply as early as six months and no later than 15 working days before your travel date. Apply early to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during peak travel season.

How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost for Indians?

How to Track Your Visa Application

Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track its status online:

• VFS Global: Use your reference number and last name on their tracking portal.
• BLS International: Use your receipt reference number, passport number, and date of birth.

The standard processing time is 15 working days. However, delays can happen, so it’s wise to apply at least 3–4 weeks in advance.

How Much Did Schengen Visas Cost India in 2024?

In 2024, the Schengen visa fee for Indian applicants aged 12 and above was raised mid-year from €80 to €90, with an average fee of €85 for the year. This fee does not apply to certain groups such as children under 12, students, representatives of non-profit organizations, and other special categories. While detailed demographic data is unavailable, India spent around Rs 916 crore on Schengen visa applications last year. Of these, 165,266 applications were rejected, leading to an estimated loss of Rs 136 crore due to unfulfilled travel plans.

A Word of Caution: High Rejection Rates in 2024

In 2024, Indian travellers faced a massive setback with over 165,000 Schengen visa applications being rejected—translating to a loss of nearly Rs 136 crore in non-refundable fees. According to the European Commission, Indian applicants were among the most affected globally, bearing one of the highest rejection rates in the world

Top 5 Countries with Highest Indian Visa Rejections

A Schengen visa is your passport to unforgettable European adventures. But the process demands precision, planning, and patience. If you're armed with the right documents, timelines, and tips, your dream Eurotrip is just a stamp away.

So, where will your Schengen journey begin—under the Eiffel Tower, beside the Grand Canal, or amid the fjords of Norway?