EU Schengen Visa Guide 2024

Complete step-by-step guide to obtaining your European Schengen visa from India. Expert assistance for 26 European countries with one single visa.

26 Countries90 Days StayExpert Guidance
15-20 Days
Processing Time
₹8,500
Visa Fee
90 Days
Maximum Stay
95%
Success Rate

What is EU Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries. With a single Schengen visa, you can visit multiple European countries without needing separate visas for each country.

Schengen Area Countries (26 Countries):

Western Europe:

  • • France
  • • Germany
  • • Spain
  • • Italy
  • • Netherlands
  • • Belgium
  • • Austria
  • • Switzerland
  • • Portugal
  • • Luxembourg

Northern & Eastern Europe:

  • • Sweden
  • • Denmark
  • • Norway
  • • Finland
  • • Iceland
  • • Poland
  • • Czech Republic
  • • Hungary
  • • Slovakia
  • • Slovenia
  • • Estonia
  • • Latvia
  • • Lithuania
  • • Malta
  • • Greece
  • • Liechtenstein

Required Documents for EU Schengen Visa

📋 Basic Documents

  • Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay
  • Visa Application Form: Completed and signed
  • Photographs: 2 recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm)
  • Travel Insurance: Minimum €30,000 coverage
  • Flight Itinerary: Round-trip booking confirmation
  • Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or invitation letter

💰 Financial Documents

  • Bank Statements: Last 3 months with sufficient funds
  • Salary Slips: Last 3 months payslips
  • Income Tax Returns: Last 2 years ITR
  • Employment Letter: From current employer with salary details
  • Leave Approval: If employed

📑 Additional Documents

  • Cover Letter: Purpose of visit and itinerary
  • Travel Itinerary: Detailed day-wise plan
  • Previous Visas: If any (copies)
  • Marriage Certificate: If traveling with spouse
  • Birth Certificate: If traveling with children

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Choose Main Destination Country

Apply at the consulate of the country where you'll spend most time, or your first entry point if equal time.

2

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents as per the checklist. Ensure all documents are recent and valid.

3

Book Appointment

Schedule appointment at VFS Global or consulate. Book 2-3 weeks in advance.

4

Submit Application

Visit visa center, submit documents, pay fees, and provide biometrics (fingerprints).

5

Track Application

Monitor application status online. Processing typically takes 15-20 working days.

6

Collect Passport

Receive passport with visa or rejection letter. Check all details carefully.

Types of Schengen Visa

🌍 Tourist Visa (Type C)

  • • Short-stay visa (up to 90 days)
  • • Tourism and sightseeing
  • • Visiting friends and family
  • • Cultural events and festivals

💼 Business Visa (Type C)

  • • Business meetings and conferences
  • • Trade fairs and exhibitions
  • • Contract negotiations
  • • Corporate training programs

🎓 Student Visa (Type D)

  • • Long-stay visa (over 90 days)
  • • Academic courses and programs
  • • Research and internships
  • • Exchange programs

🏥 Medical Visa (Type C)

  • • Medical treatment and surgery
  • • Specialized healthcare services
  • • Accompanying patient as attendant
  • • Medical consultations

Visa Fees & Processing Time

CategoryVisa FeeService FeeTotal
Adult (12+ years)₹8,500₹2,500₹11,000
Child (6-11 years)₹4,200₹2,500₹6,700
Child (0-5 years)Free₹2,500₹2,500

Processing Time:

Standard processing: 15-20 working days

Peak season: 25-30 working days

Apply at least 3 weeks before travel date

Expert Tips for Visa Approval

✅ Do's

  • • Apply 3-4 weeks before travel
  • • Show strong ties to India
  • • Maintain consistent travel history
  • • Provide detailed itinerary
  • • Show sufficient funds (€50-100/day)
  • • Get comprehensive travel insurance
  • • Be honest in application

❌ Don'ts

  • • Don't provide false information
  • • Don't apply too early (>3 months)
  • • Don't book non-refundable flights
  • • Don't show insufficient funds
  • • Don't ignore travel insurance
  • • Don't submit incomplete documents
  • • Don't overstay previous visas

Need Visa Assistance?

Our expert visa consultants are here to help you with your EU Schengen visa application

Visa Support
+917096332299
visa@explerainc.com
General Support
+91-261-6916121
support@explera.in
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