List of Schengen Region and Visa Formalities for Indians

Planning a trip to the Schengen region is something many Indian travellers dream about exploring the romantic streets of Paris which tops in their bucket list, skiing in the Swiss Alps, or enjoying the art and history of Rome. But that excitement often comes to a hal when it’s time to figure out the visa process. Suddenly, you’re hit with a wave of questions:

 

 “Which country should I apply through if I’m visiting more than one?”, “What schengen documents do I really need?”, “Is my bank balance enough?” or even “Can I get the schengen visa in just a few days?”

 

If any of that sounds familiar, these are the common question for Indian passport holders. The Schengen visa process can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the steps, it’s much more manageable than it appears. This guide is here to walk you through the formalities clearly and simply so you can focus less on paperwork and more on planning your perfect European adventure. The given is proper articulation of the blog.

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    Table of Contents

    • What Is the Schengen Region?
    • List of Schengen Countries
    • Do All Schengen Countries Have the Same Visa Rules?
    • How Indians Can Apply for a Schengen Visa
      • 4.1 Choose Your Main Country
      • 4.2 Gather Required Documents
      • 4.3 Book Your Appointment
    • Schengen Visa Fees in India
    • Minimum Bank Balance Required for Schengen Visa
    • Can You Get a Schengen Visa in 3 Working Days?
    • Types of Schengen Visas
      • 8.1 Type A – Airport Transit
      • 8.2 Type C – Short-Stay Visa
      • 8.3 Type D – Long-Stay Visa
    • Multiple Entry Schengen Visa for Indians
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Final Thoughts

    First, What Is the Schengen Region?

    Think of the Schengen Zone as a “passport-free club” of European countries. Once you enter one country with a valid visa, you’re free to move around 29 other countries  no border checks, no new visa, no drama.

    Here’s the full list (as of 2025):

    • Austria
    • Belgium
    • Bulgaria
    • Croatia
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Italy
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Malta
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland

    Basically, if you’re doing a Euro trip and want to hop from Paris to Amsterdam to Prague one visa gets you in. and you can travel to each of these following countries without worrying about visa. For best International  tour packages consult best travel agent such as flyforholidays.com

    How Can Indians Apply for a Schengen Visa?

    Here’s the good news: the process is simpler than most people think if you prepare properly.

     

    Step 1: Choose Your “Main Country”

    If you’re visiting just one country, it’s easy apply at that country’s embassy or visa center.
    But if you’re visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply through:

    • The country where you’ll spend the most days, or
    • If time is equal, the country you’ll enter first

     

    Step 2: Gather the Documents

    The checklist can look scary at first, but it’s very doable.

     

    You’ll need:

    Valid passport (3 months from arrival).

    Three photos (35 x 45 mm, matt, white, 80% face).

    Schengen Visa form.

    Cover letter & itinerary.

    Bank statement signed & stamped (latest 6 months).

    Income Tax Returns (3 years).

    Return ticket & hotel booking.

    Travel Insurance (Minimum 30,000 euro) (mandatory )

    For Self-employed: Bank statement & Tax returns.

    For Minor: Birth Certificate, school/college ID card

    Tip: Even if you’re not asked for return tickets, include them it shows you intend to come back.

     

    Step 3: Book Your Appointment

    Most Schengen countries in India work through VFS Global. You can book your appointment online, choose your city (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc.), and pay your visa + service fees.

     

    On the day of the appointment, carry originals and copies. You’ll also be asked for biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

    How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost for Indians?

    Here’s a breakdown:

    Applicant Type

    Visa Fee (approx)

    Adult (12+ yrs)

    10,500

    Child (6–12 yrs)

    Depends on the country

    Child (under 6 yrs)

    Free

     

    Keeps of fluctuating depends on the rate of the exchange .You’ll pay in INR, based on the euro conversion rate of the day. Always carry a little extra cash or a card 

    just in case.

    Is There a Minimum Bank Balance Required?

    Let’s get real there’s no fixed number stamped on your application. But there is a logic behind what the embassy wants to see.

    You need to prove that:

    • You can afford your stay
    • You won’t be a burden on their system
    • You’ll return to India

    what’s considered “enough”?

    • For a 7-10 day trip, having ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakhs in your bank account is safe
    • That includes accommodation, food, transport, and some buffer
    • The more expensive the country (like Switzerland), the more you might need to show

    Include:

    • 6 months’ bank statements (with consistent income/savings)
    • Salary slips or tax returns
    • Any fixed deposits, travel cards, or mutual funds (optional but helpful)

    Avoid: Sudden deposits or fake bank statements. Embassies are very good at spotting “window dressing”.

    Let Our Schengen Visa Experts Call You

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      Can You Get a Schengen Visa in 3 Working Days?

      We wish. But unless you have an emergency or a diplomatic passport, 3-day processing is almost unheard of.

      Here’s what’s normal:

      • Average time: 15 working days
      • Peak season: 3–4 weeks
      • Emergency/medical/business: Case-by-case, and rarely fast-tracked

      So, apply early ideally 6 weeks before your trip.

      What Are the Different Types of Schengen Visas?

      Most Indian travellers need a short-stay Schengen visa, but here’s a breakdown:

      1. Type A (Airport Transit)

      You’re not entering the country, just catching a connecting flight.

       

      1. Type C (Short-Stay)

      This is the one most tourists, families, and business travellers use.
      Valid for:

      • Tourism
      • Business meetings
      • Visiting friends/family
      • Attending events or conferences
      • Short-term training

       

      Duration: Max 90 days in a 180-day period

      You can get:

      • Single-entry (enter once and leave)
      • Double-entry (enter twice)
      • Multiple-entry (ideal for frequent flyers)

       

      1. Type D (Long-Stay/National Visa)

      For stays longer than 90 days, like:

      • Work
      • Study
      • Residency

      Each country handles this differently, so you need to apply directly to that country’s embassy.

      Can I Get a Long-Term or Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?

      Yes, and here’s where it gets interesting  Indians who’ve had two valid Schengen visas in the past 3 years may now be eligible for:

      • 2-year multiple entry visa
      • 5-year multiple entry visa (for frequent travellers with clean history)

      This means fewer embassy visits and more freedom to plan trips spontaneously. However, even with a 5-year visa, your stay is still limited to 90 days in every 180 days.

      Final Thoughts

      Europe is closer than you think not just in miles, but in possibilities. Yes, the Schengen visa takes a bit of paperwork and patience, but with the right preparation, Indian travellers are getting approvals faster than ever.

       

      Your dream vacation to Paris, Prague, or Porto doesn’t start with a plane ticket — it starts with clarity, preparation, and confidence.

       

      So gather your documents, plan your route, and submit your application with care. The rest? A scenic train ride through Europe awaits.

      List of Schengen Region and Visa Formalities for Indians

      Can I travel to all Schengen countries with one visa?

      Yes, if it’s valid. No need to apply separately.

      Do all Schengen countries follow the same visa rules?

      Yes ,for short-stay visas. Differences may exist in document preferences or processing times.

      Is travel insurance really mandatory?

      Yes. No insurance = no visa. Minimum coverage of €30,000 is required.

      Can I apply without confirmed flight tickets?

      Yes, but embassies prefer seeing flight reservations. You don’t have to pay full price.

      What all documents are required for a Schengen visa from India?

      You need a valid passport, visa form, photos, travel insurance, flight & hotel bookings, bank statements, ITR, salary slips, and a cover letter.

      Which Schengen country gives visas easily to Indians?

      Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland have higher approval rates for Indians.

      Germany and Italy are also considered smooth if your documents are strong.

      What are the 27 countries in Schengen visa?

      There are 27 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, and others in Europe.

      What is the new Schengen visa rule for Indians?

      Frequent Indian travelers may now get 2 or 5-year multiple-entry visas under the new “cascade” rules from April 2024.