How Much Really is The Schengen Visa Cost from India in 2025
While Planning a European vacation? For Indian travellers, the first most step is obtaining a visa to schengen the key to exploring 29 countries in Europe with just one visa. From Paris to Rome, Zurich to Madrid, the Schengen visa allows Indian citizens to travel freely across Europe for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Before you book flights or hotels, it’s essential to understand the know the visa cost for Schengen visa from india in 2025, including the mandatory EU fees, VFS service charges, optional courier services, and other hidden expenses. This guide will help you budget accurately, save money, and avoid surprises during the application process. The articulation of the blog is given below:
- What Is a Schengen Visa and Why Indian Citizens Need It
- Schengen Visa Cost from India in 2025
- Detailed Breakdown of Schengen Visa Fees
- Why Schengen Visa Fees Differ by Country
- VFS Schengen Visa Fee India Explained
- Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Schengen Visa from India
- Optional Services That Affect the Final Price
What Is a Schengen Visa and Why Indian Citizens Need It
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows Indian citizens to travel across the Schengen Area 29 European countries that have abolished border controls between them. Countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and many others.
For Indian travellers, this visa is mandatory for leisure, business, or study purposes if the stay is less than 90 days. Without it, you cannot legally enter Schengen countries.
Applications from India must be submitted via VFS Global, which handles appointments, biometric data collection, and forwarding documents to the respective embassies. This is why understanding the VFS Schengen visa fee India is crucial for budgeting.
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Schengen Visa Cost from India in 2025
The official Schengen visa fees for Indian citizens in 2025 are standardized across most Schengen countries:
- Adults: ₹9,100
- Children (6–12 years): ₹4,600
- Children under 6: Free
However, the final cost may increase due to additional services such as courier delivery, SMS notifications, or premium lounge access, service charges bringing the total Schengen tourist visa fees India to approximately ₹11,000–₹12,500.
It’s important to remember that these fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. So for better experience one should get the best deals packages and get visas deals easily with help of authorized travel agency such as Fly for holidays
Detailed Breakdown of Schengen Visa Fees
Here’s a closer look at the typical Schengen visa cost from India, including both mandatory and optional expenses:
Expense | Approx. Cost (₹) | Notes |
Visa application fee | 9,100 | Mandatory for adults |
VFS service fee | 1,800 – 3,000 | Required, varies by embassy |
Optional courier | 600 – 900 | Passport delivery |
SMS notifications | 150 – 250 | Optional updates |
Premium lounge | 1,000 – 2,500 | Optional convenience |
Travel insurance | 500 – 1,000 | Recommended for emergencies |
The total Schengen visa processing fees in India generally range between ₹11,500 and ₹12,500, depending on the optional services selected. Better to book your international tour package ahead to have smooth experience
Why Schengen Visa Fees Differ by Country
Even though the base Schengen visa fee is set by the EU, the total cost varies due to:
- Local embassy exchange rates
- Differences in VFS Schengen visa fee India
- Optional premium services such as lounge access or courier delivery
- Euro-to-rupee currency fluctuations
For example, Germany and France are usually among the least expensive destinations, costing around ₹11,000–₹11,300. Switzerland and Portugal may cost slightly more, ₹11,700–₹12,200, due to service charges and optional conveniences. (approx.)
VFS Schengen Visa Fee in India Explained
All Indian applicants must submit documents through VFS Global, which schedules appointments, collects biometrics, and forwards applications to the relevant embassy.
The VFS Schengen visa fee India typically ranges from ₹1,900 to ₹3,100 depending on the embassy and services selected. This service fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
VFS also offers additional services such as courier delivery, SMS updates, and premium lounge access for a more convenient experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Schengen Visa from India
Applying for a Schengen visa can be straightforward if you follow these steps carefully:
- Determine the Schengen country of main stay: If visiting multiple countries, the visa should be applied through the embassy of the country where you will spend the most days.
- Book a VFS appointment: Schedule an appointment online via VFS Global for document submission and biometrics.
- Prepare required documents: Passport, photographs, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and financial proof.
- Pay visa fees: Include both the EU visa fee and VFS Schengen visa fee India.
- Submit application and biometrics: Attend your VFS appointment to provide fingerprints and documents.
- Optional services: Choose courier delivery or premium lounge access if needed.
- Wait for processing: Processing usually takes 15 calendar days but can take longer during peak season.
- Collect your passport: Either via courier or in person at the VFS center.
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Optional Services That Affect the Final Price
While it is not mandatory, optional services can improve convenience, especially for first-time applicants:
- Courier service: Your passport is delivered to your home.
- SMS notifications: Keep track of your application status.
- Premium lounge: Faster processing and comfortable waiting areas.
- Travel insurance: Some travellers prefer to purchase it directly at the VFS centre.
These services are useful, but skipping them can reduce your total Schengen visa processing fees.
Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa
Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applications. It must cover a minimum of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
- Most VFS centres allow travellers to purchase insurance directly.
- Some travellers prefer to arrange insurance in advance to compare rates.
A policy which ensures that unexpected medical or travel emergencies in Europe are covered, reducing stress during your trip.
Tips to Save on Schengen Visa Fees
- Book appointments early to avoid premium slots.
- Skip optional services unless necessary.
- Apply as a group if travelling with family or friends to save time and possibly some service charges.
- Monitor exchange rates to pay when the euro is lower against the rupee.
Optional Services That Affect the Final Price
To make the process smoother, VFS offers paid add-ons that can slightly increase your total Schengen visa cost from India:
- Courier service: Delivers your passport to your address after processing.
- SMS notifications: Keep track of your application progress.
- Premium lounge: Faster processing, relaxed seating, and personal assistance.
- Travel insurance purchase: Some travellers prefer to buy it directly at the VFS centre.
While none of these are required, they add convenience especially for frequent travellers or first-time applicants.
How to Save Money on Schengen Visa Applications
If you are applying from India, here are practical tips to reduce your Schengen visa processing fees:
- Book early: Avoid last-minute appointments that may charge premium slots.
- Skip optional extras: Only choose courier or lounge services if necessary.
- Combine bookings: If travelling with family, schedule a single group appointment.
- Check exchange rates: Paying when the euro is lower can reduce overall costs.
Use trusted agents: Agencies like FlyForHolidays often include visa support in international tour packages, saving both time and money.
How Much Really is The Schengen Visa Cost from India in 2025
The total cost of a Schengen visa for Indian applicants is around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000. This includes the visa fee of €90 (≈ ₹8,000–₹8,500) and an additional service charge of ₹1,000–₹2,000 if applying through VFS or BLS centres. Optional costs like travel insurance or courier services may slightly increase the total amount.
From June 2024, the European Union increased the Schengen visa fee from €80 to €90 for adults and from €40 to €45 for children aged 6–12 years. Children under 6 years are still exempt from fees. This new fee applies to all 29 Schengen countries.
Normally, Schengen visa processing takes 15 working days, but urgent applications can be approved in 3–5 days in exceptional cases such as medical emergencies or official travel. To improve your chances of faster approval, apply through the right embassy, submit all required documents accurately, and request a priority appointment if available.
No, the Schengen visa is not free for Indian citizens.
The standard fee is €90 (around ₹8,000–₹8,500) per adult. However, the visa is free for:
- Children under 6 years
- Students and researchers travelling for academic programs
- Nonprofit organization representatives (under 25) attending cultural or sports events
- Certain family members of EU/EEA nationals
In most cases, no — the processing time is about 15 working days.
However, some embassies can issue a visa in 3–5 days in urgent or exceptional cases, such as medical travel, business emergencies, or official delegations. You’ll need to request priority processing and submit all documents correctly.
You should maintain at least ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh in your account for a short trip (7–10 days).
Schengen authorities require proof that you have €70–€100 per day of stay, plus return travel and accommodation funds. The balance should be reflected consistently in your past 3–6 months’ bank statements.
Yes, in most cases, Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2–3 years are required to prove your financial stability.
If you don’t have ITRs (for example, if you’re a student or newly employed), you can submit a sponsorship letter, Form 16, or proof of regular income from family instead.
Based on approval statistics, the easiest Schengen countries for Indian applicants are usually:
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Slovakia
- Estonia
- Czech Republic
These countries have higher approval rates (over 95%) and generally shorter waiting times for appointments.
Yes, you can include a Fixed Deposit (FD) as part of your financial proof.
However, it should be active and not locked — meaning you must show that you can liquidate it if needed. Attach the FD certificate along with your bank statements for stronger proof of funds.
The general list includes:
- Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, valid 6 months beyond travel)
- Visa application form (filled and signed)
- Recent passport-size photos (white background)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation proof)
- Travel insurance (coverage of at least €30,000)
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- ITR or income proof
- Employment proof or NOC (if employed)
- Cover letter stating purpose and details of the trip
Proof of sufficient funds means showing that you can afford your travel, stay, and return without financial issues. Acceptable proofs include:
- Recent bank statements (3–6 months)
- Salary slips or ITRs
- Sponsorship letters (if someone else is funding the trip)
- Credit card limits or FD certificates
Yes, you can still get a visa if you are unemployed, but you must prove financial support.
You can submit:
- A sponsorship letter from a parent, spouse, or relative
- Bank statements or FDs in your name
- A cover letter explaining your situation and how your expenses will be covered
The top reasons include:
- Insufficient proof of funds
- Unclear travel purpose or weak itinerary
- Missing documents or fake papers
- No travel history
- Doubts about returning to India (lack of strong home ties)
To avoid refusal, provide honest, clear, and complete documentation.
Income proof can include any of the following:
- Salary slips (last 3 months)
- ITR or Form 16 (last 2–3 years)
- Business registration and bank statements (for self-employed)
- Sponsorship letter and sponsor’s ITRs (if dependent)
The Schengen visa system has four main types:
- Type A (Airport Transit Visa) – For transiting through a Schengen airport without entering the country.
- Type B (Transit Visa) – For short travel through Schengen territory (rarely issued now).
- Type C (Short-Stay Visa) – For tourism, business, or family visits up to 90 days.
- Type D (Long-Stay Visa) – For work, study, or residence over 90 days in one Schengen country.
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