Schengen Visa Guide for Indians: Lists, Requirements, & Fees

Imagine traveling to 27 European countries with just one visa! That's the magic of the Schengen visa. You can go on holidays, attend business meetings, or visit family without needing separate visas for each country. Let’s make your European trip easy.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is like a pass that lets you visit many European countries for a short time. You can use it for tourism, business, or family visits, and you can stay for up to 90 days in 180 days. Instead of getting many visas, you just need this one.

Key Things to Know:

• One visa for 27 European countries.
• Stay for up to 90 days.
• Good for holidays, business, or visiting family.
• Apply at any Schengen country's embassy or consulate.
• Different from long-stay visas.

Schengen Visa Countries List (2025)

Here are the 27 countries you can visit:

• European Union (EU) Countries (23): Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
• Non-EU Countries (4): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.
• Coming Soon: Romania and Bulgaria are joining, and Cyprus is also planning to join.

Schengen Visa from India

Here’s how to apply:

1. Choose Your Visa Type:
• Tourist Visa: For holidays.
• Business Visa: For work.
• Family Visit Visa: To see relatives.
• Student Visa: For short courses.
• Medical Visa: For treatment.
2. Pick the Right Embassy: Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll stay the longest, or the first country you enter.
3. Gather Your Documents:
• Valid Passport.
• Visa Application Form.
• Passport Photos.
• Travel Plan (flights, hotels).
• Bank Statements.
• Travel Insurance (at least €30,000).
• Cover letter explaining your trip.
• Proof of employment or business.
4. Book an Appointment: Go online through VFS Global.
5. Pay the Visa Fee:
• Adults: €80 (approx. ₹7,200).
• Children (6-12): €40 (approx. ₹3,600).
• Children under 6: Free.
6. Visa Interview and Fingerprints: Answer questions and give your fingerprints.
7. Wait for Your Visa: It takes 15-45 days.
8. Collect Your Visa: If approved, you get a visa sticker in your passport.

Schengen Visa Requirements & Rules

• The passport must be valid for 3 months after your trip.
• You need all the documents listed above.

Types of Schengen Visas for Indian Travelers

• Short-Stay (Type C): Up to 90 days.
• Tourist, Business, Family, Student, Medical.
• Long-Stay (Type D): More than 90 days (for work, study, etc.).
• Transit (Type A or B): For layovers.
• Multiple-Entry: Enter and exit many times.

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

• You MUST have travel insurance.
• It should cover at least €30,000 for medical costs.
• It must be valid in all 27 countries.
• Must cover the entire trip.
• It should include emergency medical care and return to India.

Why Insurance is Important

• Covers medical bills.
• Helps if you lose luggage or documents.
• If you don't have it, your visa will be rejected.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Schengen visa is easy if you follow these steps. Plan ahead, gather all your documents, and you'll be ready for your European adventure!