Frequently Asked Questions

Complete answers for Indian travellers applying for a Schengen visa

Do Indian citizens need a Schengen visa?

Yes. Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa (Type C) to enter any of the 29 Schengen Area countries. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Indians for tourist/short-stay visits to Europe. Applications must be submitted at the respective country's consulate or visa application centre (VFS/BLS) before travel.

Which countries can I visit with a Schengen visa?

A single Schengen visa allows travel across all 29 Schengen member states without border checks between them: 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, and Switzerland. Note: the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus are NOT part of Schengen.

How long can I stay in Schengen countries on a tourist visa?

The Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa allows a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. This operates on a rolling 180-day window looking back at each individual day of stay across the entire Schengen Area — not a fixed calendar year. You can split your visits across multiple trips as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days in any applicable 180-day lookback period. Staying beyond the authorised period can have immigration consequences.

Which consulate do I apply to for a Schengen visa?

Under Article 5 of the EU Visa Code, you must apply to the consulate of your main destination:
1. Main Purpose: If visiting multiple Schengen countries for different purposes, apply to the Member State of your main purpose of travel.
2. Longest Stay: If traveling solely for tourism or identical purposes, apply to the Member State where you will spend the longest duration of stay (most nights).
3. First Entry Tie-Breaker: If spending an equal number of nights in multiple Member States, apply to the Member State whose external border you will first enter.

Consulates assess genuine jurisdiction based on your itinerary and supporting evidence; you cannot choose a consulate solely based on appointment availability. Our multi-country tourism case shows how destination jurisdiction was established for a multi-city itinerary.

What are the financial requirements for a Schengen visa?

Each Schengen member state sets its own financial means requirement, so the amount varies by destination country — there is no single Schengen-wide daily figure. Check the specific consulate's current requirements, and show funds appropriate to your itinerary, accommodation, and length of stay. Accepted proof includes: 3–6 months of bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, or a sponsor's financial guarantee. Funds must be readily accessible — not locked in long-term investments.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Yes — Schengen travel insurance is mandatory. It must cover: medical expenses and emergency hospitalization (minimum €30,000 coverage), medical repatriation, and emergency evacuation. The policy must be valid for all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your trip. Insurance from Indian or international providers is accepted as long as it meets these requirements.

How long does Schengen visa processing take from India?

Under Article 23 of the EU Visa Code, the standard statutory processing time is up to 15 calendar days once an admissible application is lodged with the consulate. In individual cases requiring extended examination or additional documents, this period may extend up to 45 calendar days. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended departure date. Because appointment availability at VFS/BLS centres varies by Member State and season, applicants should secure appointment slots well in advance.

What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry Schengen visa?

A single-entry visa allows one trip to Schengen within the validity period. If you exit Schengen (even to the UK or Turkey), your visa is used. A multiple-entry visa lets you enter and exit Schengen multiple times within the validity period (1 or 2 years), subject to the 90/180-day rule. Frequent travellers should request multi-entry; it's often granted after a clean single-entry history.

Can I get a 5-year Schengen visa?

Yes, under the EU cascade regime for Indian nationals residing in India (adopted April 2024), eligible travellers with an established lawful travel record can obtain multi-year visas:
• A 2-year multiple-entry visa may be issued to applicants who have lawfully obtained and used two Schengen visas within the previous three years.
• A 5-year multiple-entry visa may follow if the 2-year visa was lawfully used, provided passport validity permits.

Multi-year visas are subject to consular assessment and are not automatic.

Can I work on a Schengen tourist visa?

No — work is strictly prohibited on a Schengen tourist (Type C) visa. This includes paid employment, freelancing, and business activities. If caught working illegally, you can be deported and banned from Schengen countries for years. For business activities, you should apply for a business visa. For employment, you need a national work visa of the specific country.

What is the Schengen visa fee for Indian applicants?

The standard Schengen visa (Type C) fee set by the European Commission is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the visa fee. In India, fees are paid in Indian Rupees at the official consular exchange rate at the time of submission. Additional local service centre (VFS Global / BLS) handling and optional courier charges apply. All visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.

What if my Schengen visa application is refused?

If your visa is refused, you will receive a written refusal notice explaining the reason. You have the right to appeal the decision (appeal process varies by country). You can also re-apply with stronger documentation addressing the refusal reason. Common refusal reasons include: insufficient finances, weak ties to India, incomplete documents, or unclear travel purpose. A refusal does not permanently bar you from applying again.

Can I visit non-Schengen European countries with my Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa does NOT automatically grant access to non-Schengen European countries. UK and Ireland require their own visas. However, some non-Schengen countries accept a valid Schengen visa for entry: Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Georgia, and several others allow Schengen visa holders to visit without an additional visa. Check each country's specific policy before planning your itinerary.

Do I need to provide biometrics for a Schengen visa?

Yes. Fingerprints and a digital photograph (biometrics) are required for all Schengen visa applicants over 12 years old. Biometrics are collected at the VFS or BLS Visa Application Centre — you cannot apply entirely online without a biometric appointment. Biometrics are valid for 59 months (approximately 5 years) — if you have applied before, you may not need to re-submit.

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