What is a Schengen visa?
Schengen is a zone in the European Union, constituted of 27 countries that follow a standard visa policy. All in the union have officially diluted the use of passports within themselves. Schengen is known as the world’s largest visa-free zone. The Schengen region welcomes all locals and visitors from across the globe. Although selected countries can travel without a visa to any Schengen country, India does not fall under this category.
If you are an Indian passport holder planning to travel to any 27 Schengen countries for work, transit, tourism or any other reason, you must apply for a Schengen visa. It is valid for up to 90 days in any 180 days period. If you plan to visit several countries within the Schengen Zone during your trip, you may need a Multiple Entry visa.
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Is a Schengen visa available on arrival?
No, the Schengen visa on arrival option is unavailable for Indian Citizens.
Who is eligible to apply for a Schengen Visa in India?
If you are a,
- Indian passport holders.
- Residents of India under a permanent or temporary residence permit
You can apply for a visa at the Schengen embassies/consulates or visa application centers (VACs) in India.
Different Types of Schengen Visa
Depending on the reason for your visit, you can apply for one of the Schengen visas available from India.
- Tourist visa
- Visitor visa: If you have a friend or family member who resides in the Schengen area or is an EU/EEA citizen, you will typically need to provide a letter of invitation from them when applying for this type of visa.
- Business visa: If you need to conduct business in the Schengen area with a company or an individual, you can apply for a business visa. To obtain the visa, you must provide a copy of the invitation letter from the company inviting you.
- Medical visa. Obtain a medical visa if you visit the Schengen area for medical purposes, such as surgery or other treatments. Provide evidence of your medical condition and show you have the financial means to pay for your medical care.
- Student visa. If you plan on studying in the Schengen Area/EU for 90 days or less, you should apply for this specific type of visa.
- Visa for Official Visits. Visas for official visits are granted to individuals who will be entering the Schengen Area for formal events such as exchange programs, negotiations, consultations, and other similar occasions held within the Schengen Zone.
- Cultural exchange visa. If you plan on visiting the Schengen Area for cultural, sports, religious, or film crew events, you should opt for this type of Schengen visa. This visa is typically granted for the event/program/training/competition you attend.
- Transit visa. You may only need a short-term transit visa if you travel through Schengen countries to reach your final destination. However, this requirement depends on your nationality.
Apply for a Schengen Visa from India – Know the 90/180 Rule
To apply for a Schengen visa, you should start by determining the type of visa that suits your travel plans. It will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip and the number of times you intend to visit your preferred country or country. The standard Schengen visa, a short-stay visa, is valid for trips up to 90 days. Under Schengen, non-EEA nationals can spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period with a Schengen visa. However, you must apply for a work or study visa if you plan to stay longer. If you plan on visiting the Schengen Area frequently, you’ll need a multiple-entry visa.
To apply for a Schengen Visa, do so by six months and 15 days before your trip. Using at least three weeks before departure is recommended to account for any possible processing delays. Please make sure to collect all necessary documents and submit your application accordingly. You’ll also need to attend an interview at the relevant consulate, embassy, or visa application Centre. Please note that the processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 working days. Please keep this in mind when applying for your visa.
A Schengen Visa cost in India
The cost of a Schengen Visa is the same for everyone, regardless of their country of origin. If you are applying for a Schengen Visa from India, the fee for an adult is €80 or approximately ₹7,080. Children aged 12 to 18 also pay €80, while children aged 6 to 11 pay €40. Children under 6 do not need to pay for a Schengen Visa. However, there are certain circumstances where the visa fee may be waived, such as for individuals under 25 attending cultural, educational, or sporting events, students and teachers on study or training trips, and researchers travelling for scientific purposes. It’s important to note that administrative fees may also apply, depending on where and how you apply for your visa, and these fees are non-refundable in case of a visa application rejection.
Documents need to apply for a Schengen Visa
The following documents will be required to obtain a Schengen Visa from India.:
- A Schengen Visa application form
- Two recently taken passport-style photos
- An Indian passport (or other travel documents)
- A no-objection certificate from your school or university and proof of enrolment (if student)
- A travel insurance certificate (covering you up to costs of €30,000)
- Proof of financial status
If your sources of income include pension or property, you should provide proof of it. Ensure you present all the required documents in their original format and the specified order. It is advisable to keep copies of all the paperwork for your reference. Please note that you should not staple any of the documents.
In addition to the other necessary documents, having a forex/travel card with you is vital when travelling abroad. This card allows you to access money in a foreign currency and reduces the need to carry cash. You can add one or multiple currencies to the card based on your needs. The card has an integrated microchip that ensures maximum security and peace of mind.
Look for the best currency exchange while exchanging currency. It’s natural to want to find an agent who offers the best rates. However, be cautious of unauthorized agents offering higher rates than the market. These transactions may violate RBI guidelines and lead to future problems. Always trust an RBI-licensed AD II category service provider like Unimoni to ensure a safe transaction. With over 300 branches and 15000+ agents, Unimoni offers financial services to individuals and businesses globally in over 160 countries.
Note: At Unimoni, we offer you the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. However, it’s important to note that visa regulations are subject to change at any time by the consulate of your chosen country. Therefore, we cannot take responsibility for any modifications made. We recommend contacting the appropriate embassy or consulate to obtain the latest terms and conditions when submitting your visa application.
Benefits of Taking a Schengen Visa
The Schengen visa covers 27 countries and offers several advantages to tourists. With this visa, you can travel to multiple countries using just one document, which saves time and effort. Instead of obtaining and paying for separate visas for each country, you only need one stamp on your passport, reducing time spent on bureaucratic procedures.
Please speak to our specialist: https://www.unimoni.in/contact.php
