Schengen Visa from India 2026 — Fees, Process, Documents & Which Country to Apply To
One Schengen visa unlocks 29 European countries — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Greece and more — on a single short-stay sticker. For Indian tourists this “Type C” visa is the gateway to a Europe trip, and the rules are largely standardised across embassies.
Do Indians need a Schengen visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a short-stay Schengen Type C visa for tourism. You apply to the embassy/consulate of your main destination (where you will spend the most nights), or your first point of entry if nights are equal.
Fees (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Embassy visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Child (6–12 years) | €45 |
| VFS service charge | ~₹2,200–3,000 |
| Travel insurance (mandatory, €30,000 cover) | ~₹3,000 |
| All-in (approx.) | ~₹15,000–16,000 |
Processing time
Typically 10–15 working days, but apply early — embassies allow submission up to 6 months before travel, and peak summer slots fill fast. Some consulates run faster or slower than others.
Validity & length of stay
A short-stay Schengen visa permits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visas may be single, double, or multiple entry; frequent, clean travel history can earn longer multi-entry validity.
Step-by-step application process
- Decide your main destination country and fill its Schengen application form.
- Book a VFS Global (or embassy) appointment in your city.
- Buy Schengen travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical cover.
- Assemble documents and attend the appointment for biometrics.
- Track your application and collect the passport.
Documents checklist
- Passport (valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages, issued within 10 years).
- Completed form, two recent photos (35x45mm).
- Confirmed round-trip flight reservation and full hotel/accommodation bookings.
- Day-by-day itinerary covering the whole trip.
- Bank statements (6 months), ITRs, salary slips; sponsor letter if applicable.
- Travel medical insurance (€30,000) and cover letter.
Key points to remember
- Apply to the correct country (most nights) — applying to the wrong embassy is a common rejection reason.
- Your itinerary, bookings, and insurance dates must all match.
- Do not buy fully paid, non-refundable tickets before approval — use confirmed reservations.
- Show enough funds for the whole trip (a rough guide is €50–100 per day).
Common reasons for refusal
Insufficient funds, weak ties to India, inconsistent itinerary, inadequate insurance, or applying to the wrong consulate. A refusal can be appealed or reapplied with corrected documents.
Official application & disclaimer
Apply only through the official channel: the embassy of your destination country and the relevant VFS Global portal. Beware of look-alike websites and agents charging inflated fees.
Last verified: June 2026. Visa fees, processing times, and rules for the Schengen area change frequently and can vary by applicant profile and season. Always confirm the latest fees and requirements on the official site above before you apply. This guide is for general information and is not legal or immigration advice.
