Schengen Visa for Indians (2026): Fees, Documents, Process & Which Country to Apply To
Last updated: July 14, 2026
A Schengen visa is the single most important travel document for Indian travellers heading to Europe — one visa that lets you visit up to 29 European countries on a single trip. This 2026 guide explains who needs it, how much it costs, which country to apply to, the documents required, and how to apply from India step by step. Visa rules and fees change often — always confirm details with the official embassy or VFS/BLS website before you apply.
What is a Schengen visa?
The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have removed passport checks at their shared borders. A short-stay Schengen visa (type “C”) lets you travel freely across all of them for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Members include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Croatia, among others. Because it is one shared visa, you do not need a separate visa for each country.
Do Indians need a Schengen visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. You apply in advance at the consulate (or its authorised visa centre) of the correct country.
Which country should you apply to?
Most Indian applicants get confused here. You apply to one country, chosen by the “main destination” rule:
- Single-country trip: apply to that country.
- Multiple countries: apply to the country where you will spend the most nights.
- Equal nights: apply to the country you will enter first.
Applying to the wrong consulate is a common cause of rejection or delay, so plan your itinerary before booking an appointment.
Schengen visa fees in 2026
From 11 June 2026, the standard short-stay Schengen visa fee rose from €80 to €90 (about ₹8,100) for adults. On top of the government fee you pay a VFS Global or BLS International service charge (roughly ₹1,900–₹3,100 depending on the country), plus optional add-ons like courier or SMS updates.
| Applicant | Government fee | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €90 | ~₹8,100 |
| Child (6–12) | €45 | ~₹4,050 |
| Child (under 6) | Free | — |
Add the VFS/BLS service fee (₹1,900–₹3,100) and a typical all-in cost is ₹11,000–₹15,000 per adult. Both the visa fee and service fee are non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected.
Where to apply in India (VFS vs BLS)
Most Schengen countries route applications through one of two centres:
- VFS Global — France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria and several others.
- BLS International — Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal.
Centres operate in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Kochi and Jaipur, though jurisdictions vary by country. Always confirm the correct centre on the official website — it changes occasionally, and the wrong centre will not accept your application.
Documents required
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond your return date, with 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years
- Completed and signed Schengen application form
- Two recent photos (35mm × 45mm, Schengen/ICAO specification)
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000, valid across the Schengen Area
- Confirmed round-trip flight reservation (a booking, not paid tickets)
- Hotel bookings or an invitation letter for the full stay
- Day-by-day travel itinerary
- Proof of funds: personal bank statements for the last 3–6 months, latest ITR, salary slips
- Employment proof: NOC/leave letter from your employer, or business registration if self-employed
- A cover letter explaining the purpose and plan of your trip
Proof of funds — how much is enough?
There is no single official figure, but consulates want to see you can support yourself. As a rule of thumb, keep around €50–€100 per day of your trip in your account, backed by a stable 3–6 month statement. Large deposits made just before applying raise red flags.
Travel insurance
A Schengen visa requires travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid in all Schengen countries for your entire stay. This is mandatory and checked closely.
Biometrics
First-time applicants (and anyone whose biometrics are older than 59 months) must give fingerprints and a photo in person at the visa centre. Once captured, your biometrics are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and can be reused for about 59 months, so some repeat applicants can skip this step.
Step by step: how to apply
- Finalise your itinerary and identify your main-destination country.
- Complete that country’s Schengen application form.
- Book an appointment at the correct VFS or BLS centre.
- Gather every document on the checklist above.
- Attend the appointment: submit documents, pay the fees and give biometrics.
- Track your application online and collect your passport (or have it couriered).
Processing time and when to apply
You can apply as early as 6 months before travel and should apply at least 15 working days ahead. Standard processing is around 15 calendar days, but in peak season (April–September) it can stretch to 30–45 days. Apply early, especially for summer trips.
Tips to avoid rejection
- Apply to the correct main-destination consulate.
- Show strong ties to India — job, property, family — to prove you will return.
- Keep bank statements clean and consistent; avoid last-minute deposits.
- Use refundable flight and hotel bookings until the visa is approved.
- Make sure insurance meets the €30,000 minimum.
- Write a clear cover letter that matches your itinerary.
After you get your visa: the 90/180 rule
A short-stay Schengen visa allows a maximum of 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Overstaying can bring fines, deportation and future visa bans, so track your days carefully.
Country-specific guides
Applying to a particular country? See our dedicated guides for the most popular Schengen destinations for Indians: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter through a different country than the one that issued my visa?
Yes, provided your main destination is still the country that issued the visa. It’s cleanest to enter through your main-destination country to avoid questions at the border.
How much bank balance do I need for a Schengen visa?
There’s no fixed amount, but aim for roughly €50–€100 per day of your trip, supported by 3–6 months of stable statements.
How long does a Schengen visa take from India?
Usually about 15 calendar days, but allow 30–45 days in peak season.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes — a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage valid across the Schengen Area.
Which country is easiest for a Schengen visa?
Approval depends on your profile and documents, not the country. Apply to your genuine main destination rather than “visa shopping”.
The bottom line
The Schengen visa is your key to almost all of Western Europe on a single application. Get the main-destination country right, prepare clean financials, meet the €30,000 insurance rule, and apply 3–6 weeks ahead. Do that and Europe opens up on one sticker in your passport.
