Are you planning to travel to Europe? Great! But did you know that if you secure a Schengen visa from India, you can explore or travel to 29 countries in the European Schengen area?? 

Yes, you heard it right. As per a recent report, almost 2,651 visas are issued to Indian passport holders. If you are also planning to secure a Schengen visa and explore the beauty of Europe, this article is for you. Here, you will get comprehensive information about this visa program and how to secure one. 

What is a Schengen visa? 

A Schengen Visa is an interim visa for a traveller that enables the latter to travel to various countries of Europe that comprise the Schengen Area, not exceeding a stay of 90 days in 180 days. It's ideal for vacation, business, medical treatment, or visiting relatives and friends.

Countries under the European Schengen Area 

The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing free movement in countries like:

1. France
2. Germany
3. Italy
4. Spain
5. Netherlands
6. Switzerland
7. Austria
8. Sweden
9. Norway
10. Denmark
11. Finland
12. Portugal
13. Greece
14. Belgium
15. Poland
16. Hungary
17. Czech Republic
18. Slovakia
19. Latvia
20. Estonia
21. Lithuania
22. Slovenia
23. Luxembourg
24. Malta
25. Croatia 
26. Iceland
27. Liechtenstein
28. Romania 
29. Bulgaria 

Types of Schengen Visas

Before application, it's essential to know which Schengen Visa suits your purpose of visit:

1. Tourist Visa – This visa is for leisure trips to explore Schengen countries.
2. Business Visa – For business visits, conferences, and trade.
3. Student Visa – For temporary studies, exchange, or internships.
4. Medical Visa – This is for treatment in Schengen countries.
5. Family Visit Visa – This is for visiting family or friends residing in the Schengen Area.
6. Transit Visa – For stopovers in Schengen airports en route to a non-Schengen state.

Eligibility criteria for Schengen visa from India 

To effectively apply for this Indian visa program, you should be able to meet the following criteria.

1. Valid original Indian passport with at least 3 months from the travel date.
2. Sufficient proof of financial means to cover the expenses of travelling.
3. Strong ties to India (property, family, employment) to enable return upon the trip.
4. Clean visa violation history and criminal record.
5. Detailed itinerary of travel plans with flight bookings and accommodations.

Step-by-step process to apply for Schengen visa from India 

To successfully secure a Schengen visa from India, follow the following steps. 

• Step 1: Decide on the Embassy to Apply

In case of travelling to more than one Schengen state, apply at the embassy of the nation:

1. Where you'll be spending most of the days OR
2. The first point of entry is in the case of equal days spent in more than one country.

• Step 2: Collect Required Documents

Have the following documents in hand:

1. Schengen Visa application form (adequately filled and signed).
2. Valid passport with two white pages.
3. Two recent passport photographs (as per Schengen photo guidelines).
4. Cover letter indicating purpose of visit and itinerary.
5. Accommodation proof (hotel reservation or invitation letter).
6. Travel insurance covers €30,000 in medical expenses.
7. Flight itinerary (return ticket).
8. Proof of means of payment (bank statements, salary slips).
9. Proof of employment (leave letter from company, NOC).
10. Business papers (for applicants of business visa).
11. University admission letter (for student visa applicants).

• Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment with the relevant Schengen country's embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center (VFS Global). Some embassies request online pre-submission of documents.

• Step 4: Visa Interview

Visit the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date to submit your biometric information and undergo a short interview. You can be asked regarding your trip itinerary, financial situation, and reason for visiting.

• Step 5: Payment of Visa Fee

The 2025 Schengen Visa fee is as follows:

1. Adults: €80 (Approx. ₹7,000)
2. Children (6-12 years): €40 (Approx. ₹3,500)
3. Children under 6 years: Free

Note: Visa fee is non-refundable.

• Step 6: Wait & Track Application

Based on the country and applicant profile, Schengen Visa processing generally takes 15-30 days. You can track your application online via the VFS Global website.

• Step 7: Get Your Visa & Travel!

Once approved, your passport will be stamped with a Schengen Visa. Check the entry requirements and validity before travel.

Schengen visa processing time from India in 2025

Regular processing time is 15-30 working days, and express processing (subject to availability) is 7-10. To prevent last-minute delays, apply 4-6 weeks in advance.

Reasons for Rejection of Schengen Visa & How to Prevent Them

The following can be the reasons for rejections of Schengen visas and how you can prevent them. 

1. Poor financial records – Maintain minimum bank balance & provide evidence of income.
2. Weak travel intent – Provide strong connections to India (job, family, property).
3. Faulty paperwork – Go over your application carefully before submitting it.
4. Unclear travel itinerary – Provide clear flight & accommodation reservations.
5. Inapt travel insurance – Covers €30,000 for medical emergencies.

Conclusion

With online applications and rapid processing, getting a Schengen Visa in India for 2025 is simpler than ever. Whether travelling for pleasure, work, or education, proper documentation and an advanced application will increase your chances of success.

If you need more assistance with the Schengen visa, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.