The Schengen Area welcomes not only the local residents but also travelers from all over the world with a Schengen visa. While some countries allow visa-free travel to all Schengen countries, India does not fall under this category. 

Hence, Indian nationals who wish to visit any Schengen country will need to apply for a Schengen visa. This article takes you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Schengen visa from India, provides details on the required documents and important tips to make the application process smooth and successful.

What is a Schengen Visa?

  A Schengen visa is a long-term or short-term visa that allows entry into the Schengen area of ​​the European Union, which consists of  27 countries that follow a common visa policy. 

All member states of the EU have orderly restricted the use of passports. The Schengen Agreement is known as the world’s largest visa-free area for its member states.

 The squad of 27 countries that make up the Schengen Area. In these 27 countries, 23 are members of the European Union, while the remaining four non-EU countries are the important members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The 4 non-EU countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Who can apply for a Schengen visa?

 Indian nationals and other nationals lawfully residing in India can apply for a Schengen visa directly in India. Indian nationals residing abroad must be lawfully present in the country and provide a valid reason for applying in India instead of their country of residence.

 Can I apply for a Schengen visa online?

 Yes, Indian applicants applying for Schengen visa can fill up the application form online through the VFS Global website. Anyway, they will need to submit the necessary documents and appear in person at a consulate to have their biometric data registered. 

By 2026, it is expected that  the whole visa process including application, document submission and passport collection will be accessible online.

When do I required to apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

 Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the date of  your intended travel. Usually the visa processing takes 1to 2 weeks, but may take up to 6-8 weeks during busy periods or for complex applications. 

Therefore, we recommend submitting your application at least 1 to 2 months before your intended travel date. This will allow enough time for processing and leave a buffer in case of any delays.

Where can I apply for a Schengen Visa for India?

Most Schengen countries outsource the visa application process to VFS Global (which has centers across India), but the final decision still lies with the  country’s embassy or consulate in India. 

Most Schengen countries have  embassies in New Delhi. Some also have embassy in other major Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. 

Important Note: Althouh if you submit your application directly to a VFS Global center, your documents will be forwarded to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the final decision.

Is travel insurance mandatory in Schengen countries?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory  for a Schengen visa. This is because all tourists are neded to have health insurance of up to 30,000 euros as part of the Schengen visa requirements. As the visa requirements for the 27 countries are practically the same, having travel insurance will make the Schengen visa process go more smoothly.

How to Apply for  Schengen Visa for India through VFS Global – Application Process Explained

First, find which Schengen countries you want to visit 

Decide which countries you want to visit within the Schengen area and make sure to decide which one you will visit first. This is important because the visa application process and required documents may vary depending on each country’s regulations. 

Once you have selected a country, you need to know which consulate or embassy is suitable for your visa application. 

How should I choose the consulate or embassy to apply for my Schengen visa?

There are three ways to choose a consulate: 

If you plan to travel to multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend most of your days. This will be your main goal. 

If you do not have a particular main destination and are visiting a few countries randomly, then you need to submit your application at the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country of entry. 

If you want to visit a particular country, then just submit your application at the consulate/embassy of that country. 

If the country you are visiting does not have an embassy or consulate in the India or does not process your visa, then you can submit your application through the Schengen country that which  represents that country in terms of visa. 

What is the first port of entry for Schengen visa? 

The first port of entry for a Schengen visa is the first Schengen country a foreign traveller enters. You enter the Schengen area through your first port of entry,  from where you can travel to  other Schengen area countries with the same visa. 

Then start your visa application on the country-specific website. 

 To start your Schengen visa application, go to the official website of the application centre or the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit first in the Schengen area. 

Check if you need a Schengen visa before starting the process 

 Once you are on the right website,  firstly check that if you need a visa and what type of visa you need by specifying your nationality, age, main destination, application country, etc. in the dedicated section.