Planning a trip to Europe? Awesome! Did you know that if you have a Schengen Visa, you can travel to any of the 26 countries within the European Schengen Area without any hassle or paperwork? In we’ve broken down everything you need to know about Schengen visa for Indians, including the different types, their validity, how to apply online and much more. Keep reading to find out everything about Schengen visa application with an Indian passport, and get ready for an amazing European adventure!
What is a Schengen visa application?
A Schengen visa application is a request for permission to enter the Schengen area for short stays—aka standard Schengen visa—and long stays, for purposes like tourism, business or study. There are currently 27 countries in the Schengen area that share a common legal framework with no checks on the borders.
Do Indians need a Schengen visa from India?
Yes, if you are an Indian citizen, you need a visa to enter Europe or any of the Schengen areas. This will allow you to travel to any of the 27 Schengen countries, whether you’re going to work, studying, or enjoying a holiday. However, keep this in mind that it is still up to the border control in each country to decide whom to allow and whom not
What are the different types of Schengen visas for Indians?
Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are a few types of Schengen visas for Indians. They are:
Type A Schengen Visa
With a Type A or Airport Transit Visa, you can transit through or wait for your connecting flight at an airport in a Schengen Area country. You need to apply for this visa if you are travelling from a non-Schengen country, including India, to another non-Schengen country and have to wait for a connecting flight to a Schengen country airport. However, you cannot enter the country with this visa.
Type B Schengen Visa
The Type B Schengen Visa is also the Transit Visa. It allows you to transit through more than one Schengen country on the way to a non-Schengen country and is valid for 5 days.
Type C Schengen Visa
The most popular Schengen visa is the Type C Short Stay visa. Schengen Area country visa service centres (including embassies, consulates, or external providers) are the official visa application providers. With this visa, you can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 6 months.
These are the category C Schengen visa features:
According to the purpose of your trip, the short-stay category C Schengen visa can be a:
- Single-entry visa with a number 1 on the visa sticker
- You can travel to the Schengen area once. Once you exit the Schengen area, your type C visa will expire, even with a 6-month validity.
- Double-entry visa marked by a number 2 on the visa sticker
- You can travel to the Schengen area twice during the 6-month visa validity. When you leave the Schengen Area the second time, your visa expires.
- Multiple-entry visa designated by a « MULT » on the visa sticker
- You can enter and leave the Schengen Area as many times as you need for up to 90 days over the 6-month visa validity.
Type D Schengen Visa
You will need the type D long-stay Schengen visa, also known as the national visa, if you want to study, work, or live in a Schengen country. According to the purpose of your trip, the type D visa can be:
- a single-entry visa –
- for those who don’t want to stay in the Schengen country after the specific period,
- a multi-entry visa –
- for those who want repeated re-entries in the Schengen country,
You can apply for a Type D visa if you are travelling for:
- Tourism or private visits
- Business or related activities
- Studying, taking part in a training programme, or completing an internship
- Personal reasons
The Schengen country you plan to stay in will issue the Schengen Type D visa based on their national legislation. You may need to contact the national visa service centres to learn more about the conditions and formalities you need to meet. Depending upon your circumstances, you may get a Type D visa either as a single or multiple-entry long-stay visa.
Validity of Different Types of Schengen Visas for Indians
The Schengen visa allows you to travel to the Schengen Area for 90 days. This visa is valid for a period of 6 months. If you’re planning several trips to and from the Schengen Area, you can apply for the Schengen Multiple Entry visa.
Schengen Visa Processing Time in India
Processing a Schengen visa can take a long time, so it is best to apply for a Schengen visa application process a few weeks ahead. Once an application is submitted, you may need to wait around 15 days to know whether your visa was approved or rejected. However, in rare instances, you may need to wait up to 45 days.
*Note these visa fees may change as per different travel agencies and government guidelines also, they are non-refundable.