The Schengen visa is one of the most sought-after visas for Indian travelers — and one of the most complex to get right. A single Schengen visa grants access to 27 European countries, making it exceptional value for multi-country Europe trips. This guide covers Schengen visa requirements, fees, and processing for Indian passport holders in 2026.
What Is the Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area — 27 European countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Netherlands, and more. A single visa covers all 27 countries for the duration of the visa.
Schengen Visa Types for Indians
| Visa Type | Duration | Stay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry (Short Stay) | Up to 90 days from first entry | Max 90 days in any 180-day period | One Europe trip |
| Double Entry | Up to 6 months | Max 90 days in 180-day period | Two separate trips |
| Multiple Entry | 1–5 years | Max 90 days in any 180-day period | Frequent Europe travelers |
Schengen Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
| Category | Official Fee (EUR) | Approximate in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+ years) | €90 | ~₹8,200 |
| Children (6–12 years) | €45 | ~₹4,100 |
| Children under 6 | Free | Free |
Service charges from visa agencies are additional — typically ₹2,000–4,000 per application. VFS Global charges a separate VFS service fee (approximately ₹1,500–2,000) for biometric appointment processing.
Documents Required for Schengen Visa
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned return date (minimum 2 blank pages)
- Old passports (if any) showing travel history
- Recent passport-size photographs (35×45mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Completed Schengen visa application form (signed)
- Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage, valid across all Schengen countries
- Confirmed return flight tickets (round trip)
- Confirmed hotel bookings for the full stay
- Bank statement for last 6 months (minimum balance: ₹2,00,000 recommended per applicant)
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) for last 2 years
- Proof of employment: employment letter, salary slips (3 months), or business registration
- Leave approval letter from employer
- Covering letter explaining the trip purpose and itinerary
- Proof of accommodation for every night of the stay
Which Country’s Embassy to Apply To?
Apply to the embassy of the main destination country (the country where you’ll spend the most nights). If spending equal time in multiple countries, apply to the embassy of the first country of entry.
Popular embassy choices for Indian applicants: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Netherlands, Czech Republic (Prague), and Switzerland.
Schengen Visa Processing Time
Standard processing: 15 working days from the date of biometric appointment. Some embassies take up to 30 days during peak season. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel.
You can apply up to 6 months before travel. Apply as early as possible, especially for summer (May–August) and December travel.
Schengen Visa — Key Rules
- Maximum stay: 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen countries
- Biometric fingerprints required for all first-time applicants and those whose prints are older than 5 years — this requires an in-person appointment at VFS Global
- Travel insurance is mandatory — must cover €30,000 minimum and all Schengen countries
- A Schengen visa does not guarantee entry — border officers can still deny entry
For Travel Agents: Schengen Visa Processing via Vismora
Schengen visa applications are among the most document-intensive — and the most commonly rejected when not done correctly. Vismora handles Schengen applications for your clients with a dedicated Europe desk:
- Destination-based embassy routing (which embassy to apply to based on itinerary)
- Complete document checklist preparation and review
- VFS Global appointment scheduling
- Application tracking and status updates
- Courier-based document submission for clients outside major cities
Register with Vismora to start processing Schengen visas for your clients →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to all 27 Schengen countries on one visa?
Yes. A valid Schengen visa grants entry to all 27 Schengen member countries, subject to the 90/180-day rule.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa?
Yes. Travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage, valid across all Schengen countries, is a mandatory document for the visa application.
How far in advance should I apply for a Schengen visa?
Apply 6–8 weeks before travel. You can apply up to 6 months before your travel date. For peak summer and December travel, apply as early as possible.
What is the rejection rate for Indian Schengen visa applicants?
India has one of the higher Schengen rejection rates globally. Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, weak travel history, incomplete documentation, and lack of strong ties to India. Working with an experienced visa agent significantly reduces rejection risk.
Need Schengen visa processing for your clients? Partner with Vismora. Also see: Dubai Visa | Singapore Visa | UK Visa | Thailand Visa