Applying for a Schengen visa? Here's all you need to know

By Harish Chandra, Content Writer | Wednesday, 14 September 2022, 06:13 Hrs

Thinking of traveling to Europe? Wondering how to apply for a visa? Don’t worry; we have your back. In 2018, more than a million applications (Source taken by Schengenvisainfo) were filed for the Schengen visa from India. After a few years of the pandemic and travel restrictions, now, many people want to see the world more than ever. European destinations are widely popular among Indian tourists. The best part of getting a Schengen visa is that holders can travel to 26 European countries without border checking.

What is a Schengen visa?

Also known as a Europe visa, this visa allows you to travel to 26 Schengen countries. The Schengen area includes 22 European countries and 4 countries which are a part of the European Free Trade Association. The popular tourist countries include France, Italy, Sweden, and Germany. The four non-European countries are:

Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Switzerland

The visa is valid for six months and allows holders to visit 26 countries for a maximum of 90 days. Citizens belonging to the 6 European countries that are not a member of the Schengen area do not need a visa to travel to Schengen countries.

How to apply for a Schengen visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must submit your application at the consulate of your main destination in the country where you are a permanent resident.

Meaning of the main destination:

If you plan to visit only one Schengen country, then apply to the consulate of that country.
If you want to visit two or more countries, apply at the consulate of the country you plan to stay for a longer period.
If you plan to stay in both countries for an equal amount of time, then apply at the consulate of the country you will first visit.

Remember, your citizenship and not your country of residence will determine if you need a Schengen visa or not. According to the European Commission,(Source taken by Home Affairs) you should apply for the visa at least 15 days before your trip. However, it might take the authorities 30-60 days to approve your application. Therefore, the safest option is to apply two months before the start day of the trip.

The document requirement may vary according to the country you live in. However, some documents such as travel insurance, visa application form, and passport, remain the same. The general list of documents required includes:

Visa application form: Complete with a signature and correct information. One for each person who is going on the trip.
Passport: The passport should not be older than 10 years and should at least have a validity of three months more than your planned visit. The passport should also have two blank pages for the visa stamp.
Photos: Two photos that meet the requirements of ICAO. There are a lot of photo requirements for a Schengen visa.
Payment: Application or service fee payment.
Itinerary or supporting documents: A document that includes your flight details for entry and exit from the Schengen country. It should also include the details of the places you plan to visit and the purpose of the visit.
Proof of accommodation: It is the proof of the accommodation you will be staying in during your stay in the Schengen country/countries. It can be the details of the hotel with address, phone number, and name. If you are renting a space, then you need to present your rental agreement.
Travel insurance: Proof of travel health insurance you have purchased for medical emergencies while you are in the Schengen area. The insurance should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros. You can also purchase travel insurance online.
Financial capability proof: You also need to present proof of your financial soundness. It should prove that you can support yourself during your stay in the Schengen country. The document can either be your bank account statement, a sponsorship letter, or both. A sponsorship letter works when someone else is sponsoring your trip.
Proof of employment: Proof of your employment status is also required. If you are employed, you need an employment contract, a leave application approved by the employer, and income tax returns. If you are self-employed, you need a copy of your business license, income tax returns, and bank statement for the last six months of your company. A student requires proof of enrolment from the university and a no objection certificate.
When travelling with a tour agency, you will also need their letter.
A minor needs a birth certificate or proof of adoption, as per the case. A minor also needs a consent letter from both parents, and passport copies of the legal guardian or both parents.

Type of Schengen visa

There are primarily three types of short-stay Schengen visas. The one described above is the Type C visa. Make sure you apply for the right visa since the document requirements differ as per the type of visa.

1. Airport transit visa

Also called a Type A visa, this visa allows you to only stay at the airport of a Schengen country when you are taking a connecting flight from a non-Schengen country to another. You are not allowed to leave the airport for any reason.

2. Transit visa

Also known as a Type B visa, this visa allows you to travel through a Schengen country in a car or coach when you are traveling between two non-Schengen countries. You can get the visa only if your transit does not exceed five days.

3 .Travel visa

Also known as a Type C visa, this is the visa people use for travel purposes. Type C visa allows holders to visit one or more Schengen countries for 90 days for tourism or cultural and similar events. The visa is valid for 180 days only.

Another integral thing to remember is that visas come with three types of entry:

Single entry: You are only allowed to enter the Schengen area once in the 180 days.
Double entry: You are allowed to enter the Schengen area twice in the 180-day validity period.
Multi entry: This visa allows you to enter the Schengen area multiple times during the validity period.