What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 27 European countries that have eliminated passport controls at their mutual borders. With a single Schengen visa (Type C), you can travel freely across all member states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Member countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, and more.
Step 1 — Decide Your Main Destination
You must apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time (your main destination), or at the consulate of your first entry country if you will spend equal time in multiple countries. This is a critical first step — applying at the wrong consulate can lead to rejection.
Step 2 — Gather Your Documents
The core documents for a Schengen visa application include: a valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned return date, completed and signed application form, two passport-size photographs (35x45mm on white background), confirmed round-trip flight bookings, hotel/accommodation bookings for the entire trip, travel insurance covering minimum €30,000 across all Schengen countries, bank statements (last 3 months showing sufficient funds), income tax returns for the last 2–3 years, employment letter or business registration, and a No-Objection Certificate from your employer.
Step 3 — Book Your VFS Appointment
Most Schengen consulates process applications through VFS Global in India. Book your appointment online at the VFS Global website. Major cities with VFS centres include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Pune. Appointment slots fill up quickly — especially during peak travel season (April–June, September–October). Book 6–8 weeks in advance.
Step 4 — Attend Your Appointment
Arrive at the VFS centre 10–15 minutes early with all original documents and self-attested photocopies. Your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken if this is your first Schengen application or if your biometrics are over 59 months old. The appointment typically takes 20–30 minutes.
Step 5 — Wait for Processing
Standard processing time is 10–15 working days from the date of application. You can track your application status online through VFS. During peak season, processing may take up to 30 days — another reason to apply early. Priority and express processing are available at most consulates for an additional fee.
Financial Requirements Explained
Most Schengen consulates expect you to show approximately €50–100 per person per day of travel. For a 10-day trip, this means €500–1,000 in accessible funds. The money should be in a savings or current account — not in a fixed deposit. A steady salary or business income demonstrating regular financial stability is more important than a sudden large deposit.
Travel Insurance — A Mandatory Requirement
Schengen travel insurance is not optional — it is a mandatory requirement. Your policy must cover medical expenses up to €30,000, emergency repatriation, and be valid across all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your trip. GetTravel.in helps you obtain the right policy with every Europe package we book.
Expert Tips to Maximise Approval Chances
1) Apply early — at least 6 weeks before travel. 2) A previous travel history (any country) significantly helps. 3) Show strong ties to India — property, family, stable employment. 4) Keep your itinerary realistic and consistent with your financial capacity. 5) Book hotels and flights that are refundable until visa decision. 6) Be honest in all documents — inconsistencies are the most common cause of rejection.
What Happens if Your Visa is Rejected?
A rejection letter must state the reasons. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to India, incomplete documentation, or inconsistencies. You can reapply immediately addressing the specific reasons mentioned. With GetTravel.in's visa assistance service, our team reviews your application before submission to minimise rejection risk. Our Schengen approval rate is consistently above 90%.
