Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit any of the 27 Schengen member states. Holders of an Indian passport must apply for a short-stay (Type C) visa before travelling to Europe for tourism, business or family visits.
With a Schengen visa, Indian nationals can travel freely across all 27 member countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. India has an extensive network of visa application centres operated by VFS Global in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other cities, making the process widely accessible.
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最終更新: 2026年3月。 Always verify current requirements at the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.
Key Facts — Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens
| Schengen Visa Overview for Indian Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | Visa Required |
| Visa Type | Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) |
| Fee | EUR 80 (adults) / EUR 40 (children 6–12) / Free (under 6) |
| Processing Time | Up to 15 calendar days (standard) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Entries | Single entry, double entry or multiple entry |
| Territory | 27 Schengen member states |
Required Documents for Indian Citizens
- Valid Indian passport — at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photographs — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Completed Schengen visa application form — signed and dated
- Travel medical insurance — minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid throughout the Schengen Area
- Proof of accommodation — hotel bookings, rental agreement or invitation letter from a host
- Return or onward flight reservation — a confirmed booking or reservation (not necessarily purchased)
- Proof of financial means — bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Proof of employment or enrollment — employer letter with salary details, payslips, business registration, or student enrollment certificate
- Travel itinerary — day-by-day plan of your trip
- Invitation letter (if applicable) — from a host in the Schengen Area, including their residence permit or ID
Application Process — 5 Steps
- Step 1: Gather Documents — Collect all required documents listed above. Ensure your Indian passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Obtain travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum cover.
- Step 2: Book an Appointment — Schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global) of your main destination country. Book early, as appointment slots fill quickly during peak seasons.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application — Attend your appointment in person. Submit all documents, the completed application form and the visa fee (EUR 80 for adults, EUR 40 for children 6–12).
- Step 4: Biometrics — Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph) at the visa application centre. Biometrics are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and are valid for 59 months. If you provided biometrics within the last 59 months, you may be exempt.
- Step 5: Collect Your Passport — Wait for processing (up to 15 calendar days). Once a decision is made, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the application centre or have it delivered by courier.
The 27 Schengen Countries
Indian citizens with a valid Schengen visa can travel freely to all of the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Indian passport holders must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) before visiting any of the 27 Schengen states. There is no visa-free entry for Indian citizens.
The standard fee is EUR 80 for adults and EUR 40 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are exempt. VFS Global charges an additional service fee of approximately EUR 20 to 30 depending on the destination country.
Standard processing takes up to 15 calendar days from the date of application. During peak season (April to August), it is recommended to apply at least 30 to 45 days before travel. Some embassies offer priority processing.
Approval rates vary, but France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are among the most commonly applied-to countries by Indian travellers. There is no objectively easiest country, as each consulate applies the same Schengen rules.