A Schengen visa is one of the highly sought-after visas as it allows you to visit 29 beautiful countries within the Schengen Area. Compared to other visas, applying for and getting a Schengen visa is easy because of its higher approval rate.

But how to apply for a Schengen visa? What documents are necessary for the Schengen visa application?​ If questions like these are bothering you, you are in the right place. We will discuss a step-by-step Schengen visa process to help you embark on a memorable journey abroad.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa: Step-By-Step Process

The process to apply for a European visa or Schengen visa varies based on the visa category and the purpose of your visit. Below is an overview of the steps you need to follow to secure a Schengen visa:​​

• Step 1: Understand the Requirements

  Before starting your Schenge​n visa application process, take enough time to understand the visa process and requirements. This includes determining the type of visa, learning about the required documents, immigration policies and other such things.

• Step 2: Arrange Documents​

  The next step is to arrange all the specified visa documents in a file to avoid last-minute hassle. Keep in mind that incorrect or incomplete documents are the main reasons behind Schengen visa application rejections. Hence, it is extremely important to ensure that all your documents are accurate and updated. Planning your application will help you ensure a quick and smooth Schengen visa process.​

• Step 3: Fill Schengen Visa Application Form

  The following step is to fill out the Schengen visa application form online. To do this, visit the official website and follow the given instructions to fill out the application form. Alternatively, you can also download the application form for a Schengen visa, fill it and submit it to the visa application centre/Embassy along with your documents.

• Step 4: Book Appointment

  The next step is to book an appointment with the Embassy or consular office of the country you are planning to visit. If there is no consular officer or Embassy available, you can file your visa through a Schengen visa application centre. You can easily book the Schengen visa appointment online via phone or the visa processing centre's website.​

• Step 5: Appear for Visa Interview

  The next and most important step is to attend your Schengen visa interview on the scheduled date. During the visa interview, the immigration officer will ask you about your personal details and the purpose of visiting the country. Make sure to answer all the questions honestly without hiding or faking anything. Try to remain calm and reach the interview location at least 30 minutes before.​

• Step 6: Submit Visa Documents

  Now comes the critical part: submit the file of your visa documents. But before, make sure that all the documents are correct and complete. Cross-check every detail to avoid any delays in the visa process

• Step 7: Pay Visa Fees

  Once your documents are submitted, pay the Schengen visa application fee. Note that this fee is non-refundable. This means that if your Schengen visa gets rejected and you wish to reapply, you will have to pay the visa fee again. For this reason, it is very important to ensure that your application is accurate.

• Step 8: Wait for Approval

  Once your Schengen visa application is submitted, sit back and wait for your visa decision. Make sure to keep tracking the progress of your visa application for timely approval. You can use your visa application number to learn more about your application status.

• Step 9: Collect Your Passport

  After your visa decision is made, you can collect your visa documents from the visa application centre. At additional charges, you can also request the VAC or consular office to post your documents if you are unable to collect them in person.

​Different Types of Schengen Visa

Documents Required for Schengen Visa Online Application

Documents required for the Schengen visa application vary based on the type of Schengen visa and the purpose of your visit. Below are a few common requirements you will need for all types of Schengen visa applications:

• Valid Passport

  You must have a passport with sufficient blank pages and a validity of at least six months. Also, ensure that it is in good condition with no torn pages or damaged covers.

• 2-3 Passport-size Photographs

  Ensure that your passport-size photographs are recent and as per the specifications of the Schengen immigration department. You can check the Schengen visa photo standards here.

• Return Flight Tickets

  For short-stay or Type-C visas, such as tourist and business visas, you need to submit a copy of your confirmed return tickets.

• Detailed Travel Itinerary

  You must provide a detailed itinerary covering the places you plan to visit, along with accommodations and transportation details.

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is mandatory to secure a Schengen visa. So, make sure to purchase reliable travel insurance for a Schengen visa with a minimum coverage of €30.000. Also, ensure that your travel insurance plan is recognised in the Schengen nations you are visiting.

• Proof of Funds

  You can submit your payslips and bank statements as proof of funds. This is required to ensure that you can financially sustain yourself during your stay in a Schengen country(s).

• Proof of Accommodation

  You should also provide the details of your confirmed accommodation. These include your hotel or Airbnb reservations.​

• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

  If you are travelling with your spouse, then you should provide a marriage certificate.

• Health Certificate

  You must submit a health report attested and signed by a registered healthcare provider along with other documents.

• ​Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

  You may also need to submit a police clearance certificate (PCC) to prove a clean criminal record.

Is Travel Insurance a Mandatory Document for Obtaining a Schengen Visa?

Yes. Schengen travel insurance is one of the most important documents required to obtain a Schengen visa. This means that your Schengen visa application will not be processed until you submit a valid travel insurance certificate with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

At Reliance General Insurance, you can get travel insurance for a Schengen visa, instantly without having to go through the lengthy policy purchase process.

Our travel insurance plans are affordable and offer extensive coverage for mishaps such as baggage loss, flight delays and cancellations, theft, medical emergencies, emergency assistance and more.

We also offer worldwide cashless hospitalisation with 24*7 emergency assistance to help you travel worry-free.

How to Get Schengen Visa: Conclusion

A Schengen visa is a highly sought-after visa that allows you to travel to all 29 countries located within the Schengen Area. This means you can tour a significant portion of Europe with this visa alone.

With an aim to help you ensure a faster visa approval, we have discussed in detail the complete steps to apply for a Schengen visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of filling out a Schengen visa application?

As of now, the Schengen visa application fee is €90 for adults. It is approximately ₹7.140. Apart from this visa fee, you may also have to pay the service charges of the visa application centre or consular office you are applying with.​​

A Schengen visa application can take anywhere from two weeks to a couple of months, based on multiple factors. These include the type of Schengen visa you are seeking, the correctness of the visa application and requirements, the season in which you are applying, the efficiency of the visa processing department and so on.

Do I need to apply for my toddler's Schengen visa separately?

Yes. You need to apply for a separate visa for your child. Before applying, make sure to fulfil the complete visa requirements before filing your application.

How many countries can I travel with a Schengen visa?

You can travel to around 29 Schengen countries with the short-stay Schengen visa. Check out our complete list of Schengen countries.

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa?

You can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consular office of the country you are planning to visit. If you are going to visit multiple Schengen nations, then apply at the Embassy/Consular/Visa Application Centre of the country you will be visiting first or in which you are planning to stay for the longest duration.​​