Overview of Types of Schengen Visa 

Recent Updates - 

As of 18 April 2024, a new Schengen visa regime has been introduced for Indian nationals called the “Cascade” regime. Under this new regime, Indian nationals can avail of a two-year multi-entry Schengen visa to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries. 

To be eligible for this new regime as an Indian traveller, you must have two previous Schengen visas that were lawfully issued in the last three years. Moreover, the two-year multi-entry visa can be extended for five years based on applicability and terms and conditions.

Types of Schengen Visa Categories: Explained

Schengen visa falls under four categories. Thus, before applying for a Schengen visa, you should be aware of which category of visa you would require. 

Take a look at the different Schengen visa categories below:

A Type - Airport Transit Visa

With the airport transit visa, you can easily pass through the international transit area of any of the Schengen airports (based on visa availability) during a stop-over or transfer between two destinations to reach your final destination.

B Type  - Transit Visa

This is another type of transit visa available for a maximum of five days. This visa allows you to pass through the Schengen area to travel between two non-Schengen visa countries. Even if you are not planning to stay in the Schengen area, you would still need to have this visa for layover permission.

C Type Schengen Visa - Short-Term

A C Type Schengen visa, also known as a Schengen visa - tourist visa, is for a short-term stay in any of the Schengen countries. This is the most common visa category and is issued for various reasons, including tourism, short work trips, business conferences, etc. With this visa, you can stay in the Schengen visa area for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. 

Based on your travel requirements, you can choose between a Schengen single-entry visa, double-entry visa, or multi-entry visa.

D Type Schengen Visa - Long-Term

Also known as a national visa, a D Type is a long-term Schengen visa, which is issued by a Schengen country. With this visa, you can travel to or relocate from India to any of the Schengen area states (based on national visa issuance). 

You must apply for a C type visa along with a long-term D study or work visa for Schengen countries to study or work in Europe without any hassle. 

How to Apply for Different Schengen Visa Categories?

Application Process for Types of Schengen Visa

 Applying for any Schengen visa is very straightforward, provided you have all of the required documents, especially Schengen travel insurance. Depending on the country of visit, you can apply via one of the following ways - 

Respective Consulate or Embassy

• Find the type of Schengen visa you need to apply for.

• Visit the applicable country’s Embassy or Consulate website.

• Download the necessary application form and collate the required documents for submission.

• Book an appointment at the Embassy or Consulate to submit your visa application form and supporting documents. 

• Pay the application fee and collect the receipt. 

• Provide your biometric information.

• Wait for visa approval.

VFS Global

Some Schengen countries offer the online convenience of filing and submitting a visa application form online on their respective portals. In addition, many of the Schengen countries offer VFS Global services to ease the application filing and tracking process. 
You need to check whether VFS Global is applicable to the country of your choice and begin your application by following the steps mentioned below.

• Go to the VFS Global website for the respective country.

• Select the “Apply for a Visa” option from the home page.

• Choose “Begin Application” to submit the online/offline application form (varies from country to country).

• Book an appointment with the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). 

• Submit the application form/submission proof along with other necessary documents at VAC.

• Pay the applicable visa fee based on the visa category.

• Provide your biometric information.

• Wait for the visa application update. You can also track the status of your visa application from VFS Global.

List of Required Documents

Some of the standard documents required for any type of Schengen visa include the following - 

• A duly signed and filled application form.

• A valid Indian passport with a validity of at least 3 months from the date of departure and 2 blank pages. 

• 2 clear photographs not older than 6 months.

• Proof of accommodation.

• Flight tickets 

• Valid travel insurance with a coverage of €30,000.

• Proof of funds

• Biometric information

• Fee payment receipt 

• Cover letter detailing the purpose and duration of your visit 

Additional Specific Documents - 

• Offer letter from a university or institute (student visa)

• Offer letter from an employer in Europe (Schengen work visa)

• Valid business licence (Schengen business visa)

Processing Timeline for Types of Schengen Visa

When you apply for any of the Schengen visa categories, you must also understand the estimated Schengen visa processing time for each to apply in advance. This will help with better planning and reduce the risk of last-minute delays and cancellations.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa?

All types of Schengen visa categories require proof of valid travel insurance as part of the visa application documentation. 

Without this crucial document, your visa application will be rejected, which can result in unexpected trip delays or cancellations and cause financial loss against the prepaid flight and accommodation bookings.

Along with the visa mandate, having travel insurance for a Schengen visa provides you with a necessary financial safety net that safeguards your expenses during emergencies and unpredictable circumstances.

Reliance General Insurance offers two types of Schengen travel insurance plans to cater to the specific financial coverage needs of travellers. With our plans, you get extensive coverage for medical emergencies, anaesthetic dental treatments, third-party liabilities, flight delays and cancellations, loss or damage of baggage and more. 

Conclusion

Obtaining a Schengen visa for short or long trips to any of the Schengen countries is only possible if you choose the right visa category. 
You must assess your travel needs and itinerary to plan and apply for the required Schengen visa - tourist visa or long-term work or study visa in advance to avoid last-minute hassle. 

Moreover, find and invest in a Schengen travel insurance policy to ensure your visa application has no gaps, ensuring faster processing time and a memorable travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I visit multiple Schengen countries with one visa?

   Yes, with a single or multi-entry Schengen visa, you can visit any of the 29 countries in the Schengen area without any hassle. 
   

2. What are some reasons for Schengen visa application rejections?

   Some of the common reasons why your Schengen visa application might be rejected include incomplete application forms, incorrect personal or travel information, missing or incorrect documentation, insufficient funds, previous visa issues, or criminal history in India.
   

3. Are there any photo specifications for the Schengen visa application?

   The photo specifications are as follows - 

   • Standard size of 35mm x 45mm

   • Taken no longer than 6 months from the date of application

   • No borders on the photograph

   • Light or white background

   • No accessories 

   • The face should cover 80% of the photograph