The Schengen region of Europe consists of 29 breathtaking countries, each offering diverse traveller experiences and sights. However, to visit any of the Schengen countries, you must apply for a valid visa. 

Traditionally, the application process would require hefty paperwork and physical interviews. But now, with the new e-visa for Schengen countries, that hassle will no longer delay your European adventures. 

What is Schengen E-Visa?

A Schengen e-visa or electronic​ visa is a streamlined, digital application process for Indian travellers who want to explore the Schengen region. 

With this e-application Schengen visa system, the requirement for physical application submissions and interviews will be significantly reduced, increasing the convenience and approval of visa applications for applicants. 

Updates on the New Schengen Electronic Visa System

The new system for e-visa for Schengen countries is still under development, and thus, the implementation of the same can take a few more years. 

However, it is a groundbreaking announcement that will ease the visa application process for Indians waiting to explore Schengen countries. 

The Schengen e-visa will be a 2-D cryptographically signed barcode, as opposed to the traditional sticker on your passport. 

Process to Apply for Schengen Visa E-Visa​

At present, for a Schengen visa application, you need to prepare your documents in advance and fill out the application form for submission at the respective country's Embassy or Consulate. 

With this method, the Schengen visa processing time increases to a minimum of 15 days. However, with this new Schengen e-visa system, the application process will become more streamlined. A clear update on which of the Schengen e-visa countries will be implementing this system is still needed.

The proposed application steps for the new e-visa system can include the following -

• Enter personal and travel information.

• Upload all the soft copies of the supporting documents onto the system.

• Pay the necessary visa application fee online.

• Get visa approval.

​Benefits of Schengen Electronic Visa for Indians

Added Convenience

One of the most significant benefits of the Schengen electronic visa system is the added convenience and comfort for travellers. With the e-visa in place, the physical paperwork and visits will be eliminated immediately. You can then apply from anywhere in just a few quick steps without waiting for any appointment schedule 

More Efficient​

The online e-visa application process will definitely be faster than the traditional method as it only includes a few steps to complete. Moreover, as all the application forms and document requirements can be fulfilled via the same system, the Schengen visa processing time will also be reduced significantly.

Improved Application Tracking

With the new Schengen e-visa system, applicants will also benefit from complete transparency throughout the application process. You will be able to track your application status at all times to plan your trip more accurately without the additional effort of checking in for updates by reaching out to the respective country's Embassy or Consulate.

Conclusion

A Schengen e-visa will improve the applicant experience significantly by reducing the effort and processing time for visa applications and approvals. Moreover, it will help with efficient tracking and complete transparency to increase the chances of a successful trip to any of the Schengen countries. 

Possessing valid travel insurance for a Schengen visa is a mandatory requirement for travelling to any EU country. All applicants must submit proof of valid travel insurance with medical coverage of at least €30,000 for any emergencies during the trip.

Reliance General Insurance offers a variety of international travel insurance plans, such as Schengen travel insurance, student travel insurance, Asia travel insurance and more, to provide a financial safety net for your trips abroad. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you list some additional benefits of e-visa for Schengen countries?Other than the benefits mentioned above, some additional advantages of this new Schengen e-visa system include reduced paperwork, improved personal information security in application submission and tracking, low risk of errors and higher chances of timely visa approvals. 

Do I need to apply for all Schengen countries I plan to visit in a single trip at the same time?
If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries on one trip, you only need to do so for one of them. With the visa approval for any of the Schengen countries, you can travel to any of the other 29 countries without any hassle. However, you need to carefully apply for a Schengen visa for the first country you are visiting to enter Europe. 

Other than travel insurance, what other documents are commonly required for a Schengen visa?
In addition to the travel insurance, you also need a clear photocopy of your valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel tickets to and from Europe, proof of funds and a completed application form.