Complete Guide to Applying for Schengen Visa for Indian Residents in 2023

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate. 

Updated November 2023

Over the years, there has been a long and well-established history of travel between India and European countries. The lush green courtyards, the scenic landscape bordering mountains and the local streets etched with culture make a trip to Europe a fulfilling travel experience.

If you are looking to travel to Europe from India, here is everything you need to know about the Schengen Visa; the documents required, the detailed procedure and guidelines, and how and where to apply in India.

What is a Schengen visa?

The Schengen Area is a passport-free zone in Europe, which means that there are no requirements for a passport and any border-control activities in this zone. It is the largest free travel zone in the world.

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area per stay for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe. It enables its holder to enter, freely travel within, and leave the Schengen zone from any of the Schengen member countries. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone. Currently, the Schengen Area consists of 27 member countries. 

The 27 Schengen countries are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

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Digital Schengen Visa

The European Parliament revealed that they have approved a new strategy to digitize the physical Schengen visa application and sticker process. This means that travelers from outside the Schengen zone, including Indian passport holders, can say goodbye to long lines and complicated paperwork, as they can soon apply for and receive their digital Schengen visa online.

This platform enables visa seekers to input all necessary information, upload digital copies of their travel and supporting documents, and complete the payment process for their visa fees. Additionally, they will receive notifications regarding the status of their visa application.

In the latest update, the European Council has approved new regulations that will allow individuals planning to travel to the Schengen area to apply for visas online. The new EU regulations revolutionize the visa process, introducing a centralized online platform for Schengen visas, reducing in-person consulate visits, and replacing visa stickers with cryptographically signed barcodes. Effective 20 days after publication in the Official Journal, the specific application date will be determined post-technical work completion.

Check out our article to learn all about the Digital Schengen Visa for more details:

Do Indians need to apply for Schengen Visa?

Yes, Indian passport holders are required to obtain a Schengen Visa in order to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone. To be eligible to file your visa application at the Schengen embassies/consulates or visa application centers (VACs) in India, you must belong to one of the following categories:

• Indian passport holders.
• Third-world nationals who are required to obtain a visa to Europe, living in India under a permanent or temporary residence permit.

However, some categories of people residing in India are exempt from the visa requirement, as follows:

• Nationals of Schengen countries living in India.
• Nationals of countries that have established visa-free regimes with the EU.
• Indian citizens that hold dual citizenship:
  • Indian citizenship and of one of the Schengen member states. Please note that this category of travellers will have to travel with their European passports.
  • Indian citizenship and one of the countries with a visa-free regime with the Schengen Zone. Please note that this category of travellers will have to travel with their Schengen-visa-exempt-country passport.

Types of Schengen Visa for Indians

Indians can obtain the following Schengen visas depending on the purpose of their travel to Europe:

• Tourist visa: For sightseeing and exploration.
• Visitor visa: For visiting family, friends, or EU/EEA citizens.
• Business visa: For business-related activities.
• Medical visa: For medical treatments or procedures.
• Student visa: Short-term studies (up to 90 days).
• Visa for Official Visits: Formal events, negotiations, consultations.
• Cultural exchange visa: Cultural, sports, religious events.
• Transit visa: Short-term transit through Schengen countries.

When to apply for Schengen Visa?

The allowed period to apply for a Schengen Visa in India is as follows:

• The earliest you can file a visa application: six months before you start your planned trip.
• The latest you can file a visa application: at most 15 working days before you intend to travel to Europe.
• The recommended time to file a visa application: at least three weeks before your trip.

How to apply for Schengen Visa in India?

Documents and requirements

You must prepare these documents for your Schengen visa from India:

• Schengen visa application form, filled and signed.
• Original Indian passport and a copy (valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area).
• Two recent identity photographs following guidelines.
• Civil status documents (birth, marriage, family certificates, if applicable).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, Airbnb, or invitation letter).
• Round-trip flight itinerary, including internal flights.
• Travel health insurance with EUR 30,000 coverage.
• Receipt of paid visa fee.
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).
• Birth certificate and parental consent for minors traveling alone.
• Bank account statements for 3-6 months or proof of regular income.
• Employment contract and annual leave certificate (if employed).
• Business license and bank statements (if self-employed/freelancer).
• Certificate of registration, student ID, and academic documents (if a student). Proof of financial stability of parents (if applicable).
• Proof of employment contract or sufficient financial resources (if retired).

Steps to apply for Schengen Visa in India

In order to apply for a Schengen Visa from India, you must follow these steps:

• Check which Schengen Visa type you need. There are different Schengen Visa types depending on your purpose of traveling from India to Europe.
• Check where you need to apply for a Schengen Visa in India. Pay attention to the embassy/consulate/VAC where you need to apply.
• Decide when to apply for a Schengen Visa in India. The earliest time you can lodge your Schengen Visa application in India is 6 months before your planned trip. In contrast, the latest time to file your visa application is at least 15 working days before you intend to travel to Europe.
• Collect the documents required for a Schengen Visa for Indian citizens.
• Make an appointment for an interview at the visa application center in India. Depending on the country, you may make an appointment online, by phone, or in person. Below in this article, you can find more information for each EU embassy/consulate located in India.
• Attend the interview on the day of your appointment.
• Pay the visa fee. All Schengen states have fixed and synchronized visa fees.
• Wait for the processing of your visa.

Please note that you might be required to provide your biometric details at the time of your application, especially if it is the first time you are applying for a Schengen visa. For more details, check out our dedicated article on biometrics for Schengen visa.

After the interview, you will have to wait for at most 15 days for a response to your application.

Schengen Visa processing time

Schengen embassies/consulates in India will typically require you to schedule an appointment 4-6 weeks in advance. The applications usually take around two weeks to process. However, during busier periods (depending on your particular situation), it can take up to a month or two. So it’s best to apply early. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.

What is the cost of a Schengen Visa in India?

The following is the current price cap for Schengen Visa for Indian residents:

• Adults: EUR 80 (approx INR 7203)
• Child between 6-12 years of age: EUR 40 (approx INR 3600)
• Child younger than 6 years of age: FREE
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports: FREE
• Indian pupils, graduate and postgraduate students and their children travelling for educational training and study purposes: FREE
• Upto 25-year-old representatives of non-profit organizations travelling as participants in seminars, sports, cultural or educational events: FREE
• Indian researchers travelling to carry out scientific research: FREE

What is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

According to the type of visa issued by the certain embassy/consulate of any Schengen country, different restrictions apply to the particular visa in accordance with the nature of travelling and other relevant circumstances.

Schengen Visa validity is for 90 days within a 180-day period, and you can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days on a Schengen Visa. The most common type of visa issued to travellers can reach the maximum validity of 90 days in every six-month period starting from the date of entry.

Where to apply for Schengen Visa in India?

The following Embassies and Consulates for each Schengen country in India allow travellers to lodge an application for their Schengen Visa.

Please pay attention to these rules since it is crucial to file your application at the right place. Lodging your application at the wrong authority will result in the rejection of your Schengen Visa application.

Austria

New Delhi: Embassy of Austria 

• Address: EP-13, Chandergupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
• Email: [email protected],[email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (11) 24 19 27 00
• Website: http://www.bmeia.gv.at/botschaft/new-delhi.html

Chennai: Consulate of Austria

• Address: c/o Kothari Buildings, 115 Mahatma Gandhi Salai, Chennai 600034, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (44) 2833 4501, (+91) (44) 2833 4502

Goa: Consulate of Austria

• Address: Salgaocar House, 3rd floor Dr. F. Louis Gomes Road, Vasco Da Gama, Goa 403802, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (832) 251 38 16, (+91) (832) 251 38 11

Kolkata: Consulate of Austria

• Address: Industry House, 1st floor, 10, Camac Street, Kolkata 700017, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) 33 2283 56 60

Mumbai: Consulate General of Austria

• Address: 26 Maker Chambers VI, 2nd floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (22) 2285 1734

Belgium

Mumbai: Consulate General of Belgium

• Address: Avantha House, 5th Floor, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (22) 2421 2115,(+91) (22) 2436 1602
• Website: http://www.diplomatie.be/mumbai

New Delhi: Embassy of Belgium

• Address: 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (11) 4242 8000
• Website: http://www.diplomatie.be/newdelhi/

Chennai: Honorary Consulate of Belgium

• Address: 18, III floor, Yafa Tower – Khader nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (44) 4048 5500

Kolkata: Honorary Consulate of Belgium

• Address: Industry House, 15th Floor 10, Camac Street, Kolkata 700017, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (33) 2282 7531, +91) (33) 2282 7352, (+91) (33) 2479 1378

Czech Republic

New Delhi: Embassy of the Czech Republic

• Address: 50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110 021, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91-11-26110205, 26110318, 26110382, 26886218
• Website: http://www.mzv.cz/newdelhi

Mumbai: Consulate General of the Czech Republic

• Address: Marcopia, 5, Dr. G.Deshmukh Marg, (5, Pedder Road), 400 026 Mumbai, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 009122/23518456/7, 23514484, 23518184/5, 23518180
• Website: http://www.mzv.cz/bombay

Kolkata: Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic

• Address: 4 Lee Road, Kolkata-700 020, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) 33 2290 7406, (+91) 33 2283 7178

Denmark

New Delhi: Royal Danish Embassy

• Address: 11 Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi 110011, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91 11 4209 0700
• Website: http://www.ambnewdelhi.um.dk/en

Mumbai: Royal Danish Consulate General

• Address: L & T House, Ballard Estate, N.M. Marg, Mumbai 400 001. India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (22) 2261 4462, (22) 2268 5656

Chennai: Danish Consulate

• Address: 9 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600086, India
• Phone: (44) 811 8140, 811 8141

Kolkata: Royal Danish Consulate

• Address: McLeod House, 3 Netaji Subhas Road, 3rd floor, Calcutta 700001, India
• Phone: (33) 2248 7476/7/8

Estonia

VFS Global is the official partner of the Embassy of Estonia /Consulate General of Estonia in India. Applicants can find their nearest VFS Global in India to apply for their Schengen Visa to Estonia.

Finland

New Delhi: Royal Danish Embassy

• Address: 11 Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi 110011, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91 11 4209 0700
• Website: http://www.ambnewdelhi.um.dk/en

Mumbai: Royal Danish Consulate General

• Address: L & T House, Ballard Estate, N.M. Marg, Mumbai 400 001. India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (22) 2261 4462,(22) 2268 5656

Chennai: Danish Consulate

• Address: 9 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600086, India
• Phone: (44) 811 8140,811 8141

Kolkata: Royal Danish Consulate

• Address: McLeod House, 3 Netaji Subhas Road, 3rd floor, Calcutta 700001, India
• Phone: (33) 2248 7476/7/8

France

Pondicherry: Consulate General of France

• Address: 2 rue de la Marine, Pondicherry 605 001
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: [+91] (413) 223 10 00
• Website: http://www.consulfrance-pondichery.org

Bombay: Consulate General of France

• Address: Hoechst House – 7th floor, 193 Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: [+91] (22) 66 69 40 00
• Website: http://www.consulfrance-bombay.org

New Delhi: Embassy of France

• Address: 2/50-E Shantipath Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: [+91] (11) 2419 6100
• Website: http://www.france-in-india.org

Germany

Goa: Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany

• Address: Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt. Ltd., Rua de Ourem, Panaji, 403 001, Goa
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (0091 832) 223 55 26

Mumbai: Consulate of Germany

• Address: ‘Hoechst House’, 10th Floor, Nariman Point, 193 Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai 400 021, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91-22) 22832422; In case of emergency: (0091) 9821016877
• Website: http://www.germanconsulatemumbai.org

Kolkata: Consulate of Germany in Kolkata, India

• Address: 1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore, P.O. Box 16711, Kolkata 700 027, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91-(0)33-2479 1141/ 1142/ 2150, 2439 8906
  In case of emergencies: +91-(0) 98310 16091
• Website: http://www.kalkutta.diplo.de

Chennai: German Consulate in Chennai, India

• Address: No. 9 Boat Club Road, P.O.Box 3110, Chennai 600 028, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91/44 2430 1600
• Website: http://www.chennai.diplo.de

New Delhi: German Embassy in New Delhi, India

• Address: No. 6/50G, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, 110021
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (0091-11) 44199 199
• Website: http://www.new-delhi.diplo.de/Vertretung/newdelhi/en/02/Embassy.html

Greece

Mumbai: Honorary Consulate of Greece

• Address: Baharestan, 30/A, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai 400 049, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (009122) 6607852

Chennai: Honorary Consulate of Greece

• Address: 37 Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (009144) 8203663, 8200042

New Delhi: Embassy of Greece

• Address: Dr S. Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (009111) 26880700-4

Hungary

New Delhi: Consular Office of Hungary/Embassy of Hungary

• Address: 2/50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Phone: (91) 26114737, +91 9911453701
• Website: http://www.mfa.gov.hu/emb/newdelhi

Iceland

New Delhi: Embassy of Iceland

• Address: 10, Munirka Marg, Vasant Vihar, South West Delhi 110057 Delhi India
• Phone: +91 011 4353 0300
• Email: [email protected]

Mumbai: Consulate of Iceland

• Address: 3rd Floor, Walton Road, Apollo Bandar, Mumbai 400001 Maharashtra India
• Phone: +91 22 2288 6688 +91 22 2285 6161
• Email: [email protected]

Italy

New Delhi: Embassy of Italy

• Address: 50-E, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110 021, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91 11 2611 4355
• Website: http://www.ambnewdelhi.esteri.it

Kolkata: General Consulate of Italy

• Address: 3, Raja Santosh Road – Calcutta 700027
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 00913324792414
• Website: http://www.conscalcutta.esteri.it

Mumbai: General Consulate of Italy

• Address: Kanchanjunga Building, 72 G. Deshmukh Road, Mumbai 400 026
• Phone: 0091 2223804071
• Website: http://www.consmumbai.esteri.it

Finland

Mumbai: Honorary Consulate of Finland

• Address: Honorary Consulate of Finland, C305 Dharam Palace, ‘100-103 N S Patkar Marg, 400 007
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91-22- 66390033

Latvia

New Delhi: Honorary Consul-General

• Address: 48/11, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
• Email: l[email protected]
• Phone: (91) 112 611 29 31

Liechtenstein

The Swiss Embassy represents Liechtenstein in India. All Schengen Visa applications to Liechtenstein will be processed at the Embassy of Switzerland.

Lithuania

New Delhi: Embassy of Lithuania

Mumbai: Consulate of Lithuania

Luxembourg

New Delhi: Embassy of Luxembourg

Malta

New Delhi: Embassy of Malta

• Address: N60, Panchsheel Park North, Panchsheel Park New Delhi 110017 Delhi India
• Phone: +91 11 4767 4900
• Email: [email protected]

Kolkata: Consulate of Malta

• Address: 227, AJC Bose Road Kolkata 700020 West Bengal India
• Phone: +91 33 2280 7240
• Email: [email protected]

Chennai: Consulate of Malta

• Address: Third Floor, Fagun Towers, VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore Nungambakkam 600008 Tamil Nadu India
• Phone: +91 22 6786 6005
• Email: [email protected]

Netherlands

Kolkata: Consulate of Netherlands

• Address: 5, Rameshwar Shaw Road, Kolkata: 700014, India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91 33 2289-7676/7020

Chennai: Consulate of Netherlands

• Address: 76, Venkata Krishan Road, Mandaveli, Chennai – 600 028, Tamil Nadu
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91 44 43535381

Mumbai: Consulate-General of Netherland

• Address: ‘Forbes Building’, Charanjit Rai Marg, Mumbai 400001
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91 22 22194200

New Delhi: Royal Netherlands Embassy

• Address: 6/50 F, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91-11-24197600
• Website: http://www.mfa.nl/nde-en/

Norway

Chennai: Royal Norwegian Consulate

• Address: Harbour Gate House,, P.O. Box 1396, 44/45 Rajaji Road
• Phone: 044-2524 5314,044-2523 2981,044-2523 2982,044-2523 2983
• Website: http://www.norwayemb.org.in/Embassy/Contact-information/consul/

Mumbai: Royal Norwegian Consulate General

• Address: 301-302 Orbit Plaza, New Prabhadevi Road, Behind Chaitanya Towers, Prabhadevi, 400025
• PHONE: (91 22) 24389712, 9713, 9717
• Website: http://www.norwayemb.org.in/Embassy/Contact-information/consul/

Kolkata: Royal Norwegian Consulate

• Address: 64 Lake Place, 700 029
• Phone: 033-24656280
• Website: http://www.norwayemb.org.in/Embassy/Contact-information/consul/

New Delhi: Royal Norwegian Embassy

• Address: 50-C, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, 110021
• Phone: +91-11-4177-9200
• Website: http://www.norwayemb.org.in/

Poland

Mumbai: Polish Consulate-General

• Address: Manavi Apartments, 2nd floor 36, , B. G. Kher Mag, Malabar Hill 400 006
• Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
• Phone: +91.22.2363.3863
• Website: http://www.mumbaikg.polemb.net

New Delhi: Polish Embassy

• Address: Chanakyapuri, 50-M Shantipath 110 021
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +911141496900
• Website: http://www.newdelhi.polemb.net

Portugal

Goa: Consulate of Portugal

• Address: Parwati – houses Nr. 38/39 Father Agnelo Road Altinho/Panjim 403001
• Phone: +918322421524

New Delhi: Embassy of Portugal

• Address: No.4, Panchsheel Marg Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110021, New Delhi 110021
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91.11.2614.1106
• Website: http://www.portugal-india.com

Slovakia

New Delhi: Embassy of the Slovak Republic

• Address: 50M Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021 India
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (+91) 11 2688 9071
• Website: http://www.mzv.sk/Delhi

Slovenia

New Delhi: Embassy of Slovenia

• Address: 46, Poorvi Marg, Vasant Vihar, 110057
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +91-11-51662891

Spain

New Delhi: Spanish Embassy

• Address: 12, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi 110011, India
• Email: [email protected],[email protected]
• Phone: (+91) (11) 4129 3000

Sweden

New Delhi: Embassy of Sweden

• Address: 4-5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Phone: +91 (11) 24197100
• Website: http://www.swedenabroad.com/newdelhi

Switzerland

New Delhi: Embassy of Switzerland

• Address: Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110 021 (P.O. Box 392), India
• Email: [email protected],[email protected]
• Phone: (+91 11) 2687 8372
  +91 11 2687 8534 (Trade)
  +91 11 2687 8537 (Visa)
• Website: http://www.eda.admin.ch/newdelhi

What can you do if your visa application is rejected?

Not all visa applications are guaranteed approval, and there are several reasons for this. However, if you have been refused a visa, you have the right to appeal. All appeals must be conducted against the final decisive Member State in accordance with the national law of the specified EU Member State. You can appeal this decision by writing an appeal letter for Schengen’s visa refusal.