I get asked a lot for best tips and processes on applying for a Schengen visa. Based on my experience of applying for the schengen visa twice here's how it needs to be done. Everything mentioned in the article will be for tourist visa only.
Basic info
Schengen area is a zone of countries which have abolished their internal borders for movement between them.The area consists of countries which are part of the European Union + some non-member countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein)
Countries currently in Schengen area
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland
Countries which can be visited with a valid Schengen visa
This is some good news. Right? Yes, there are approx 34 non-schengen countries you can visit with your valid Schengen visa. Have categorized them in zones.
Alert: Please check in detail the visa rules for each country against your country's passport before making any plans
- Europe Zone
Turkey, Albania, Andorra, Bosnia And Herzegovina,Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, San Marino, Macedonia
- Asia Zone
Taiwan, Philippines
- Africa Zone
Sao Tome, Principe
- UK Zone
Gibraltar
- North America Zone
Mexico
- South America Zone
Peru, Argentina, Colombia
- Central America Zone
Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
- Caribbean Zone
Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Curaçao, Haiti, Jamaica, Sint Maarten
Now having said that you can visit so many countries with having a valid Schengen visa, the question arises: do you get a long-term visa or how's it? Let's understand the visa types
Types of Schengen Visa
Uniform Schengen Visa
Most of the travellers get this visa.This type of visa is categorized in two divisions
A - Airport Transit Visa
C - Short term visa which allows the visitor to be in the Schengen area till the validity of the visa.
This is again categorized into sub categories
- Single entry visa
Enter the Schengen area and exit. You can roam around in all Schengen countries
- Double entry visa
Enter the Schengen area, exit and come back again once. You can roam around in all Schengen countries
- Multiple entry visa
Enter and exit Schengen area any number of times
If you're a frequent traveller to the Schengen area, based on your travel history you can also apply for a longer duration visa
1/3/5 years multiple entry Schengen visa
Alert: With these longer duration visas, you cannot remain longer than 90 days within a 180 day period within the Schengen Area.
Here's a handy online calculator to help you calculate days spent, how many days you can stay for, when you can re-enter, etc
http://www.schengen-calculator.com/visits
Understanding basic rules/processes
Passport
Check for the below
- 10 years validity (not from the date of travel but overall)
- 3 months validity left for passport expiry from the date of departure
- Should not be a hand written passport
- 2 complete blank pages
Don't have a passport yet but you are reading this to make holiday plans. Don't worry, check my blog on applying for a new passport and taking your first international trip https://www.outofofficedaku.com/post/firsttrip
Travel plans
You should have your detailed travel itinerary ready before you set out to apply for a visa. This will be a critical step in the whole process. Once you're ready, jot down the below pointers
Total number of days in each country
Total number of days in all Schengen countries
Entry/exit country
Visiting any non-schengen country during your stay
Keep it ready and read ahead
In case travelling multiple countries which countries visa to be applied
The thumb rule is you need to apply with the country where your stay is the maximum number of days during your entire stay. If the stay is the same for the country of entry and some of the other country/countries, then you need to apply with the country of entry.
Figuring out visa type:
Transit visa
Tourist visa (Covered in this blog)
Visiting family & friends
Business visa
Visa for Culture and Sport activities
Visa for Official Visits
Study visa
Visa for Medical Reasons
Location to apply for visa
Based on the country which you need to apply check on the internet if the same can be applied at
- Embassy
- Consulate
- Visa process outsourced to some agency. For India its VFS
If you need to apply via VFS check the link and select which country you need to apply and it redirects you to the respective website https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html
Tip: Have patience as the website tends to load slowly sometimes
"Paisa kitna lagega" - Visa fees
Adult - 80 €
Child between 6-12 years of age - 40 €
Child younger than 6 years of age - FREE
+
VFS Global Service Charge - 20 € (Approx)
(In INR)
1411 INR per application for Delhi & Mumbai Centers
1660 INR per application for Chandigarh, Kolkata, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune , Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Puducherry, Jalandhar and Gurgaon Centers
Fee revision from 2nd Feb 2020
When to apply
You can submit your application max 3 months prior to your trip date. You can register on VFS country specific website and see the next slots available.
Tip: When making plans make sure you go and check if the slots are available for the country visa submission at your location to avoid last minute panic attacks. Also keep adequate time from submission to your travel dates in case you need to re-apply etc.
Visa application
Now that you know the basics let's get to business. There are a set of mandatory documents which need to be submitted based on your profile ( Salaried/self employed/Business) and the country you are applying for the visa.
For a salaried adult:
Application form fully filled and signed Format is the same, but download the one for your specific country. It has the country logo sometimes. Click here to see a filled up application form for your reference
Original passport Also the older cancelled ones if you have any. Helps your probability to get a visa if you have stamps from your previous travels
Two sets xerox copies of your current passport
2 photographs as per specification 45mm X 35mm, white/light background, 80% face, matte finish
Covering letter + day-wise itinerary The most important part of your application. You will be mentioning below details which the visa officer will read and then check your documents which would help him make his decision on giving you the visa. - Basic details and background of yourself - Purpose of visiting Schengen area - Details regarding your trip Click here for sample covering letter + day wise itinerary formats
Leave / NOC letter from your employer
Financial status - 3 months bank statement with adequate balance.Need to get it stamped from bank. Online statements are not accepted Balance kitna rakhu? (How much balance should I maintain?) If your stay and internal transportation is prepaid from India then take a basic calculation of 70€ per day X the number of days you're in schengen area. This is taken on a higher side. Check with country specific when applying. - Last 3 years Income Tax Returns - 6 months salary slips - Any other financial document such as fixed deposit statement, demat account statement etc - Credit card statement for the past 3 months
Return flight tickets. This can be fully booked tickets or reservations done by the travel agents
Proof of accommodation for your entire stay Tip: Hotel bookings can be done without paying anything from www.booking.com or hostels from www.hostelworld.com Don't forget to book refundable fares only. Just in case of any changes or visa rejection. In case of staying at friends/family place, the below docs need to be submitted - Invitation letter - Passport copy or resident permit of your friend/relative - Complete name and address
Travel insurance with minimum sum assured for 30000€ / 50000$ Tip: A very important part of your journey irrespective if the country makes it mandatory to submit always buy one whenever you travel. Click here to get a list of approved travel insurance companies for schengen visa. (List as of 2017. If you have an updated list please share)
Internal travel bookings (Bus, cruise, flights, rent a car) Pre-paid internal transportation adds up points that your application is genuine
In case of minors, the below documents will need to be additionally submitted
Birth certificate
Signature of both parents on the application form
Copies of both parents passports
If you're into business or are a freelancer add these documents to increase your chances to get a visa
Proof of legal entity of the company
Company bank statements
Company's ITR
Student
No-objection certificate from school/college
Steps to plan your visa process
Make travel plans with countries planned to visit
Calculate the number of days to identify which country to apply visa
Check on VFS website for the availability of slots
Return flight bookings
Hostel/Hotel bookings
Internal travel bookings
Visa processing with VFS
Visit the country specific website of VFS
Register on the website
Get an appointment for document submission
Print appointment letter
Visit VFS centre as per schedule
Take token
Submit documents on counter
Get biometrics done
Take receipt of document submission which will have your file no. Same is used to track your application Post submission of the passport, you have the option for the passport to be delivered at your address or pick up from the VFS center. Delivery of a passport at your address will be charged extra.
Tip: Carry enough cash to pay for the visa fees. VFS accepts payment in only cash at the centers
Some useful links to help you plan your Europe trip
Visa statistics for consulates
Click here for Excel file. (Data for the year 2018)
Website to search for flight tickets
www.skyscanner.com
www.momondo.in
Websites for hostel/hotel booking
www.booking.com
www.hostelworld.com
www.airbnb.com
Update as on 2nd Feb 2020
You can get a longer duration visa if the below criteria is fulfilled.
“…multiple-entry visas with a long validity shall be issued for the following validity periods, unless the validity of the visa would exceed that of the travel document:
(a) for a validity period of one year, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years;
(b) for a validity period of two years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for one year within the previous two years;
(c) for a validity period of five years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for two years within the previous three years,” the updated Visa Code explains.
Hope this article was useful if you're planning to apply for the Schengen visa. Happy Travels :)