Schengen Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens (2026)

Key facts

• Government fee (adults): EUR 90 (approx. USD 100)
• Government fee (children 6–11): EUR 45
• Government fee (children under 6): Free
• Standard processing time: 7–15 working days
• Maximum stay permitted: 90 days in any 180-day period
• Passport validity required: At least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen Area
• Mandatory travel insurance minimum: EUR 30,000 cover across all Schengen countries
• Earliest application date: 6 months before intended entry

Overview

The Schengen short-stay visa costs EUR 90 (roughly USD 100) for Indian citizens aged 12 and over. Children aged 6–11 pay EUR 45, and children under 6 are exempt. A single visa covers up to 90 days across all 29 Schengen member states within any 180-day period, and standard processing runs 7–15 working days.

What is the Schengen visa and who needs it?

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. Indian passport holders are not eligible for visa-free access and must hold a valid Schengen visa before travelling. The short-stay (Type C) visa is the category most leisure travellers apply for. It permits tourism, family visits, business meetings and short courses, but not paid employment.

If you are planning a longer stay, a study programme or work in a specific country, you will need a national (Type D) visa from that country's embassy rather than the standard Schengen short-stay visa.

For country-specific requirements, see the Vistolane guides for France, Germany and Italy.

Which consulate should Indian applicants apply to?

You must apply to the embassy or consulate of your main destination country — the country where you will spend the most nights. If you are visiting multiple countries for equal periods, apply to the consulate of the country you enter first.

This matters because each member state processes its own applications, even though the visa is valid across the whole Schengen Area. Check the relevant consulate's website for appointment availability in your city before you plan your travel dates.

What documents do you need for a Schengen visa from India?

Requirements are set by the EU Visa Code and are largely uniform across member states, though individual consulates may ask for additional supporting documents. The core list is:

Identity and travel documents - Valid Indian passport with at least 3 months' validity beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, and at least 2 blank pages - Copies of all previous visas and entry/exit stamps - 2 recent passport-size photographs meeting Schengen photo standards

Application form and fees - Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (online or paper depending on the consulate) - Visa fee of EUR 90 paid at the time of appointment; EUR 45 for children aged 6–11

Travel itinerary and accommodation - Confirmed return flight bookings or a detailed itinerary - Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation with proof of the host's legal residence

Travel insurance - Mandatory travel medical insurance with minimum cover of EUR 30,000, valid across the entire Schengen Area for the full duration of your trip

Financial means - Last 3–6 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds; the exact threshold varies by consulate — check the specific embassy website for the current daily amount required - If employed: salary slips for the last 3 months, employment contract, and employer's leave approval letter - If self-employed: business registration documents and ITR filings - If a student: college enrolment letter and a letter from a sponsor with their bank statements

Civil documents - Proof of civil status (marriage certificate if applicable) - If a minor is travelling alone or with one parent: notarised consent from the absent parent(s)

For a detailed walkthrough of the appointment and submission process, read the Schengen Visa: Appointment to Decision, Step by Step guide.

How much does a Schengen visa cost for Indians?

The EUR 90 fee is set uniformly by the EU and applies regardless of which member state's consulate you apply to. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused. VFS Global or TLScontact service charges are additional and vary by location — confirm the current amount on the visa application centre's website when booking your appointment.

To compare fees across popular destinations Indians apply to alongside the Schengen Area, see the Schengen Area visa page or explore the United States and United Kingdom pages.

How long does Schengen visa processing take from India?

Standard processing is 7–15 working days from the date your application is lodged (not the appointment date). Consulates can legally take up to 30 calendar days, and in exceptional circumstances up to 60 days. During peak summer months (May–August) and around major holidays, appointment slots can be scarce and processing may run closer to the upper end of the range.

Practical timeline for Indian applicants:

• Book your consulate appointment as soon as your travel dates are firm — ideally 8–10 weeks before departure.
• Gather and organise all documents at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
• Attend the appointment, submit biometrics if required, and pay the fee.
• Allow 7–15 working days for a decision.
• Collect your passport from the visa application centre.

Applications can be submitted no earlier than 6 months before your intended date of entry.

What are the most common reasons for Schengen visa refusals?

Understanding refusal grounds helps you build a stronger file from the start:

• Insufficient bank balance or unexplained large deposits shortly before application
• Incomplete or inconsistent travel itinerary
• Travel insurance that does not meet the EUR 30,000 minimum or does not cover all Schengen countries
• Passport validity falling short of the 3-month post-departure requirement
• Unclear purpose of travel or weak ties to India (for example, no employment, property or family evidence)
• Previous overstays or immigration violations in any country

If you receive a refusal, the decision form will cite one of the standardised grounds under the EU Visa Code. For a detailed breakdown of how to read that form and reapply, see the Schengen visa rejection guide.

Can you apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa?

Yes. Consulates may issue single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visas. A multiple-entry visa allows you to leave and re-enter the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity, subject to the 90-days-in-180-days rule each time.

First-time Schengen applicants typically receive a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year. Frequent travellers with a clean Schengen visa history may receive multiple-entry visas valid for 2 or 5 years. The consulate makes this decision at its discretion based on your travel history and the strength of your file.

Tips to strengthen your Schengen visa application as an Indian passport holder

• Apply to the consulate of your main destination and clearly document your itinerary to support that choice.
• Show consistent bank statements over 3–6 months rather than a single large deposit.
• Book refundable or flexible-rate hotels and flights rather than fully non-refundable ones until you hold the visa.
• Obtain travel insurance from an insurer whose policies are accepted by the consulate — some embassies publish lists of accepted providers.
• Provide a detailed, day-by-day cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to India.
• If you have previously held visas for the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, include copies — these demonstrate travel credibility. Check the visa on arrival for Indian passport holders article for context on how prior travel history influences decisions.

For a free assessment of your eligibility before you begin, use the Vistolane eligibility checker.

Questions, answered