Schengen Tourist Visa from India (2026): Eligibility, Documents, Fees & Process

Identify your main destination (where you will stay the longest) and book an appointment with the visa application centre for that country, usually VFS Global. Fill out the Schengen visa application form (Type C), gather your supporting documents (insurance, photos, itinerary, proof of funds, flight and hotel bookings), then attend the appointment to submit your file and biometrics. Indian citizens usually cannot apply directly at the embassy. For a smooth process, you can contact Global Visa International.

Key documents include: original passport (valid at least 6 months), 2 photos (35x45mm), cover letter, flight itinerary, proof of stay (hotel or sponsorship), travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), ITR (last 3 years) and bank statements (last 6 months).

The official visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are free. In Indian currency this is roughly ₹8,000 - ₹9,500, depending on the exchange rate. VFS service charges, courier fees and travel insurance are extra.

Standard processing time is 15 working days. During peak Indian holiday seasons (April-June and October-December) it can take 30 to 45 days, so we strongly recommend applying well in advance, ideally about 2 months before travel and at least 45 days before your trip.

A standard tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. The validity printed on the visa sticker can range from the exact dates of your trip to 1-5 years (a multiple-entry or circulation visa) for frequent travellers with a clean travel history. France and Germany are known for issuing longer-validity visas to trusted travellers.

Countries such as Iceland, Switzerland, Slovakia, Luxembourg and Finland are often cited as having higher approval rates, and Switzerland, France and Germany process high volumes of Indian applications efficiently. However, you must apply to the country that is your main destination. 'Visa shopping' (applying to an easy country but visiting another) can lead to border issues. A genuine, complete file is the real secret to getting any visa. Need help perfecting yours? Chat with us at Global Visa International.

You must apply at the visa application centre (VAC) of your main destination. In India, VFS Global handles most countries (like France, Switzerland and Germany), BLS International handles Spain, and TLScontact handles a few others. Check the specific country's requirements.

In almost all cases, no. Extensions are only allowed for 'force majeure' or humanitarian reasons, such as a severe medical emergency that physically prevents you from leaving. You cannot extend a visa just to travel more.

No, you generally cannot convert a tourist visa (Type C) to a work permit inside the Schengen area. You must return to India and apply for a National Employment Visa (Type D) from the embassy. Strict rules apply.

Yes, a standard Type C Schengen visa covers business purposes such as meetings, training, conferences and trade fairs. Mention 'Business' as your purpose on the form and carry an invitation letter. You strictly cannot take up paid employment or draw a salary from a European company while on this visa.

Only if you are a legal resident there. Indian citizens living in the UK with a valid residence permit (BRP) can apply through the local VFS or TLScontact centre, and those in the Philippines with a valid ACR I-Card or residence visa can apply at the Schengen consulates or VFS centres in Manila or Cebu. If you are only visiting as a tourist, you must apply from India.

It is a short-stay visa (Type C) that allows you to travel freely across all 29 Schengen area countries (like France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland) for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits or business.