How to apply for Schengen Visa (for Indian Nationals)

First, I would like to tell you that you don't need any agent to apply for the visa. They'll charge you around 2-3k per person and by the end of the process, you'll realise that you're the one doing all the work, so save your hard earned money and you can apply on your own keeping below things in mind.

1. First, you have to put together your travel plan, how many days you plan to be in the zone, the countries you are going to visit (if more than one), the country where you are going to enter, and the country where you’re going to exit.

2. Once you've decided your entry country, you'll schedule your appointment via submitting online form or call. For eg. If I'm landing in Rome from New Delhi, then I'll apply for visa via Italy Consulate. You can use below link to schedule your appointment or call; In case you're entering some other country you'll have similar webpage for that country.

https://www.vfs-italy.co.in/delhi/scheduleanappointment.html

3. To visit multiple countries, apply for multi entry visa.

4. You can apply for visa maximum 3 months before your planned trip and minimum 15 days.

5. You should have sufficient funds in your/sponsor's bank account (Maintain a minimum balance of 1.70 Lacs INR to 2.3 Lacs INR 2–3 months before applying for the visa)

Below is the compiled list of documents you'll need to carry on your appointment date to VFS Global centre in your city:

• Application Form - Fully completed with correct information, printed and signed at the end. You can download the form from below link

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/download-schengen-visa-application-form/

• Cover Letter - A description of your trip to Europe, your purpose of travelling, which places are you going to visit in Europe, the time frame and all the personal data.

Reference cover letter can be found on below link.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RTfopENVk9wriI6ZnWNaP4_C8RBYwMfi

• Travel Itinerary - You can create your own using sample given on below link

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1s2aBRltKr_Pwa84SI-VPAMny02lLcOZR

• Two recent photos - Taken within the last three months, in compliance with the Schengen visa photo criteria as given on below link.

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/photo-requirements/

• Valid Passport

• Bank statements of 6 months (if you're sponsoring your own trip, otherwise bank statements of whoever sponsoring the trip along with Sponsorship Letter)

Letter format can be found on below link.

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/sponsorship-letter/

• Evidence of employment status.

▪ If employed:

Last updated Salary letter/Offer letter

Last 3 months of Salary receipts

Leave permission from your employer (you can get this letter from your HR/Manager)

Income Tax Returns(ITR) of 3 years or form 16

▪ If self-employed:

A copy of your business license,

Company’s bank statement of the latest 6 months

Income Tax Returns(ITR) of 3 years or form 16

▪ If a student:

Proof of enrollment &

No Objection Letter from University (https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/obtain-free-no-objection-letter-template-visa-application/)

• Marriage Certificate (if married) - You can also provide wedding pictures and invitation card in case you're newly married or been married for six months also worked for me.

• Travel Health Insurance - Detailed Information is on below link

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-insurance/india/

• Proof of accommodation - You can reserve your hotels at hotels.com or booking.com etc. and cancel or change as per needs later

• Flight return tickets - You can book refundable flight tickets which can be cancelled later in case of change of plans.

For Minors:

Either birth certificate / proof of adoption / custody decree if parents are divorced / death certificate of parent

Letter of consent from parents, including passport copies of both parents/ legal guardian.

Do you have any questions about this post? Let me know in the comments below!

Good Luck!

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