Planning a trip to Europe from India? Whether it’s a romantic getaway to Paris, a scenic Swiss train ride, or a cultural escape to Italy, you’ll likely need a Schengen visa to make it happen.
A Schengen visa lets you travel freely across 27 European countries — but the application process can be tricky without the right guidance. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to plan a Schengen visa trip from India, from choosing your countries to getting your visa approved.
🌍 What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-term visa (Type C) that allows you to travel to any of the 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, family visits, or business purposes.
🧳 Step 1: Choose Your Destination & Main Country
You can visit multiple countries, but you must apply through the main country of stay — where:
- You’ll spend the most days, or
- You’ll enter first, if stay durations are equal
Example: If your itinerary is 5 days in France, 4 in Italy, and 3 in Switzerland, apply via the French Embassy.
📆 Step 2: Plan Your Itinerary
Create a realistic and convincing travel plan. Include:
- Entry and exit dates
- Countries to be visited
- Day-wise travel plan
- Hotel bookings (at least dummy bookings)
- Transportation (flights, trains, etc.)
💡 Tip: Use websites like Rome2Rio or Omio to plan multi-country routes easily.
🏨 Step 3: Book Accommodation & Flights
Book refundable or dummy bookings at this stage. You’ll need:
- Confirmed or temporary hotel reservations
- Round-trip flight tickets (not just one-way)
- Internal travel bookings (if applicable)
⚠️ Note: Visa centers don’t require you to pay full price for hotels or flights; temporary bookings via agents or websites like Booking.com (with free cancellation) are acceptable.
📝 Step 4: Gather Required Documents
The required documents are generally the same across embassies, but always check the specific consulate website. You’ll typically need:
Mandatory Documents:
- Visa application form (filled and signed)
- Passport (valid for 3 months beyond your return date, with 2 blank pages)
- 2 passport-sized photos (as per Schengen guidelines)
- Travel itinerary and flight reservations
- Hotel bookings
- Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Cover letter (explaining your purpose, plan, and who’s covering the cost)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, ITRs, salary slips, etc.)
- Proof of employment (NOC from employer, leave letter)
- For self-employed: GST certificate, business registration, and ITRs
🏦 Step 5: Show Proof of Funds
Embassies want to ensure you can afford your trip. Provide:
- Last 3–6 months’ bank statements
- Minimum balance: €50–€100 per person per day of stay
- Credit card statements (optional)
- Fixed deposit receipts (if applicable)
💡 Tip: Maintain a healthy balance for at least 2 months before applying.
🏥 Step 6: Get Travel Insurance
Get a Schengen-compliant travel insurance policy that:
- Covers minimum €30,000
- Is valid across the entire Schengen zone
- Covers the entire duration of your stay
Popular providers in India: TATA AIG, Reliance, ICICI Lombard, HDFC Ergo
🏢 Step 7: Book a Visa Appointment
Visa appointments are managed by VFS Global for most Schengen countries. Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com, choose your country and city, and book an appointment.
Documents required at the appointment:
- All originals and photocopies
- Visa fee (usually paid online or at VFS)
- Biometrics (fingerprints + photo)
💳 Step 8: Pay Visa Fees
Visa Fee (as of 2025):
- Adults: €80 (~₹7,200)
- Children (6–12 years): €40 (~₹3,600)
- Kids below 6: Free
Additional charges:
- VFS service fee (~₹1,500)
- Courier & SMS tracking (optional)
⏳ Step 9: Wait for Processing
Visa processing time: 7–15 working days, depending on the country and volume.
Track your application using the VFS portal. You can opt for courier return or pick up your passport at the center.
🎉 Step 10: Receive Your Visa & Start Booking!
Once approved, your visa will be stamped with:
- Validity period (usually matching your travel dates or longer for multiple entries)
- Duration of stay (number of allowed days)
Now you’re free to confirm flights, hotels, and intercity trains or buses.
✈️ Bonus Tips for Indian Travelers:
- ✅ Apply 30–60 days before your trip
- ✅ Travel insurance is mandatory — don’t skip it!
- ✅ Dress neatly and confidently for your appointment
- ✅ Submit documents in a clear, organized file
- ✅ Be honest in your application — false info leads to rejections
🌟 Final Thoughts
Planning a Schengen visa trip from India might seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation and this step-by-step approach, it’s absolutely doable. Europe is filled with stunning sights, rich history, and unforgettable experiences — all just one visa away.
Need help with Schengen visa bookings, dummy itineraries, or Europe tour packages?
👉 Let the travel experts at iwouldtravel.com guide you every step of the way.
