Last updated: September 2026
Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit most of continental Europe — there’s no visa-free entry, and no e-visa shortcut. The good news is the process is more standardized than a US visa: one fixed embassy fee across all Schengen states, a defined 90-day stay allowance, and a clear rule for which country’s consulate you apply through. The part that trips up first-time applicants is exactly that last rule — applying through the wrong country is a common, avoidable reason for delay or rejection.
One distinction worth getting right immediately: the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa does not cover UK entry — that requires a completely separate UK visa application, even though the UK is geographically in Europe.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Europe?
Yes, for the 29-country Schengen Area (which includes major destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and Greece, among others). There’s no visa-on-arrival and no electronic visa option for Indian citizens — the Schengen visa must be obtained in advance, in person, with biometric enrollment.
Which Country Should You Apply Through?
This is the single most important procedural rule: you must apply through the consulate of your main destination — the Schengen country where you’ll spend the most time or nights. If your time is split evenly across multiple countries with no clear “main” destination, you apply through the country you’ll enter first.
Applying through a country just because its processing is faster or its fees are marginally lower, when it isn’t actually your main destination, is one of the most common reasons Schengen applications from India get flagged or refused. Pick based on your actual itinerary, not convenience.
Schengen Visa Fees for Indians
- Consular fee: €90 for adult applicants (roughly ₹8,500–9,900, depending on the exchange rate the consulate applies) — this figure has held steady since a June 2024 adjustment and is identical across all 29 Schengen states.
- Reduced/waived fees for children: Reduced fees typically apply for children aged 6–11, with no fee for children under 6 — confirm exact current figures with your specific consulate.
- VFS Global service fee: A separate, additional charge for application-center services (appointment handling, biometrics, document logistics) — this varies by destination country and has been revised periodically, so check the official VFS Global India page for your specific country rather than relying on a fixed figure.
- Mandatory travel insurance: Schengen applications require proof of travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage level (commonly cited around €30,000) valid for your entire stay.
The consular fee is set by the European Commission and doesn’t vary by destination — what varies is the VFS service charge layered on top, so your total cost depends on which country you’re applying through and current VFS pricing.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Indians
- Valid passport (with enough validity beyond your planned return, plus blank pages)
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Recent passport-size photographs meeting Schengen specifications
- Proof of travel medical insurance meeting the minimum coverage requirement
- Proof of accommodation for your stay
- Travel itinerary, including onward/return travel evidence
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip
- Biometric enrollment (fingerprints and a digital photo) at the visa application center — required for most first-time applicants and periodically thereafter
Document specifics can vary slightly by which country’s consulate you’re applying through and your employment/travel history, so check the specific checklist for your destination country before submitting.
How Long Can You Stay on a Schengen Visa?
The standard short-stay Schengen visa permits up to 90 days within any 180-day period, across the entire Schengen Area combined — not per country. This is a rolling window, not a fixed calendar period, so if you’ve spent time in the Schengen Area earlier in the relevant 180-day window, it counts against your 90-day allowance on a new trip.
Validity itself can be issued as single-entry, a 1-year multiple-entry visa, or — for applicants with a clean prior Schengen travel history — multi-year visas valid up to 5 years. The fee is the same regardless of which validity you’re issued; that’s determined by the consulate based on your application and history, not something you request directly.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India
- Determine your main destination and the correct consulate to apply through.
- Book an appointment through that country’s VFS Global (or BLS International, for Spain) application center in India.
- Gather your documents — passport, application form, photos, insurance, accommodation and itinerary proof, financial proof.
- Attend your appointment, submit documents, and complete biometric enrollment.
- Track your application and collect your passport once a decision is issued — standard processing is commonly cited around 15 calendar days, though this can extend, particularly in peak season.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Applying through the wrong country’s consulate relative to your actual itinerary
- Insufficient proof of funds or unclear financial documentation
- Incomplete or inconsistent travel insurance coverage
- Weak evidence of intent to return to India (ties to employment, family, property)
- Fabricated or inconsistent supporting documents — genuinely damaging if discovered, and worth avoiding entirely rather than risking it
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Europe?
Yes, for the Schengen Area — there’s no visa-free entry or e-visa shortcut for Indian citizens.
How much does a Schengen visa cost for Indians?
The consular fee is €90 for adults, plus a separate VFS Global service fee that varies by destination country, plus mandatory travel insurance.
Which country should I apply through for a multi-country Europe trip?
Your main destination — wherever you’ll spend the most time or nights. If time is split evenly, apply through your first port of entry.
How long can I stay in Europe on a Schengen visa?
Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, across the whole Schengen Area combined, not per country.
Does a Schengen visa cover the UK?
No — the UK is not part of the Schengen Area and requires a completely separate visa application.
How long does Schengen visa processing take?
Standard processing is commonly cited around 15 calendar days, though this can extend during peak travel season — apply well ahead of your trip.
Once your Schengen visa is sorted, get connectivity ready for wherever you’re headed — see GetSimfinity’s guide to choosing the right Europe eSIM, or browse current Europe eSIM plans covering multiple Schengen countries on one plan.