Securing Your Schengen Visa: A Quick Guide for Europe Travel

The Schengen area comprises 29 European nations that have abolished their borders. Tourists can visit all these countries with a single visa called the Schengen visa. If you want to visit any of the Schengen countries, you must have a visa and travel insurance for a Schengen visa.

Let us take you through all the details that will assist you in securing a Schengen visa for your Europe visit.

How to Secure a Schengen Visa

Securing a visa for Schengen countries is simple. You need to fill out a visa application form, submit the documents, and pay the fees. All non-European travellers, including Indian nationals, must obtain a Schengen visa before visiting any Schengen country.

Here is a list of the documents to get a Schengen visa:

1. Schengen visa application form
2. Declaration of True and Complete Information with signature
3. Schengen visa insurance
4. Passport with 3 months validity
5. Copy of biometric and the address page of passport
6. Passport-sized photograph (35 mm x 45 mm)
7. Covering letter
8. Proof of itinerary
9. Proof of hotel accommodation
10. Sponsorship proof (if sponsored)
11. Financial proofs such as pay slips, bank statements, etc.
12. Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, etc).

Note that the above-mentioned documents are a general guideline. You may have to submit specific documents depending on the type of visa that you are applying for.

Types of Schengen Visas and Their Costs

• Type A: This is a transit visa that allows travellers to pass through the airports of any Schengen country. It is mandatory for visitors transiting through a Schengen country to have this visa.
• Type B: A type B visa is also a transit visa, which is valid for 5 days. It allows the holder to pass through multiple Schengen countries.
• Type C: The type C visa is a short-term visa for 90 days with 6 months validity. There are three categories of this visa: single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry.
• Type D: This visa is issued to those who want to work, study, or stay in a Schengen country. It includes purposes such as tourism, business, study, or personal reasons such as medical conditions, etc. The duration of stay with the type D visa is more than 90 days, up to 1 year. You can opt for a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa.

Here is the fee structure for a Schengen visa for Indians:.

Eligibility for Schengen Visa

• You must be a citizen of a non-European country.
• The passport must have a validity of a minimum of 3 months after your visit.
• The purpose of your visit must match with the type of visa you apply for.
• You must buy travel insurance for a Schengen visa with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
• You must submit all the required proofs that establish your financial stability, health record, accommodation, etc.

Conclusion

Fulfilling the eligibility conditions and submitting the right documents will help you secure a Schengen visa. Additionally, having Schengen area travel insurance is also compulsory for your visa to get approved.

To secure a Schengen visa, you must follow the visa application process, pay the fees,  ensure the submission of all the required documents and buy Schengen travel insurance. Additionally, it is wise to buy travel insurance for a Schengen visa well in advance for a successful visa application.