Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a single visa that grants access to 27 European countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
What It Means
The Schengen visa is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. Named after the Schengen Agreement signed in 1985, it creates a borderless zone across 27 European countries. With one visa application, one fee, and one set of documents, you can travel freely between countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, and 20 more. Once you cross the external border into any Schengen country, there are no further border checks between member states. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
For Indian passport holders, the Schengen visa is essentially the key to Europe. You apply through the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time (or first entry if equal). The application requires travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), financial proof, detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and flight reservations. Processing takes 15 calendar days on average. The base fee is €90, but VFS Global service fees were hiked in late 2025, pushing the total cost to ₹11,000-15,000 depending on the country. Many experienced Indian travelers get their first Schengen visa through France or Germany (considered to have reasonable approval rates) and then use subsequent stamps to build their travel history.
Examples
- 1France (Paris) — Apply through VFS Global, €90 for adults
- 2Germany (Berlin) — Known for efficient processing
- 3Italy (Rome) — Popular among Indian tourists
- 4Spain (Barcelona) — Apply if Spain is your primary destination
- 5Netherlands (Amsterdam) — Online appointment booking available
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Schengen country embassy should I apply at?
Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most nights. If visiting multiple countries for equal time, apply at the first country of entry. Getting this wrong can lead to rejection.
Can I visit non-Schengen EU countries with a Schengen visa?
No. Countries like Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus are not part of Schengen. However, some non-EU countries (like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland) ARE part of Schengen.
How is the 90/180 day rule calculated?
It's a rolling 180-day window. At any point, look back 180 days — you should not have been in the Schengen area for more than 90 of those days. There are online calculators to help track this.
Pro Tips
- Don't buy non-refundable flights before visa approval — use refundable bookings or reservations
- Schengen travel insurance must cover ALL 27 countries, not just your destination
- A cover letter explaining your trip purpose and detailed day-by-day itinerary really helps
- After getting your first Schengen visa, future applications become significantly easier
- Consider applying for a longer validity visa (2/5 years) if you plan to visit Europe regularly
Related Terms
Visa Required (Sticker/Stamp Visa)
Visa required means you must apply for and receive a visa from the country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
Biometrics (Visa Biometrics)
Biometrics in the visa process means providing your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application center, used for identity verification.
Travel Insurance (Visa Travel Insurance)
Travel insurance is a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other risks while traveling abroad. It's mandatory for many visa applications.
Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free travel means you can enter a country with just your passport — no visa application, no fee, no stamp needed before arrival.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you understand the terminology, check out our detailed visa guides for specific destinations.