Schengen Tourist Visa Guide: Documents, Fees & Application Process

Dreaming of exploring France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Austria, the Netherlands or several European countries in one holiday?

For Indian passport holders, a Schengen visa is generally required for a short tourist visit to the Schengen Area. A short-stay Schengen visa allows eligible travellers to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the conditions of the visa.

If you’re planning your first European holiday, understanding where to apply, what documents to prepare, how much the visa costs and how the application process works can make the experience considerably easier.

This complete guide explains the Schengen tourist visa application process for Indian travellers, from choosing the correct consulate to preparing your documents and submitting biometrics.

What Is a Schengen Tourist Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that permits eligible non-EU nationals to make temporary visits within the Schengen Area.

For tourists, it can allow travel across participating Schengen countries without obtaining a separate tourist visa for every country on the itinerary, provided the trip complies with the conditions of the visa.

The standard short-stay rule is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.

Schengen visas may be issued as:

Single-Entry Visa

Allows you to enter the Schengen Area once during the visa’s validity.

Multiple-Entry Visa

Allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity, subject to the permitted duration of stay.

Airport Transit Visa

This is for certain travellers transiting through the international transit area of a Schengen airport and does not permit ordinary tourist entry into the Schengen Area.

Which Country Should You Apply To?

This is one of the most important parts of a multi-country Schengen visa application.

You should not simply apply to whichever Schengen country appears to have easier appointments or visa processing.

If you’re visiting only one Schengen country, apply to that country’s competent consulate.

If you’re visiting several Schengen countries, you generally apply to the country that is your main destination.

Where there is no main destination and the duration of stay is equal between the relevant countries, you generally apply through the country whose external border you will cross first.

Example 1

Suppose your European holiday is:

Switzerland – 6 nights
France – 4 nights

Switzerland is your main destination based on the longer stay, so the application would normally fall under the competent Swiss authorities.

Example 2

Suppose your trip is:

France – 4 nights
Switzerland – 4 nights

If the stays are equal and there is no other basis for identifying a main destination, the first Schengen country you enter becomes relevant when determining where to apply.

Your actual itinerary should support the consulate through which you submit the application.

When Should Indians Apply for a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa application can generally be lodged up to six months before the intended journey and should normally be submitted at least 15 days before departure.

However, waiting until the minimum period is risky.

Appointment availability can become limited during:

• Summer holidays
• Christmas and New Year
• School holidays
• Major events
• Peak European tourism periods

If you already know your intended travel dates, begin preparing well in advance.

Schengen Tourist Visa Documents for Indian Travellers

Exact documentation can differ according to the destination country, applicant profile and circumstances.

However, applicants commonly need the following categories of documents.

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must satisfy Schengen requirements.

Current European Commission guidance states that the passport’s expiry date should generally be at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen Area.

Check the exact passport requirements applicable to your application before submission.

2. Schengen Visa Application Form

Complete the appropriate visa application form carefully.

Ensure information such as your:

• Name
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Occupation
• Travel dates
• Main destination
• Accommodation
• Contact information

matches your supporting documents.

Incorrect or contradictory information can complicate the application.

3. Recent Photograph

Submit a recent photograph complying with the applicable standards.

Do not assume that any ordinary passport-size photograph will automatically satisfy Schengen requirements.

Follow the current specifications provided by the competent consulate or authorised visa application centre.

4. Travel Itinerary

Prepare a realistic day-to-day itinerary.

It can include:

Date → City → Planned Attractions/Activities → Accommodation

For example:

Day 1 – Zurich: Arrival and local sightseeing
Day 2 – Lucerne: Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne
Day 3 – Interlaken: Transfer and sightseeing
Day 4 – Jungfrau Region: Mountain excursion
Day 5 – Bern: Day trip
Day 6 – Paris: Travel to France
Day 7 – Paris: Eiffel Tower and Seine area

Your itinerary should correspond with your accommodation and transportation plans.

5. Flight/Travel Reservation

You may need evidence of your planned journey into and out of the Schengen Area.

Follow the instructions of the country processing your application regarding the type of reservation or travel evidence required.

Avoid unnecessary financial risk by purchasing expensive non-refundable tickets before a visa decision unless required or you are comfortable with the applicable cancellation conditions.

Never submit fake flight reservations.

6. Hotel and Accommodation Confirmation

Provide accommodation evidence covering your proposed trip where required.

If you’re visiting several countries, ensure the accommodation details correspond with your itinerary.

For example:

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Paris

should make sense when compared with the dates shown on your hotel reservations and transportation plans.

If you’re staying with friends or relatives, different supporting documents may be required.

7. Travel Medical Insurance

Travel medical insurance is an important Schengen visa requirement.

The insurance must generally be valid throughout the Schengen territory and cover the entire intended stay.

Under the Schengen Visa Code, the minimum required coverage is €30,000, including qualifying expenses relating to urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment and medical repatriation.

For a multiple-entry application, specific insurance rules apply to the first intended visit, with applicants acknowledging the need for appropriate insurance for subsequent trips.

Choose a policy that satisfies the requirements applicable to your visa application.

8. Financial Documents

Applicants need to demonstrate sufficient financial means for their proposed stay and return journey.

Depending on your circumstances and the country’s checklist, supporting evidence may include:

• Recent bank statements
• Salary slips
• Income-tax documents
• Fixed deposits or other relevant financial evidence
• Sponsorship evidence, where applicable

There is no single universal bank balance that applies identically to every Schengen application.

Individual Schengen countries can have specific reference amounts or requirements concerning sufficient means of subsistence.

Your financial profile should reasonably correspond with your trip.

9. Employment Documents

If you’re employed, documents requested may include items such as:

• Employment certificate
• Leave approval
• Salary slips
• Other employment evidence

Follow the relevant consulate’s checklist.

10. Documents for Self-Employed Applicants

Indian business owners and self-employed travellers may be asked for evidence supporting their occupation and business.

Depending on the applicable checklist, this might include:

• Business registration
• GST documentation, where applicable
• Company or proprietorship documents
• Income-tax returns
• Business bank statements
• Other evidence demonstrating genuine business activity

Provide documents relevant to your actual business circumstances.

11. Cover Letter

A well-structured cover letter can help explain your proposed trip.

It may include:

• Purpose of travel
• Travel dates
• Countries being visited
• Main destination
• Who is funding the trip
• Your occupation or business
• Brief itinerary
• Any relevant information requiring clarification

Keep your cover letter factual.

Do not exaggerate your finances, employment, travel history or personal circumstances.

Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Travellers

The current standard Schengen visa fee is:

Adults – €90

Children aged 6 to under 12 – €45

Certain categories of applicants may qualify for a fee waiver.

An additional service fee may apply when an authorised external service provider collects the application on behalf of the relevant consulate.

The amount payable in Indian rupees can vary according to the applicable exchange rate and processing arrangements.

Always check the current amount before your appointment.

Step-by-Step Schengen Visa Application Process

The exact process varies somewhat by destination, but a typical tourist application follows these stages.

Step 1: Decide Your Travel Dates and Countries

Create a preliminary itinerary showing the countries you intend to visit and how long you plan to spend in each.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Country for Your Application

Determine your main destination according to the applicable Schengen rules.

Do not choose a consulate simply because you found an earlier appointment.

Step 3: Check the Official Document Checklist

Visit the relevant embassy/consulate or authorised visa application channel and obtain the latest checklist for Indian applicants.

Step 4: Book Your Visa Appointment

Schedule your application appointment according to the procedure applicable to your destination country.

During busy periods, appointments can fill quickly.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents

Organise your application carefully.

A practical sequence could be:

Application Form → Passport → Photograph → Cover Letter → Itinerary → Flights → Hotels → Insurance → Financial Documents → Employment/Business Documents → Additional Supporting Evidence

Step 6: Attend Your Appointment

Arrive according to the instructions given by the application centre or consulate.

Carry the required original documents and copies as specified.

Step 7: Submit Biometrics

Fingerprints are generally collected when submitting a Schengen visa application, subject to applicable exemptions.

Children under 12 are among the categories exempt from the fingerprint requirement under the Visa Code.

Follow the instructions given for your individual application.

Step 8: Pay Applicable Fees

Pay the visa fee and any authorised service charges applicable to your application.

Keep your receipt.

Step 9: Wait for Processing

The European Commission states that the normal processing time is 15 days.

However, examination can take up to 45 days in cases requiring more detailed scrutiny or additional documents.

Therefore, do not plan your application around the assumption that it will always be processed within 15 days.

Step 10: Check Your Visa

If your visa is issued, carefully check:

• Your name
• Passport number
• Visa validity
• Number of entries
• Duration of permitted stay

If anything appears incorrect, seek clarification promptly.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a Schengen Visa?

This is one of the most common questions from Indian applicants.

There isn’t one fixed figure that guarantees a Schengen visa.

Financial requirements can vary according to the destination, duration, accommodation arrangements and applicable national reference amounts.

Instead of trying to create an artificially high balance shortly before applying, provide genuine financial records.

Your finances should make sense when compared with:

Flights + Accommodation + Local transportation + Food + Attractions + Trip duration + Other expected expenses

Large unexplained last-minute deposits can require explanation.

Is Travel History Mandatory?

No.

A first-time international traveller can apply for a Schengen tourist visa.

Previous travel may form part of an applicant’s overall circumstances, but there is no rule saying you must first visit a certain number of Asian or other countries before becoming eligible to apply.

Never create or exaggerate travel history.

Do You Need Confirmed Flight Tickets?

Follow the document requirements of the specific Schengen country handling your application.

Don’t assume that purchasing a non-refundable flight ticket will strengthen your application.

Where a reservation is sufficient, avoid taking unnecessary financial risks before receiving a visa decision.

Most importantly, never submit fabricated travel documents.

Do You Need Train Tickets Between European Countries?

This depends on your itinerary and the supporting evidence requested by the competent consulate.

For a multi-country trip, providing a logical transportation plan can help demonstrate how your itinerary fits together.

For example:

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Paris

Your application should make it clear how you reasonably intend to move between destinations.

Check whether the country processing your application specifically requires internal transportation reservations.

Common Reasons Schengen Applications Can Have Problems

Applicants should avoid preventable issues such as:

• Applying through the wrong country
• Incomplete documentation
• Inconsistent travel dates
• Unrealistic itinerary
• Insufficient evidence of financial means
• Unexplained financial transactions
• Missing accommodation evidence
• Inadequate travel medical insurance
• Incorrect information on the application
• Fake bookings or supporting documents
• Unclear purpose of travel

A large number of documents does not automatically create a stronger application.

Relevance, authenticity and consistency matter more.

Can a Travel Agent Guarantee a Schengen Visa?

No.

No legitimate travel agency, visa consultant or intermediary can guarantee visa approval.

The European Union specifically advises that using an intermediary or travel agency does not increase an applicant’s chances of obtaining a Schengen visa.

The decision belongs to the relevant consular authorities.

A professional travel agency can instead help you understand the process, organise documents, prepare an itinerary and avoid administrative mistakes.

Schengen Visa Checklist for Indian Tourists

Before submitting your application, confirm that you have reviewed:

✓ Valid passport
✓ Correct Schengen country for application
✓ Completed application form
✓ Required photograph
✓ Cover letter
✓ Day-to-day itinerary
✓ Flight/travel reservation where required
✓ Accommodation confirmations
✓ Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance
✓ Bank statements and financial evidence
✓ Employment or business documents
✓ Required supporting documents
✓ Appointment confirmation
✓ Visa and applicable service fees
✓ Consistent travel dates across all documents

Always use the current country-specific checklist rather than relying only on a generic list.

Popular Schengen Destinations for Indian Travellers

Europe offers an enormous variety of experiences.

Switzerland – Alps, lakes, scenic trains and picturesque towns.

France – Paris, museums, architecture, food and the French Riviera.

Italy – Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and historic landmarks.

Germany – Berlin, Munich, castles and cultural attractions.

Austria – Vienna, Salzburg and Alpine landscapes.

Netherlands – Amsterdam, canals, museums and countryside.

Spain – Barcelona, Madrid, beaches and historic cities.

Greece – Athens, Santorini, Mykonos and island holidays.

Multi-country combinations such as Switzerland + France, France + Switzerland + Italy, or France + Belgium + Netherlands can work well when the itinerary is realistic and properly documented.

Schengen Visa Assistance from Travel Ventures

Planning a European holiday can involve visa documentation, appointments, accommodation, flights, insurance and a detailed itinerary.

Travel Ventures can assist Indian travellers with:

• Schengen tourist visa application guidance
• Visa documentation assistance
• Visa appointment assistance
• Cover letter preparation
• Day-to-day travel itinerary preparation
• Flight booking assistance
• Hotel accommodation
• Travel insurance
• International tour packages
• Foreign currency exchange
• Multi-country Europe trip planning

Our objective is to help travellers prepare an organised and accurate application based on their genuine travel plans.

Start Planning Your European Holiday

A Schengen holiday can take you from the Swiss Alps to Paris, from Venice’s canals to Amsterdam’s streets and from Vienna’s historic architecture to the Greek islands.

Good preparation begins with three things:

Apply to the correct country. Prepare genuine and consistent documents. Start early.

Once your itinerary, finances, accommodation, insurance and supporting documents are properly organised, you’ll be in a better position to navigate the application process confidently.

Planning a European holiday? Contact Travel Ventures for assistance with Schengen visa documentation, appointments, flights, hotels, travel insurance and customised Europe tour packages.

Disclaimer: Travel Ventures is a private travel and visa-assistance service and is not affiliated with the European Union, any Schengen government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre. Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the competent authorities. Requirements, fees, processing times and procedures may change. Applicants should verify current requirements with the relevant official authority before applying.