How to get a Schengen visa for Europe from India

PRO-TIP: Schengen travel Insurance is mandatory for your Schengen visa from India!

Written by Kurt Hambadda
Date : 03/17/2026

Schengen visa for Indian nationals: Everything you need to apply!

An average of over one million Indian passport-holders make the journey to Europe each year. And in recent years, this number has only been growing. After all, there’s plenty to see and do for every type of traveler — be it food, drink, art, culture, history, nature, or adventure. As well as endless diverse opportunities for study, work, and an overall new life.

Most popular European destinations—such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany—are part of the Schengen Zone. And to get there, most Indian nationals therefore need a Schengen visa first.

Fortunately, AXA Schengen not only helps make your European travels 100% worry-free. But we can also help ensure that your Schengen visa application process from India is as stress-free as possible too!

Schengen Visa for Indian nationals - Quick Guide & Key Information

Do Indian nationals need a Schengen visa?

Yes. Even for short stays (<90 days) in and travel between any of Europe’s Schengen countries, Indian citizens have to be granted a Schengen visa.
And that’s because India is one of nearly a hundred countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with the European Union.

📌 NOTE
Indian nationals need a Schengen visa whether they reside in India or overseas — i.e, Canada, the UAE, the UK, the U.S. (including green card holders), or anywhere else. But we’ll cover that below too!

→ A Schengen visa is mandatory for Indian nationals before travelling.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from India: step-by-step process

Fortunately, the Schengen visa application process is more or less the same around the world. Whether in India or anywhere else, once you have a Schengen destination in mind, you:

Step 1: Choose your Schengen visa type

Step 2: Gather your documents and buy your mandatory and valid Schengen travel insurance

Step 3: Fill in the Schengen visa application form

Step 4: Book your visa appointment (at a visa application center or Schengen embassy/consulate)

Step 5: Attend your in-person appointment for the interview, biometrics collection, and payment of visa and service fees (if applicable)

Step 6: Track your visa application status online

…and hope for the best! But don’t worry, we’ll break further down step by step.

What kind of Schengen visa do I need as an Indian traveller?

Before applying, you need to determine which type of Schengen visa best suits your travel plans. Here’s an overview of the main visa types available for Indian nationals.

✈️ Short-stay Schengen visa : Type C visa

Also known as the “Tourist Schengen visa”, the type C visa is the type most frequently requested.

  • Duration: up to 90 days within any 180-day period
  • Purpose: tourism, family visits, short business trips
  • What it allows:
    - travel to one or multiple Schengen countries
    - single or multiple entries (depending on visa issued)
  • Does not allow: work beyond short business purposes

AXA at your service!
Learn more about:

🛂 Schengen Airport Transit visa : Type A visa

Indian nationals travelling from a non-Schengen country to a destination outside the Schengen Area may require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) if stopping over at certain Schengen airports, such as in the Czech Republic or Spain.

  • Duration: only valid for the duration of the airport transit
  • Purpose: passing through a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area
  • Countries you can visit: only the international transit area of the airport
  • Allows: staying in the transit area while connecting flights
  • Does not allow: Entering Schengen countries or traveling within the Schengen Area

PRO TIP: Always check with the official authorities of the Schengen country you will be transiting through to confirm whether you need an Airport Transit (Type A) visa.

✈️ Long-stay visa : Type D visa

Also known as the National visa,the type D visa is issued by the authorities of the Schengen country where you plan to stay, each of which has its own requirements.
This differs from the short-stay visa, which follows the same entry rules for all Schengen countries

  • Duration: more than 90 days (can vary depending on the issuing country)
  • Purpose: work, study, family reunification, or long-term stays
  • Countries you can visit: primarily the issuing Schengen country, with short visits (up to 90 days) allowed in other Schengen countries
  • Allows: residing in the issuing country, traveling briefly to other Schengen countries
  • Does not allow: permanent residence in other Schengen countries without additional permits

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What documents do Indian travellers need to apply for a Schengen visa?

And no matter which visa you need, to get it, you’ll generally need the following paperwork:

If applicable, you may also be asked to show:


PRO TIP: To make sure you’re not missing anything, check with your Schengen destination country’s official website.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indian nationals applying for a Schengen visa?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Indian passport holders applying for a Schengen visa.
You must have your insurance plan in place before submitting your application. However, not just any policy will be accepted: it must meet strict requirements set by the European Union.
Choosing AXA Schengen visa insurance ensures your coverage complies with these rules and allows you to obtain your insurance certificate instantly, saving valuable time.

Mandatory travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa

To be accepted by Schengen authorities, your travel insurance must meet the following criteria:

  • Purchased from an insurance company recognized by Schengen consular authorities
  • Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses, including hospitalization and emergency treatment
  • Coverage of repatriation costs, including in the event of death
  • Valid in all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay

⚠️ Warning: If your travel insurance certificate does not meet these EU requirements, your visa application will be automatically rejected.

💡 PRO TIP: AXA’s plans meet the EU requirements above (and then some)!

Why choose AXA Schengen insurance to be granted a Schengen visa

  • The reliability of a global leader in assistance
  • Plans fully meet EU requirements and go beyond in coverage
  • Instant insurance certificate, ready to submit with your visa application
  • Refund guaranteed if your visa is refused
  • 24/7 medical assistance
  • Extended protection for you and your loved ones
  • Options to suit every traveller:
    • AXA Schengen BASIC

      A simple and affordable solution for Schengen visa applicants needing insurance that fully meets EU requirements.
      Medical coverage: €30,000
      Optional: baggage insurance and higher medical coverage limit.
      Validity: all Schengen countries + 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).
    • AXA Schengen ESSENTIAL

      A flexible plan offering extended coverage at a reasonable price.
      Medical coverage: €100,000
      Optional: baggage insurance and higher medical coverage limit.
      Validity: all Schengen countries and microstates, plus all EU countries and the UK.
    • AXA Schengen PREMIUM

      Our all-inclusive, zero-stress plan for maximum protection during your trip.
      Medical coverage: up to €2 million
      Baggage insurance: included
      Validity: all Schengen countries, EU countries, the 4 microstates and the UK.
    • AXA Schengen ANNUAL

      Designed for frequent travellers to Europe and multiple-entry Schengen visa holders.
      This yearly plan covers all trips of up to 90 days over a full year, with no need to purchase a new policy for each trip.
      Medical coverage: €100,000 (+ enhanced coverage option)
      Baggage insurance: included
      Validity: all Schengen countries, the 4 microstates, EU countries and the UK.

PRO TIPS:

- Compare AXA’s Schengen insurance plans and get your free quote online to secure your insurance instantly

- Use AXA’s full guide on How to buy Schengen insurance from India online .

Where can Indian travellers submit their Schengen visa application?

Indian travellers typically apply for a Schengen visa through official Visa Application Centers (VACs) or, in some cases, directly at the embassies or consulates.
These centers are available across major and mid-sized Indian cities from Delhi and Mumbai to smaller hubs like Lucknow and Goa, making the process accessible for most travellers.

NOTE: Some Schengen countries are represented by other member states in India:
Liechtenstein → Switzerland,
Latvia → Hungary/France/Netherlands.
Always double-check the official embassy or consulate website before applying.

In this section, you’ll find:

  • Visa centers in India – which centers handle which Schengen countries
  • Applying from abroad – guidance for Indian citizens living outside India
  • Multi-country trips – how to choose the right embassy or VAC for multiple Schengen destinations

Which visa centers in India handle which Schengen countries?

Different VACs handle applications depending on your destination country:

  • VFS Global
    - Visa for most Schengen nations: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Czechia, Finland, and more.
    - Centers in: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kochi, Jalandhar… (check VFS website for full list)
  • BLS International: Spain and Slovakia.
    - Centers in: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Jalandhar
  • GVCW: Greece
    - Centers in: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi
  • TLScontact: Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

    - Centers in: most of the cities listed above

PRO TIP: And AXA can easily help you book an appointment with India’s most popular VAC — aka VFS Global.

📌 REMINDER
To make sure you’re not missing anything, always double-check with the proper authorities:

Indian national living abroad: where to apply for a Schengen visa

If you live outside India, you should generally apply in your country of residence at the Schengen embassy, consulate, or VAC.

📌 Key points:

  • Application steps are similar to those in India, but may vary slightly depending on your location and destination.
  • Schengen rules focus on “country of residence”, so applications from non-residents are usually accepted only in exceptional cases. Applying locally is the safest option.
  • Always cross-check with official sources before submitting your application.

TIP for Indian citizens residing in the UK
Many Schengen countries use providers like VFS Global or TLScontact worldwide.
For instance, you can apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands at VFS Global centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, or Edinburgh.

How to choose where to apply if visiting multiple Schengen countries?

If your trip involves multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy or VAC of:

  • The country where you plan to spend the most time
  • Or the country you will enter first (if staying equal days in multiple countries)

PRO TIP: AXA can explain the Schengen visa First Port of Entry rules to make sure you apply correctly.

Schengen visa timing: when to apply and processing time

To get your Schengen visa on time, it’s important to know when to apply and understand how long processing takes. Follow the guidelines below to make sure your application is submitted correctly and on schedule.

When to Apply for a Schengen visa

And no matter the city or the visa center, you should apply no more than 6 months and no fewer than 15 days before your trip.

PRO TIP But give yourself at least 3 weeks before your departure date to make sure you have everything in order — whether applying from India or elsewhere.

IMPORTANT: And keep in mind that while you can usually book your initial appointment online, you'll need to come in for an in-person interview and biometrics/document collection at some point too! So plan ahead!

How long does it take to process a Schengen visa in India?

Regardless of your country of origin or destination, the Schengen visa usually takes 15 days to process.

However, it may sometimes take up to a month or two (depending on your situation and/or the Schengen visa application center/consulate).

PRO TIP: We’ve got more on Schengen visa processing times too. But, generally, contact the consulate/VAC if you don’t hear anything after 2 weeks.

How much does a Schengen visa for Indian nationals cost?

The price of a Schengen visa from India is the same as it is anywhere else.
Indian nationals applying for a Schengen visa should be aware of both the standard visa fees and any additional service charges imposed by visa application centers (VACs) or consulates. Knowing the costs in advance helps you plan your trip and avoid surprises.

Standard Schengen visa fee

  • Adults: €90 (appr. ₹9,000)
  • Children 6-12: €45 (appr. ₹4,500)
  • Children under 6: Free

Certain applicants may be exempt from fees, including:

  • Participants (25yo or under) in seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, or educational events
  • Students and teachers on certain study or training trips
  • Researchers traveling for scientific purposes

But you can check out AXA’s complete Schengen visa cost guide for more deets too.

NOTE
Schengen visa fees are set by the European Commission and updated every 5–7 years to reflect inflation and administrative costs.
The last increase, from €80 to €90 for adults, was on 11 June 2024. Fees may change, so always check the official updated list before applying.

Additional service fees at visa centers

Visa application centers (VFS, BLS, TLScontact, etc.) often charge extra processing fees on top of the standard visa price.
These are mandatory and non-refundable, so always check the official VAC website before booking your appointment.

PRO TIP: Both the Schengen visa fee and the visa application center/consulate service fees are non-refundable. AXA, on the other hand, will fully refund your travel insurance costs if your visa is denied!

How Indian nationals can apply for Schengen visas for specific European countries

DID YOU KNOW? Over 1 million Indian nationals apply for a Schengen visa each year. Roughly 15% of these applications are rejected, resulting in over ₹135 crore (i.e., over €12.5 million) lost in non-refundable fees! This puts India in third place globally in both the number of applications and financial losses due to rejections (after China and Turkey).

But don’t worry! Along with first-class, mandatory, fully-refundable Schengen visa travel insurance from AXA, you can follow our step-by-step guides to apply for visas to specific European countries from India:

PRO TIP: If you are applying from outside India or to other Schengen countries, check our guide: How to apply for a Schengen visa to a specific European country (scroll to find your destination).

Secure your Schengen visa faster with AXA:
Free quote and instant insurance certificate.

Don’t miss these related articles that could help you too :

FAQs

Can I apply for a Schengen visa from India if I live in another country (like the UAE or Malaysia)?

Yes. If you live abroad, you usually apply in the country where you are legally resident (for example, via VFS Global or the appropriate consulate in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur).

Can I visit several Schengen countries with one visa?

Yes. One Schengen visa allows you to travel to all countries in the Schengen Area, as long as you respect the total number of days and any entry limits shown on the Schengen visa sticker.

Can I change my purpose of stay after reaching Europe on a Schengen visa?

No. You cannot convert a short‑stay (Type C/”tourist”) Schengen visa into a work or study permit from inside the Schengen Area. For long‑term work or studies, you need to apply for the correct visa from outside the Schengen.

Does ETIAS apply to Indian citizens?

No. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization only for visa-exempt nationalities (like the US, Canada, Australia). Indian passport holders need a full Schengen Type C visa for short stays in Europe, not ETIAS.

What happens if my Schengen visa from India is refused?

If your visa is refused, you can either appeal (following the instructions in the refusal letter) or apply again.
But to make sure it doesn’t come to that, AXA can tell you how to best avoid Schengen visa refusal in the first place!

What’s the difference between a Schengen visa and a “European” visa?

There is no such thing as a “European visa.” A Schengen visa allows travellers to visit all countries in the Schengen Area—including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—under the same entry rules.

However, some European countries, such as the UK, Albania, Moldova, or Ireland, are outside the Schengen Area and have their own visa requirements.
Always check the official embassy or consulate website of the country you plan to visit, as well as the European Commission’s visa policy page.

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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Basic

AXA Schengen Basic

AXA Schengen Basic is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Essential

AXA Schengen Essential

AXA Essential is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus, and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Basic.

AXA Schengen Annual

AXA Schengen Annual

AXA Annual is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Annual for different countries during 90 days.