Schengen Visa
SCHENGEN COUNTERS
A Schengen Visa is a visa issued by any of the 26 Schengen member countries, and it allows the visa holder to travel freely within the Schengen zone on a single visa, without any border control and passport checks. Schengen visa holders can stay for up to 90 days in a six (6) month period. The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Schengen visa is valid for leisure and business travel only.
Additionally, travellers with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa can also enter, stay and transit other European countries that are outside of the Schengen zone such as Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania WITHOUT the need for an additional visa (for tourist purposes).
The Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) permits travel and stays in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. There are three categories of USV: single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas.
A single-entry visa allows one entry into a Schengen country and remains valid until its expiration. Leaving the country before the visa expires means you cannot re-enter.
A double-entry visa permits two entries into a Schengen country within the visa's validity. However, leaving the country for the second time before the visa expires also prevents re-entry.
The multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries and exits from the Schengen Zone as long as the visa remains valid.
Schengen Visa Application Procedure: What You Need to Know:
1. To apply for a Schengen Visa, you must first fill out the application form.
2. Once completed, you will need to make an appointment to submit your application and supporting documents.
3. At the appointment, you will be required to provide biometric data and verify the authenticity of your documents.
4. Finally, you will need to pay the visa fees before your application can be processed.
In case you intend to visit multiple countries and allocate equal time to each, you must apply at the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the most time. However, if you plan to spend equal time in two or more countries, such as five days in France and five days in Germany, you should apply at the embassy of the country where you will arrive first.
Documents for Schengen Visa
Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any;
Schengen Visa Application form;
2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification);
Personal Covering letter (For Employed - Plain paper/ For Self-Employed – Company Letterhead);
Original updated Bank Statement (last 6 months);
Income Tax Returns/Form 16 for last 3 years;
Confirmed return flight tickets
Hotel reservation.
Day wise Itinerary;
Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000).
Supporting Documents for Schengen Visa
1. Heading:
Original Leave sanctioned certificate with company seal and signature;
Last 3 months salary slip.
2. If Self Employed:
Business Registration License / MOA / Partnership deed;
Company’s updated bank statement of last 6 months;
Company’s IT returns for last 3 years.
3. If Retired:
Proof of retirement like pension book, statement etc.
4. If Student:
School / College / Institute ID Card;
Bonafede certificate.
5. If Minor:
Birth Certificate;
No Objection Certificate from the parents / non-accompanying parent on Rs 100/- stamp paper;
ID proof of parent like passport or PAN card.
6. If Visiting friend or relative:
Invitation letter;
Inviter’s ID proof like Passport or Resident Permit;
Address proof like any Electricity bill, any Utility bill etc.
7. If Sponsored:
Sponsorship letter;
Sponsor’s national ID proof like Passport, PAN card or Resident permit;
Updated bank statement of last 6 months;
Income tax returns of last 3 years.
8. For Business Visa:
Invitation letter from host Company stating purpose of trip, business details etc;
Covering letter from Indian company on company letterhead.
Kindly note:
The Govt is very strict on the photograph requirement; please ensure that your photos are as per the specifications.