23 Nov, 2024

Top Places To Visit In Europe On A Schengen Visa From India

The Schengen Visa is something you should be aware of if you are going from India to Europe. Due to the various advantages it provides, it is important for Indian tourists. With this visa, you can easily travel to 26 European countries.  

You can travel freely throughout the Schengen Area with the Schengen Visa without requiring additional paperwork. For instance, you do not need to apply for further visas to travel to Germany, Spain, or any of the 26 member nations after beginning your journey in France. The Schengen Area has no internal borders, making international travel simple and easy. International travel tips can help you navigate this hassle-free experience effectively.
In this blog, you can find detailed information about the Schengen visa from India.

What is Schengen Visa and its Benefits

  People from outside the EU can travel to Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period with a Schengen visa.   Three categories of Schengen visas exist:  
  • With a single-entry visa, you are only permitted to enter the Schengen Area once and depart at the end of your journey.
  • Multiple-entry visa: As long as the visa is valid, you are permitted to enter the Schengen Area more than once.
  • Travelers who pause at an airport in a Schengen nation to change flights are eligible for an airport transit visa. It prevents you from entering the nation but permits you to remain in the international transit area.
  By eliminating the need for separate permits for every nation, this visa facilitates short-term travel within Europe.   A Schengen visa’s primary advantage is that it allows you to travel to multiple European nations without requiring a different visa for each one. This greatly simplifies travel and saves money and time. You can arrange a journey throughout Europe and visit France, Spain, Italy, and Germany simultaneously.   Application for a Schengen Visa   When applying for a Schengen visa, Indian nationals must schedule an appointment at the embassy of the nation where they want to begin or spend the majority of their trip. You can visit a nearby VFS center or make an appointment online via the VFS website. It may take up to 2 weeks for the visa process, plus an extra 10 days for the embassy’s response. It is advisable to apply at least one month before the date of your intended trip in order to prevent delays. This guarantees that you will have adequate time to finish the procedure and obtain your visa.

Fees

  Here are the current Schengen Visa fees:  
  1. Adult visa: €60
  2. Long-stay visa (>90 days): €99
  3. Child visa (6-12 years): €35
No fee is required for:  
  • Children under 6 years
  • Diplomatic passport holders
  • Students and their teachers
  • Researchers from developing countries
  • Participants under 25 at non-profit educational events.
  You must either download the application form from the embassy’s website or pick it up in person from their office in order to apply for a Schengen Visa. Fill out the form completely and get the necessary paperwork ready. These consist of a valid passport with at least two blank pages, two passport-sized photos that stick to certain requirements, and a sponsorship letter outlining the reason for and length of your travel.   A complete program (including information about your accommodations), trip tickets, evidence of status (such as ID cards or certificates), and proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 are also required. Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may also be needed, such as evidence of work, business licenses for self-employed candidates, pension proof for retirees, or student enrollment verification.   The embassy will thoroughly check the authenticity of all your documents. To finalize the procedure, they will then invite you to an interview with an embassy representative.

Interview

  An important part of the application procedure is the visa interview. Along with questions regarding your financial situation, trip goals, dates, and program, you can also be required to produce supporting documentation. Along with confirming your vacation plans, you must also demonstrate that you will return to India on time and that you are aware of the local regulations.   Following the interview, you will undergo biometric testing, the results of which will be connected to your identification documents. Having the right paperwork and accurate information on hand can ensure a smooth transaction.  

Result

  Within ten to fifteen days, you should receive a verdict regarding your visa application. Your visa will be sent through email if it is accepted. You will receive a letter outlining the grounds for rejection.    Typical explanations for rejection consist of:  
  • Inaccurate or missing personal data.
  • Not supplying a full schedule or the necessary travel documents.
  • When travel is sponsored, there is no sponsorship letter.
  • Convictions for crimes or prior criminal conduct.
  • There needs to be more adequate evidence of finances for travel costs.
  • Indian authorities stipulate that a passport has a validity of fewer than three years.
  • False information or forged documents.
  • Coverage for travel insurance that is less than 30,000 euros or that do not meet regulations.
 

Key Tips for Successful Application

  The first step in ensuring a successful visa application is to read all instructions and collect the required paperwork thoroughly. Verify that your passport is undamaged and valid for a minimum of three years. Make sure all of your personal information is correct and give a clear explanation of why you are traveling.   Make sure your travel insurance coverage is adequate and include all necessary supporting documentation, such as professional or educational credentials. Provide sponsorship letters and information on accommodations if required. To prevent mistakes that can result in rejection, always give accurate information and carefully follow the application instructions.

Top European Countries to Explore with a Schengen Visa

France

  One of the famous destinations for a Schengen visa from India is France. This stunning nation is well-known for its iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel, the Louvre, and the picturesque Provence area.   France has more to offer than merely well-known sites. It’s the ideal destination for romantics and dreamers because it offers excellent cuisine and a vibrant, rich culture.   Explore breathtaking locations such as Normandy, Bordeaux, Lourdes, Arles, Burgundy, Lyon, Paris, the French Riviera, and Fontainebleau. You may discover the best of France and make lifelong memories with our all-inclusive France tour packages.    The best time to visit this destination is April-October.  

Italy

  Traveling to Italy is a voyage through breathtaking architecture, vibrant nightlife, rich history, and much more than just a cultural experience. With an Italy travel package, discover the history of Rome, the fashion of Milan, the opera of Venice, and the vineyards of Tuscany. Italy offers incredible experiences that are ideal for every traveler’s bucket list. Additionally, it only takes 15 days to obtain your Italy visa.   The best time to visit Italy is September-October.  

Spain

  Traveling to Spain is like taking part in an endless celebration. Volcanic islands, vibrant towns, and breathtaking landscapes are all found in this lovely nation. Discover the vibrant art scene in Madrid, the charming small-town atmosphere of Seville, and the rich culture of Barcelona, or unwind at a Malaga beach resort.   You can also visit neighboring islands with a Spanish visa. Madrid’s Royal Palace, Ibiza’s Park Guell, Costa Brava, the Canary Islands, Costa del Sol Beach, Plaza Mayor, the White Towns of Andalucía, and La Rambla are some of the top attractions.    The best time to visit Spain is March-May and September-November.  

Greece

  Greece is a popular honeymoon destination because of its stunning beaches, picturesque islands, and quaint hilltop homes. From the breathtaking cliffs of Santorini to the lively nightlife of Mykonos and the extensive history of Athens, every location on a Greece tour seems enchanted.    You can travel across Greece and even visit neighboring islands if you have a Greek visa. Delphi, the Acropolis, Mount Athos, Paros, Lindos, and the magnificent Myrtos Beach are further must-see locations.  

Switzerland

  For Indian tourists with a Schengen Visa, Switzerland is a popular destination, particularly for honeymooners. With its beautiful villages, majestic valleys, lofty Alps, quaint hamlets, and top-notch ski resorts, this paradise is difficult to resist.   Switzerland is a popular travel destination since it provides first-rate lodging and transportation. The Swiss Transport Museum, Lake Geneva, Montreux, Bern, Zurich, Lake Thun, the Opera House, the Grand Theatre, and more are must-see locations.   With a travel package from India to Switzerland, you may discover this stunning nation and make lifelong memories.   The best time to visit this destination is June-August.  

Final Thought

  The Schengen Area, which permits unrestricted travel between several nations, is a noteworthy accomplishment in European integration. Knowing which countries require a Schengen visa and how to apply for one can make traveling to Europe easier and grant entry to some of the most interesting places on the continent. A Schengen visa from India makes it simple to travel throughout Europe, whether your interests are in the rich history of Greece, the breathtaking scenery of Switzerland, or the culture of Italy. European packages can enhance your travel experience, offering tailored itineraries to explore the diverse wonders of the continent. You can have a seamless and unforgettable trip throughout the 29 Schengen visa nations if you plan beforehand and meet the visa requirements.
   Green Oasis is a leading Tours and Travels in Kerala, ready to assist you like a trusted partner in your travel journey all over the world. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure or a serene getaway, we offer a variety of International Tour Packages tailored to meet your needs. Feel free to contact us now!  
Jaleel Mankarathodi
Jaleel Mankarathodi

Jaleel Mankarathodi, Chairman and Managing Director of Green Oasis , is a travel industry expert with 14+ years of experience. Specializing in international trips, Jaleel has built Green Oasis into a trusted name in sustainable tourism worldwide.