The Ultimate Guide to Schengen Visa for Traveling in Europe

If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and have Europe in your sights, there are a couple of things that are quite important

One really important document you’ll need to familiarize yourself with is the Schengen visa.

The Schengen area encompasses 26 European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing travellers to move freely between them. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure, a romantic getaway, or a cultural exploration, understanding the Schengen visa process is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key information you need to know about the Schengen visa for your European travel. Starting from the application process to the required documents and travel tips… we’ve got you covered.

So…. buckle up and get ready to delve deep into the ins and outs of obtaining a Schengen visa.

Let me run you through the summary of this guide

For starters, I’ll clarify what exactly is the Schengen visa is and which countries fall under its jurisdiction. Then, I’ll delve into the different types of Schengen visas, from short-stay tourist visas to business and student visas, to help you determine the most suitable option for your travel plans.

Next, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step application process, demystifying the paperwork, fees, and appointment procedures involved. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the necessary supporting documents, such as valid passports, travel itineraries, and financial proof, ensuring you’re well-prepared to submit a successful application.

Whether you’re dreaming of savouring croissants in Paris, lounging on the beaches of Greece, or exploring the historical streets of Rome, understanding the Schengen visa is crucial to turning your European travel dreams into a reality. So, let’s dive into this guide and empower you with the essential knowledge needed to plan and embark on your European adventure hassle-free.

Disclaimer: It’s important to note that visa regulations may change, and it is always recommended to refer to the official consulate or embassy of the respective Schengen country you plan to visit for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters where I’ll dig deeper into the Schengen visa specifics, starting with understanding the concept and its member countries.

One visa for 26 countries at just the cost of €80 ie INR 7200 approx (it changes at times)

Apply to the consulate of: When applying for a Schengen visa, you typically need to submit the following documents:

Make sure that your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen area and should have been issued within the last 10 years. Also Fill out the Schengen visa application form accurately and sign it.

1. The country where you land(enter) first(recommended) or

2. The country where you will spend the longest period

First, book an appointment at the VFS online website. Pick any of the nearest available dates. Early slots get randomly available, and you can prepone later

Note: Spain is exception — india.blsspainvisa.com facilitates Spain visa

Documents needed for Schengen Visa;

1. Cover Letter

This is the most important document

• Written by the applicant not by any agent
• Nor copy pasted or the chat gpt one Cover letter contains:
• Intention to travel
• Employment details
• Tabulated Itinerary

Format for Cover letter :

I <Name> holding a valid Passport: <PASSPORT-NUMBER>, would like to apply for a single-entry Schengen visa for my trip to <country> for a period of <N days>, dated from — to -. My port of entry and the major stay will be in <Country>.

My wife and I will be travelling together for the purpose of Tourism. As a couple, we have always dreamed of visiting…..

l am an Engineer, currently working as <Role> , with <name of company>, India since …, earning a gross salary of around INR …. per month. I have got my leaves approved from my employer for my travel to Europe, the NOC has been attached herewith….

I have made all necessary arrangements for the trip, including flight tickets, medical insurance and accommodation reservations. After granting a visa, I will apply for the other intercity transit. This would be my detailed travel itinerary…

( please attach your sample itinerary in the cover letter)

Few important points for a genuine cover letter:

• Never mention something like- “you have a good travel history and the proof attached”, This is very dodgy. This is a straight sign of a non-genuine application. This is a classic ploy used by people just for the sake of getting the visa and mentioning it in your cover letter is very suspicious.
• If you request for a long duration (25 days) & you are a businessman, do mention how will your business run for those 25 days and how can you afford to stay away from your business for 25 days.
• Do not add too many unnecessary extra documents like PPF account statements, RD,FD, MUTUAL FUND.

2. Last Three month bank statement: Do provide last 3 months bank statements, Stamped & signed on each page by bank

How much bank balance is needed?For the most expensive European country, EUR 92.34 (equivalent to INR 9,238.03) per day is needed. So for a 14 days trip for a couple:3.5 Lakhs approx is minimum required. Many times, 20L-30L funds in a savings account are also rejected..

Why? Because Applicant ITR shows less ITR Values o but bank statements show high funds. This clearly is a sign of suspicion. “Your Salary, IT & amount in the savings account for 3 months should not have any mismatch.

3. ITRs for the last 3 years : Show that you possess sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses, such as bank statements for the past three to six months or sponsorship letters if someone else is funding your trip. Also attach photo copies of payslips for the last 3 months

4. Proof of Employment or Education: Provide documents demonstrating your current employment (employment contract, pay slips) or enrollment in an educational institution (student ID, acceptance letter).

No objection certificate should mention: NOC is a system generated PDF from the HR portal.

• Salaries
• Approved leave dates
• When you will be rejoining

This pdf has to be Submitted during the visa process and a hard copy of color print out. It’s mandatory to add HR’s Contact number in NOC.

5. Travel Itinerary: Submit a detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and a day-by-day breakdown of your planned activities.

6. Travel Visa History: If you have traveled before, submit copies of any previously issued visas

7. Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements, such as hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter if staying with a host. The VFS agent calculates the number of days in each country & verifies that you have booked for each day during the trip.

8. Passport-sized Photos: Provide recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specified requirements, usually with a white background.

9. Travel Medical Insurance: Obtain travel medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 Euros for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

• Suggestion to make your life easier : Buy from Reliance General Insurance — Family plan 16 days trip Sum Assured $ 50,000 cost Rs. 1547 for a family

10. Marriage certificate: If spouse name already printed on passport, then not required

Additional documents like a valid Schengen visa for countries you plan to visit, and proof of ties to your home country (e.g., property ownership, family ties, employment contract) may be required.

Remember, each country within the Schengen area may have specific requirements, so it is crucial to consult the consulate or embassy of the country you are planning to visit for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the document requirements.